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Yaesu FTA-550AA (Alkaline) NAV-COM Aviation Transceiver

Yaesu
    • List Price:  
    • Item #9852
    • PN: FTA-550AA
  • In Stock
  • List Price:  
  • Item #9852
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The Yaesu FTA-550AA is a VHF Airband Transceiver packed with features, yet very affordable. Boasting an oversized full dot matrix LCD display, the FTA-550AA Airband Transceiver provides full communication on the Aircraft communications Band ("COM" band: 118 ~ 136.975 MHz) and additionally provides VOR and ILS navigation features on the "NAV" band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz). The Yaesu FTA-550AA includes NOAA weather band monitoring and the capability of programming up to 200 memory channels with a quick and easy channel recall feature. The brand new, easy to operate, menu system is icon driven making it simple to navigate through all of the powerful features this transceiver has to offer. Additionally the Yaesu FTA-550AA can easily be reprogrammed in minutes using the optional PC Programming software and the supplied USB programming cable.

Features of the Yaesu FTA-550AA Airband Transceiver:

  • 5 Watts TX Output Power (Airband: AM 5W P.E.P. type, 1.5W carrier)
  • Huge 1.7" x 1.7" Full Dot Matrix display (160 x 160 Dots)
  • ILS Navigation Display (Localizer)
  • VOR Navigation Display
  • NOAA Weather Channel and Weather Alert (USA only)
  • 200 Memory Channels with 15 alphanumeric characters
  • Back-lit Keypad and display with dimmer
  • Water Protection -IPX5 Rating
  • Loud Audio (800 mW speaker)
  • 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz channel spacing
  • Alkaline Battery Tray (AA x 6)
  • Headset Adapter included
  • Cigarette Lighter Adapter included

Yaesu FTA-550AA versus Yaesu FTA-550L:   The FTA-550A is the Alkaline Battery version.  The transceiver is powered by standard AA alkaline batteries (6).  The Yaesu FTA-550L includes everything found on the FTA-550AA PLUS a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery or AC charger. 

Easy to operate!  The FTA-550AA comes configured with an easy to operate icon driven menu system. The displays and menu settings are logically configured for a more intuitive user interface.

Great display!  The FTA-550AA features a huge 1.7" x 1.7" full dot matrix LCD display with full backlight and dimmer. The high resolution display makes it easier to view all the great features the FTA-550AA has to offer.

Navigation! When the FTA-550AA receives a VOR signal, the display will automatically switch to the NAV band screen which shows a CDI based on the received signal.

Well accessorized!  Includes DC Cigarette Lighter Adapter, headset adapter cable, alkaline battery case, belt clip, and USB programming cable. 

The Yaesu FTA-550AA features a IPX5 waterproof design protects it against rain and water jets. Great for flight line personnel, airshow use, and anyone using a transceiver outdoors where it may rain. In addition it's 800 mw audio amplifier makes the FTA-550AA louder than any other handheld transceiver available today (for example, it's about 35% louder than the Icom IC-A23). The Yaesu FTA-550AA is powered by six standard AA alkaline batteries.

200 memory channels can be easily programmed into the FTA-550AA allowing quick easy access to frequently used channels on the aviation band.  Each "book memory" channel can be programmed into the unit using the optional PC programming software and cable. All memory channels can be labeled with either a channel number assignment, operating frequency display, or an alpha-numeric channel name display.

Breaking the squelch threshold has never been easier. Press the Squelch button for two seconds and the FTA-550AA's squelch remains opened for monitoring weak and distant signals. Pressing Squelch again restores squelch settings. This is TRUE one handed operation. No need to fumble with tightly spaced concentric knobs!

Receiver Battery Saver feature is designed to maximize the life of the transceiver's battery. When the FTA-550AA is in the standby mode the battery saver de-energizes the transceivers circuitry, waking up at user selected intervals to sample for radio activity. If no activity is detected the FTA-550AA goes back into its sleep mode. Current consumption is minimized, thereby maximizing battery life. This feature is only found on Yaesu's air band transceivers!

The FTA-550AA can receive all 10 NOAA weather broadcast frequencies. The Automatic Active Weather Channel Locator automatically scans for active NOAA weather stations in your area when the Weather band is selected.

Your Yaesu FTA-550AA includes:

  • Cigarette Lighter Adapter
  • BNC Helical Antenna
  • Headset adapter
  • Alkaline battery tray
  • Quick Draw Belt Clip
  • USB Cable
  • Ferrite Core
  • User Guide / Operating Manual
  • Warranty Card

Frequency Range
TX 118.000 - 136.975 MHz (COM Band), RX 108.000 - 117.975 MHz (NAV Band), RX 118.000 - 136.975 MHz (COM Band), WX channels WX-01 - WX-10 8.33 Khz channel spacing.

Channel Spacing
User selectable 25 kHz or 8.33 kHz

Power Output
5.0 W (PEP), 1.5 W (Carrier Power) @ 7.2 V DC 700mw audio amplifier.

Case Size (WxHxD): 2.4 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches (62 x 133 x 34 mm) without knob or antenna
Weight (approx.): 14.5 ounces / 410 grams with battery and antenna

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If you find a better price elsewhere on this product we will Match that price and beat it by 10% of the difference. See Details.

Buy with Confidence!

Purchase today and you can return it in the original condition through Friday, January 10, 2025!   See our return policy.

Yaesu FTA-550AA (Alkaline) NAV-COM Aviation Transceiver

  • In Stock
  • List Price:  
  • Item #9852
  • PN: FTA-550AA
Qty

Yaesu FTA-550AA (Alkaline) NAV-COM Aviation Transceiver Overview:

The Yaesu FTA-550AA is a VHF Airband Transceiver packed with features, yet very affordable. Boasting an oversized full dot matrix LCD display, the FTA-550AA Airband Transceiver provides full communication on the Aircraft communications Band ("COM" band: 118 ~ 136.975 MHz) and additionally provides VOR and ILS navigation features on the "NAV" band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz). The Yaesu FTA-550AA includes NOAA weather band monitoring and the capability of programming up to 200 memory channels with a quick and easy channel recall feature. The brand new, easy to operate, menu system is icon driven making it simple to navigate through all of the powerful features this transceiver has to offer. Additionally the Yaesu FTA-550AA can easily be reprogrammed in minutes using the optional PC Programming software and the supplied USB programming cable.

Features of the Yaesu FTA-550AA Airband Transceiver:

  • 5 Watts TX Output Power (Airband: AM 5W P.E.P. type, 1.5W carrier)
  • Huge 1.7" x 1.7" Full Dot Matrix display (160 x 160 Dots)
  • ILS Navigation Display (Localizer)
  • VOR Navigation Display
  • NOAA Weather Channel and Weather Alert (USA only)
  • 200 Memory Channels with 15 alphanumeric characters
  • Back-lit Keypad and display with dimmer
  • Water Protection -IPX5 Rating
  • Loud Audio (800 mW speaker)
  • 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz channel spacing
  • Alkaline Battery Tray (AA x 6)
  • Headset Adapter included
  • Cigarette Lighter Adapter included

Yaesu FTA-550AA versus Yaesu FTA-550L:   The FTA-550A is the Alkaline Battery version.  The transceiver is powered by standard AA alkaline batteries (6).  The Yaesu FTA-550L includes everything found on the FTA-550AA PLUS a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery or AC charger. 

Easy to operate!  The FTA-550AA comes configured with an easy to operate icon driven menu system. The displays and menu settings are logically configured for a more intuitive user interface.

Great display!  The FTA-550AA features a huge 1.7" x 1.7" full dot matrix LCD display with full backlight and dimmer. The high resolution display makes it easier to view all the great features the FTA-550AA has to offer.

Navigation! When the FTA-550AA receives a VOR signal, the display will automatically switch to the NAV band screen which shows a CDI based on the received signal.

Well accessorized!  Includes DC Cigarette Lighter Adapter, headset adapter cable, alkaline battery case, belt clip, and USB programming cable. 

The Yaesu FTA-550AA features a IPX5 waterproof design protects it against rain and water jets. Great for flight line personnel, airshow use, and anyone using a transceiver outdoors where it may rain. In addition it's 800 mw audio amplifier makes the FTA-550AA louder than any other handheld transceiver available today (for example, it's about 35% louder than the Icom IC-A23). The Yaesu FTA-550AA is powered by six standard AA alkaline batteries.

200 memory channels can be easily programmed into the FTA-550AA allowing quick easy access to frequently used channels on the aviation band.  Each "book memory" channel can be programmed into the unit using the optional PC programming software and cable. All memory channels can be labeled with either a channel number assignment, operating frequency display, or an alpha-numeric channel name display.

Breaking the squelch threshold has never been easier. Press the Squelch button for two seconds and the FTA-550AA's squelch remains opened for monitoring weak and distant signals. Pressing Squelch again restores squelch settings. This is TRUE one handed operation. No need to fumble with tightly spaced concentric knobs!

Receiver Battery Saver feature is designed to maximize the life of the transceiver's battery. When the FTA-550AA is in the standby mode the battery saver de-energizes the transceivers circuitry, waking up at user selected intervals to sample for radio activity. If no activity is detected the FTA-550AA goes back into its sleep mode. Current consumption is minimized, thereby maximizing battery life. This feature is only found on Yaesu's air band transceivers!

The FTA-550AA can receive all 10 NOAA weather broadcast frequencies. The Automatic Active Weather Channel Locator automatically scans for active NOAA weather stations in your area when the Weather band is selected.

Your Yaesu FTA-550AA includes:

  • Cigarette Lighter Adapter
  • BNC Helical Antenna
  • Headset adapter
  • Alkaline battery tray
  • Quick Draw Belt Clip
  • USB Cable
  • Ferrite Core
  • User Guide / Operating Manual
  • Warranty Card

Frequency Range
TX 118.000 - 136.975 MHz (COM Band), RX 108.000 - 117.975 MHz (NAV Band), RX 118.000 - 136.975 MHz (COM Band), WX channels WX-01 - WX-10 8.33 Khz channel spacing.

Channel Spacing
User selectable 25 kHz or 8.33 kHz

Power Output
5.0 W (PEP), 1.5 W (Carrier Power) @ 7.2 V DC 700mw audio amplifier.

Case Size (WxHxD): 2.4 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches (62 x 133 x 34 mm) without knob or antenna
Weight (approx.): 14.5 ounces / 410 grams with battery and antenna

 

31 CUSTOMER REVIEWS

  • Yaesu FTA-550AA (Alkaline) NAV-COM Aviation Transceiver

    31 Reviews

  • Average Customer Review:

Filter

Select a row below to filter reviews by star rating.

Top Reviews
  • Verified Purchase

Loving my Yaesu550..

  • By Jeff Brinkerhoff from Paisley FL USA on Friday, July 16, 2021
  • Pros: Small size
  • Review: Stuffed with features, high build quality, the Swiss army knife of handheld trancievers.

  • Verified Purchase

Squelch needs a lot of work!!!

  • By THOMAS from Conroe TX USA on Thursday, July 15, 2021
  • Pros: WORKS WELL WHEN SOMEONE IS TRANSMITTING.
  • Review: Expectations: Works well when someone is transmitting.
    Love: Love the NOAA feature. Excellent feature,
    Hate: I hate the inferior squelch--unable to silence like every other radio I have used.
    Lacked: Lacked a suitable SQUELCH!!!!
    Be descriptive: SQUELCH SUCKS!!!

  • Verified Purchase

Solid Performance and Well-Built

  • By A Customer from St Augustine FL USA on Tuesday, December 29, 2020
  • Pros: Well built, clear audio, easy to use basic features.
  • Review: I use my radio for ground ops at a glider club and as a backup when flying. It's very easy to dial in a frequency and recall previous ones, even while flying. The audio is loud enough to hear over engine noise when using the radio's speaker.

    I have to give praise to the customer service of My Pilot Store. My first radio was listed as delivered but was not in my mailbox. MPS worked with the post office to find the package, then sent a second radio at no charge when it was determined the first one had been lost or stolen.

  • Verified Purchase

  • By on Saturday, July 18, 2020
  • Pros:
  • Review: It was great! So great that someone stole the darn thing from me.

  • Verified Purchase

Works Well, User Manual Needs Tweaking

  • By David from Winchester CA USA on Monday, February 05, 2018
  • Pros: Value, ease of use, clarity in and out
  • Review: This little handheld works well. Clear transmit and receive. Adjusting squelch is not adequately addressed in the owner's manual, but other than that I'm very happy with it. I haven't connected the aircraft antenna to it yet, but I expect excellence there, too.

  • Verified Purchase

  • By Ken from Peoria AZ USA on Monday, February 05, 2018
  • Pros:
  • Review: I Like the size and sound. The app to use headsets is also great. Works fine. Only thing that would be better is if there was way to get side tone.
    Ken

  • Verified Purchase

Somewhat disapointed

  • By Gordon from Round Rock TX USA on Tuesday, January 23, 2018
  • Pros:
  • Review: I am unable to pick up anything; even when just 5 miles from the airport. No idea how to communicate with ATC with this unit.

  • Verified Purchase

Loving my Yaesu550..

  • By Jeff Brinkerhoff from Paisley FL USA on Friday, July 16, 2021
  • Pros: Small size
  • Cons: Only shortcoming that comes to mind is having to give permission at bootup
  • Review: Stuffed with features, high build quality, the Swiss army knife of handheld trancievers.
  • Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 10 Other people found this review helpful.
  • Verified Purchase

Squelch needs a lot of work!!!

  • By THOMAS from Conroe TX USA on Thursday, July 15, 2021
  • Pros: WORKS WELL WHEN SOMEONE IS TRANSMITTING.
  • Cons: SQUELCH SUCKS!
  • Review: Expectations: Works well when someone is transmitting.
    Love: Love the NOAA feature. Excellent feature,
    Hate: I hate the inferior squelch--unable to silence like every other radio I have used.
    Lacked: Lacked a suitable SQUELCH!!!!
    Be descriptive: SQUELCH SUCKS!!!
  • Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 22 Other people found this review helpful.
  • Verified Purchase

Solid Performance and Well-Built

  • By A Customer from St Augustine FL USA on Tuesday, December 29, 2020
  • Pros: Well built, clear audio, easy to use basic features.
  • Cons: None that I've found so far.
  • Review: I use my radio for ground ops at a glider club and as a backup when flying. It's very easy to dial in a frequency and recall previous ones, even while flying. The audio is loud enough to hear over engine noise when using the radio's speaker.

    I have to give praise to the customer service of My Pilot Store. My first radio was listed as delivered but was not in my mailbox. MPS worked with the post office to find the package, then sent a second radio at no charge when it was determined the first one had been lost or stolen.
  • Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 5 Other people found this review helpful.
  • Verified Purchase

  • By on Saturday, July 18, 2020
  • Review: It was great! So great that someone stole the darn thing from me.
  • Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 10 Other people found this review helpful.
  • Verified Purchase

Works Well, User Manual Needs Tweaking

  • By David from Winchester CA USA on Monday, February 05, 2018
  • Pros: Value, ease of use, clarity in and out
  • Cons: User manual not sufficiently explicit on how to adjust squelch
  • Review: This little handheld works well. Clear transmit and receive. Adjusting squelch is not adequately addressed in the owner's manual, but other than that I'm very happy with it. I haven't connected the aircraft antenna to it yet, but I expect excellence there, too.
  • Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 22 Other people found this review helpful.
  • Verified Purchase

  • By Ken from Peoria AZ USA on Monday, February 05, 2018
  • Review: I Like the size and sound. The app to use headsets is also great. Works fine. Only thing that would be better is if there was way to get side tone.
    Ken
  • Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 12 Other people found this review helpful.
  • Verified Purchase

Somewhat disapointed

  • By Gordon from Round Rock TX USA on Tuesday, January 23, 2018
  • Review: I am unable to pick up anything; even when just 5 miles from the airport. No idea how to communicate with ATC with this unit.
  • Was this review helpful to you? Yes No 22 Other people found this review helpful.

13 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

  • Previously Asked Questions

  • Wednesday, October 30, 2024

    Q: What type connector is on the antenna? Can the radio be connected to an external antenna for better range?

    A: Yes, the antenna is attached with an industry standard BNC connection.

  • Saturday, December 30, 2023

    Q: What is the range?

    A: The effective range of a handheld aviation transceiver is influenced by a multitude of variables, such as atmospheric conditions/weather, physical obstructions, the power of the receiver, and the relative altitudes of the transmitter and receiver. Given the dynamic nature of these factors, it''s challenging to provide a precise estimate of the range.

  • Wednesday, January 11, 2023

    Q: Can I use a PTT switch and an intercom?

    A: Yes! The two-place intercom and PTT switch that you would need can be found here

  • Sunday, September 25, 2022

    Q: Can the FTA -550-AA be converted to the L version by buying a lithium battery pack and charger?

    A: Yes, if you add the charger and the battery you would have the FTA-550L version.

  • Tuesday, August 30, 2022

    Q: How do we order for the FTA-550L model another ac charger ? Can we use a cig light adaptor since we bought the other model?

    A: We have both the Yaesu 110v Overnight Charger for FTA-550 / FTA-750 and the Yaesu SDD-12 12v Cigarette Lighter Plug for FTA-550.

  • Sunday, June 26, 2022

    Q: Can you transmit through the headset or do you have to use the radio mic?

    A: Yes, you can transmit through the microphone on your headset when connected via the headset adapter.

  • Saturday, July 10, 2021

    Q: Can you Add a 2 person intercom with use a 2 person intercom with the yaesu radio?

    A: Yes.  We have this Two Place Intercom for Yaesu FTA-550 and FTA-750 Transceivers.

  • Monday, July 17, 2017

    Q: Can you get a belt clip?

    A: This includes a belt clip.

  • Wednesday, December 28, 2016

    Q: will it pick up the morse ident tone from the VOR and LOC?

    A: Yes.  It receives on all navigation frequencies (108.000 through 117.975 MHz).

  • Sunday, November 06, 2016

    Q: Is it possible to set a specific VOR-Frequency manually?

    A: Yes, you can tune this to a specific VOR channel.

  • Monday, March 07, 2016

    Q: What is the expected battery life with AA batteries ?

    A: You could expect about 8 to 10 hours using the alkaline battery tray.

  • Saturday, January 09, 2016

    Q: Can the antenna be twisted off so that my external antenna be connected

    A: Yes, the antenna is attached with an industry standard BNC connection.

  • Thursday, December 24, 2015

    Q: What is the radio's warranty?

    A: This has a 3 year Yaesu warranty.

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HELPFUL DOCUMENTS

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Yaesu Nylon Transceiver Carrying Case
Yaesu Nylon Transceiver Carrying Case

Fits the Yaesu FTA-750L, FTA-550, and FTA-450 series radios.

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Lowest Price Guaranteed!

If you find a better price elsewhere on this product we will match that price and beat it by 10% of the difference.

Buy with Confidence!

Purchase today and you can return it in the original condition through Wednesday, January 08, 2025 !   See our return policy.

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