Will this radio transmit on any ham frequencies outside the air / nav bands? Would like to communicate with wife on ground with her VX6.

No, this radio is for communications betwin 118.00 to 136.975, the NAV bands 108.00 to 163.275 (161.650 to 163.275 weather channels)for airline transportation only, if are using from plane to your wife on the ground this radio will work for you that how I use mine to communicate whit my friends in the ground.

What does it include in the package?

12VDC power cord, Antenna, Belt clip, Headset adapter cable, Alkaline battery tray, USB programming cable

Can I listen to 700mhz / 800mhz freqs?

Nope. Aviation only No off band allowed

how far from an airport (on the ground) do you have to be for you to hear the transmissions between ATC and pilots?

You’ll probably not hear ATC at all unless you are within eyesight of the tower itself (the antenna array) But you’ll hear the planes for several miles, at least you’ll hear their part of the conversation. If you are thinking of this as a training aid to learn communications, it’s not the best way to do that. We suggest LiveATC.net to everyone, you can choose among lots of different kinds of airspace to listen in on. If you are new, start with a quiet tower (not insanely busy which you’ll have trouble learning with) Try Twin Falls Idaho, or a similar sized town. Then as you start to keep up with it all, try some bigger ones! You can also dial up a CTAF such as 122.8 and listen in on lots of small non towered airports. But this radio here... it’s terrific as a back up in flight or to talk to a pilot within a few miles of you, but not the best tool for trying to hear ATC unless you are very close

ASIN	B00JFJU5Y8
Batteries	2 AA batteries required.
Best Sellers Rank	#677 in Portable FRS Two-Way Radios
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (388)
Date First Available	April 3, 2014
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item Weight	1.81 pounds
Item model number	NATAL-MR-PN-8748692
Product Dimensions	8.6 x 6.3 x 3.2 inches
Waterproof	IPX6

Yaesu FTA550 Handheld VHF Transceiver

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Common Questions