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10 Best Aviation Radio Scanners of July 2024

TOP PICKS

SaleBestseller No. 1 −20%
Uniden Bearcat BC125AT Handheld Scanner, 500-Alpha-Tagged Channels, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, Racing, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety.
Bestseller No. 2
Uniden BCD325P2 Handheld TrunkTracker V Scanner. 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels. Close Call RF Capture Technology. Location-Based Scanning and S.A.M.E. Weather Alert. Compact Size.
SaleBestseller No. 3 −22%
Uniden BC365CRS 500 Channel Scanner and Alarm Clock, Snooze, FM Radio, Weather Alerts, Search Bands used for Aviation, Railroad, Marine, Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety transmissions and more.
SaleBestseller No. 4 −7%
Uniden BCD436HP HomePatrol Series Digital Handheld Scanner. TrunkTracker V, Simple Programming, S.A.M.E. Emergency/Weather Alert, Covers USA and Canada
SaleBestseller No. 5 −30%
Uniden BC355N 300-Channel Base/Mobile Scanner, Close Call Capture, Pre-programmed Search “Action” Bands to Hear Non-Digital Police, Ambulance, Fire, Amateur Radio, Public Utilities, Weather & more
SaleBestseller No. 6 −21%
Uniden BCD996P2 Digital Mobile TrunkTracker V Scanner, 25,000 Dynamically Allocated Channels, Close Call RF Capture Technology, 4-Line Alpha display, Base/Mobile Design, Phase 2
SaleBestseller No. 7 −11%
Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner, 300 Channels, 10 banks, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, NOAA Weather, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety
SaleBestseller No. 8 −16%
Uniden Bearcat SR30C, 500-Channel Compact Handheld Scanner, Close Call RF Capture, Turbo Search, PC programable, NASCAR, Racing, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety
Bestseller No. 9
Uniden Bearcat BCD160DN Handheld Digital Scanner, Exclusive Features, Band Scope Rapid System/Channel Number Tagging, Narrow-Band Reception, and Search Features to Detect Signals Faster than Ever
Bestseller No. 10
Uniden SDS200 True I/Q™ TrunkTracker X Base/Mobile Digital Scanner. Incredible Digital Performance. TrunkTracker X Technology Provides The Best Digital Decode Performance in The Scanner Industry.

BUYING GUIDE

The skies are busy places, with countless flights crisscrossing overhead every day. For aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and even security personnel, an aviation radio scanner can be an invaluable tool, allowing you to tune into the communications between aircraft and air traffic control towers. By eavesdropping on these transmissions, you can gain insight into the dynamic choreography of the skies. Whether you’re tracking a specific flight, monitoring air traffic in a specific region, or simply indulging in an interest in aviation, selecting the right scanner is key. Here’s how to choose the best aviation radio scanner for your needs.

1. Frequency Range:
Airband or aviation frequencies generally range between 108 and 137 MHz. Ensure the scanner covers this range to pick up aviation communications effectively.

2. Modes of Operation:
The AM (Amplitude Modulation) mode is standard for aircraft. Ensure your scanner is capable of receiving signals in AM mode.

3. Memory Channels:
Scanners come with a varying number of channels to store your frequently monitored frequencies. Depending on your usage, choose a scanner with an appropriate number of channels.

4. Digital vs. Analog:
While most aviation communications are analog, some newer systems are transitioning to digital. Decide if you need a digital scanner, which can be pricier but will pick up a broader range of transmissions.

5. Close Call/RF Capture:
This feature allows the scanner to automatically tune to signals nearby, even if they aren’t pre-programmed. It’s useful for catching sudden or unexpected transmissions.

6. Scan and Search Speed:
A faster scanner can run through channels quickly, ensuring you don’t miss transmissions. Search speed indicates how quickly the scanner can find active frequencies that aren’t pre-programmed.

7. Alpha Tagging:
This feature lets you assign names to channels, making it easier to recognize and remember what each channel is for.

8. Battery Life and Power Options:
For portable scanners, battery life is a crucial consideration. Some scanners might also come with AC adapters or car chargers for versatility.

9. Size and Portability:
If you’re planning to take your scanner to various locations like airshows, consider a compact and portable model.

10. PC Programming:
Some scanners allow you to program channels, update firmware, or even stream audio via a PC. This can be a significant advantage if you plan on frequently updating or customizing your scanner’s channels.

11. Weather Alerts and Bands:
Many scanners come with weather channels and can provide alerts for severe weather conditions, a handy feature for pilots or outdoor enthusiasts.

12. Clarity and Audio Quality:
Good audio quality ensures you can hear transmissions clearly, even in noisy environments. Look for models with quality speakers and adjustable volume controls.

13. Squelch Control:
Squelch silences the scanner unless a signal is received. An adjustable squelch control can help filter out weak transmissions or static.

14. User Reviews and Brand Reputation:
Popular brands in the aviation scanner industry tend to be reliable and offer good customer support. Reading user reviews can also provide insights into the real-world performance of a scanner.

To conclude, whether you’re a professional relying on up-to-the-minute communications or an enthusiast looking to tap into the world of aviation, the right radio scanner can be a window into the intricate ballet of the skies. By considering the above points, you’ll be better positioned to pick a scanner that perfectly fits your needs and keeps you connected with the world above.

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