Icom IC-A16B Portable Handheld VHF Airband Transceiver with Bluetooth

The IC-A16B is a portable handheld airband transceiver - 52.2×111.8×34.1mm, 257g with BP-280 - with built-in Bluetooth for pilots and ground crew who need hands-free wireless communication. In open cockpit aircraft, powered parachutes, LSAs, and ramp environments where holding the radio while operating controls is impractical, Bluetooth eliminates the cable between the radio and headset while keeping TX PTT accessible via the radio button or a Bluetooth PTT accessory.

The Bluetooth module pairs with up to 4 devices and connects to the Icom VS-3 Bluetooth headset or compatible third-party aviation Bluetooth headsets.

Note: not all aviation Bluetooth headsets are compatible - Bose A20 is confirmed incompatible per Icom; Lightspeed headsets have been paired successfully by users but may require multiple pairing attempts. Verify headset compatibility with Icom America before purchasing.

Battery life exceeds 17 hours at 5:5:90 duty cycle with Bluetooth OFF and backlight OFF; operating time with Bluetooth active is reduced.

RF specifications are identical to the IC-A16: 6.0W (PEP) output on 118.000–136.99166 MHz COM TX/RX, NAV receive on 108–118 MHz, weather receive on 161.650–163.275 MHz, 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing, 1500mW internal speaker audio. The full DTMF keypad allows direct frequency entry; the dedicated 121.5 MHz emergency channel button provides instant access to the international distress frequency. Auto Noise Limiter (ANL), Side Tone, and VOX are all present.

Protection is IP67 (chassis) / IP54 (with connectors attached) with MIL-STD-810 G compliance for shock, vibration, temperature, salt fog, dust, and rain - same as the IC-A16. The BNC antenna connector accepts the supplied FA-B02AR or aftermarket airband antennas. Wired aviation headsets connect via the optional OPC-2401 adapter on the 3.5mm 3-conductor external SP jack.

FCC Part 87 certified for USA VHF airband operation.

The Icom IC-A16B 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 domestic USA operations.

For operations in international airspace or at foreign airports, a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RP) may be required. Pilots flying to Canada or Mexico with a handheld should confirm current FCC and local authority requirements.

The IC-A16B supports both 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz channel spacing. Domestic USA COM frequencies use 25 kHz spacing. The 8.33 kHz spacing is required in European airspace above FL195 and at many European airports - pilots planning transatlantic or international operations should confirm local requirements.

The built-in Bluetooth module operates on standard Bluetooth frequencies (2.4 GHz ISM band) - this does not affect the VHF airband TX/RX operation and does not require additional FCC licensing.

As an authorized Icom aviation dealer, AXDIGITAL assists customers with radio selection, compatibility guidance for Bluetooth headsets, and FCC Part 87 questions for ground crew and pilot applications. Contact our team before purchasing to confirm headset compatibility with your specific equipment.