Yaesu FTA-850AA - 6W Air-Band Handheld Transceiver (AA Battery Version)

What is the difference between the Yaesu FTA-850AA and the FTA-850L?

They share the same core features, including the built-in 66-channel GPS, VOR and ILS navigation, integrated Bluetooth, full-color display, and rugged build. The difference is power. The FTA-850AA runs on widely available AA batteries using its included Alkaline Battery Tray, while the FTA-850L is the standard lithium-ion model. The AA version is ideal when charging sources are not available.

Does the FTA-850AA come with a rechargeable battery or charger?

No. The FTA-850AA is the AA battery version, so it does not include a lithium-ion battery or an AC charger. It comes with the Alkaline Battery Tray for standard AA batteries and a DC/DC converter for 12V cigarette-lighter charging from aircraft power. A Yaesu rechargeable lithium battery can be added separately if you later want that option.

What GPS and navigation features does the FTA-850AA offer?

It includes a built-in 66-channel GPS receiver and provides VOR, ILS localizer, and glide slope navigation. Your position and flight-route information are shown clearly on the vibrant full-color display, helping improve situational awareness and supporting precise navigation as a dependable backup to your panel-mounted avionics in the cockpit.

How much transmit power does the FTA-850AA have?

The FTA-850AA is rated at 6 watts PEP with 1.8 watts carrier power on the air band. This output helps deliver strong, clear transmissions to nearby aircraft and ground stations, making the radio a capable primary or backup communicator. Actual range depends on altitude, terrain, and antenna position, as it does with any handheld VHF transceiver.

How many AA batteries does the FTA-850AA use?

The included alkaline battery tray holds six standard AA batteries, which power the radio when a rechargeable pack is not used. Because AA cells are sold almost everywhere, you can refresh power quickly on a cross-country trip or in a survival kit. Keep a spare set on hand so you are never caught without backup communication.

Can the FTA-850AA receive NOAA weather channels?

Yes. In addition to the aviation COM and NAV bands, the FTA-850AA can receive NOAA weather broadcasts, giving you current conditions and forecasts on the ground or in flight. This added situational awareness is useful for preflight planning and for monitoring changing weather, supporting safer go or no-go decisions before and during your trip.

What size is the display on the FTA-850AA?

The FTA-850AA uses a 2.4-inch full-color TFT display with 240 by 320 pixel resolution. The bright, high-contrast screen makes frequencies, GPS position, and VOR or ILS navigation data easy to read at a glance. This vibrant display is a step up from the monochrome screens found on many basic handheld aviation radios.

How many memory channels does the FTA-850AA store?

The FTA-850AA offers 400 programmable memory channels, each of which can be labeled with an alphanumeric tag for quick identification. This lets you store the COM and NAV frequencies for the airports, approaches, and routes you fly most often, so you can recall the right frequency fast instead of dialing it in manually during a busy phase of flight.

Can the FTA-850AA connect to my aviation headset wirelessly?

Yes. The FTA-850AA has integrated Bluetooth, allowing wireless, hands-free communication with a compatible aviation headset. A wired headset adapter cable is also included in the box. Because Bluetooth headset compatibility varies by model, confirm your specific headset is supported before relying on the wireless connection in flight.

Is the FTA-850AA waterproof?

The FTA-850AA carries an IPX5 water-resistance rating, meaning it is built to withstand splashing and low-pressure water spray from any direction. Combined with its MIL-STD-810H construction, this makes it dependable in rain, on the ramp, or in an open cockpit. It is water resistant rather than fully submersible, so avoid soaking or immersing the unit.

How rugged and weather resistant is the FTA-850AA?

The FTA-850AA is built for the demands of aviation with rugged construction compliant with MIL-STD-810H standards for shock, vibration, and temperature resistance. This helps it deliver reliable performance in challenging cockpit and outdoor environments, making it a dependable backup transceiver you can count on when your primary radio is unavailable.

What is included in the box with the FTA-850AA?

The package includes the Alkaline Battery Tray for AA batteries, a DC/DC Converter for 12V cigarette-lighter charging from aircraft power, a Helical Antenna, a Belt Clip, a Headset Adapter Cable, a USB Cable, and a Ferrite Core. A lithium-ion battery and AC charger are not included with this AA version.