Icom IC-A16 Portable Handheld VHF Airband Transceiver

The IC-A16 is a portable handheld airband transceiver - 52.2×111.8×34.1mm, 257g with BP-280 and belt clip - sized for one-hand operation on the flight line, in the pattern, or mounted in the cockpit as a backup radio. The BNC antenna connector accepts a wide range of aftermarket aviation antennas; the full DTMF keypad allows direct frequency entry without scrolling through channel lists.

COM frequencies cover TX and RX from 118.000 to 136.99166 MHz with both 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing - making the radio compatible with US and European airspace requirements. NAV receive covers 108.000–118.000 MHz for monitoring VOR and ILS frequencies during approach - receive only, no navigation processing. Weather receive covers 161.650–163.275 MHz with weather alert. TX output is 6.0W (PEP) / 1.8W carrier at 7.2V DC - confirmed to FCC Part 87 measurement standards.

The internal speaker delivers 1500mW typical audio - designed to cut through cockpit and tarmac noise without an external speaker. Auto Noise Limiter (ANL) reduces impulse noise on receive. Side Tone lets the pilot hear their own voice through a connected headset, confirming microphone operation. Internal VOX enables hands-free TX when connected to a headset via the OPC-2401 adapter. The 3.5mm 3-conductor external speaker jack is compatible with standard aviation headset adapters.

The chassis is IP67-rated with accessories removed and IP54 with connectors in place, meeting MIL-STD-810 G (and C/D/E/F) for shock, vibration, temperature extremes, salt fog, dust, and rain - the same standard applied to professional land mobile radios used in industrial environments. The BP-280 battery provides over 17 hours of operation at 5:5:90 duty cycle (Bluetooth OFF, backlight OFF). 200 memory channels across 10 banks store frequently used tower, ground, approach, and ATIS frequencies by airport.

FCC Part 87 certified for USA VHF airband operation.

The Icom IC-A16 is FCC Part 87 certified for USA VHF airband operation on 118–137 MHz. In the United States, no separate radio license is required for pilots to operate a handheld VHF airband radio during flight operations - authorization is covered under the aircraft station license or the pilot's certificate for operations within the USA.

For operations in international airspace or at foreign airports, a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RP) may be required. Non-US pilots operating in the USA should confirm FCC authorization requirements for their specific situation.

The IC-A16 supports both 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing. In the USA, 25 kHz is the standard for domestic VHF COM frequencies. The 8.33 kHz spacing is mandatory in European airspace above FL195 (since 2018) and is expanding to lower altitudes - pilots flying internationally should confirm local airspace requirements before departure.

Note: VHF airband radios transmit on aircraft COM frequencies and are not authorized for general land mobile use. The IC-A16 is not a FCC Part 90 land mobile device and may not be used as a substitute for a licensed business radio on non-aviation frequencies.

As an authorized Icom aviation dealer, AXDIGITAL assists customers with radio selection, FCC Part 87 questions, and accessory compatibility for ground crew and pilot applications. Contact our team for configuration guidance.