Aircraft Communications Products

Get the right aircraft communication equipment for your plane
By Cathy Salustri Aircraft communication equipment allows you to speak to other pilots and air traffic control towers as you pass through their airspace. Most planes come equipped with a modern aircraft communication systems, but, as planes age, owners often want to upgrade either the aircraft communication equipment or some of the airplane radio parts.

Changing out or enhancing an aircraft communication system can overwhelm even the most seasoned pilot or airplane owner. Airplane communications products, like most things relating to aviation, don't come cheap and it's easy to worry about making the wrong decision. Ask yourself the questions listed below; once you know the answers to those, you'll feel confident about whatever aircraft communication equipment you choose.

1. Do you know enough about avionics (aircraft communication technology) to make an informed decision?

2. What airplane communications systems can you buy?

3. Where can you get the airplane communication products you need?

Learn the terminology related to airplane communication technology

Aircraft communications products have their own language. Purchasing aircraft communication systems for aircraft requires more knowledge than many other purchases, and learning the language surrounding airplane radio parts will help you make intelligent choices.
Try:  AeroFiles provides a comprehensive general aviation glossary. Start there to familiarize yourself with the basic terminology. After that, learn the language specific to aircraft communications products at Venik's Aviation.

Investigate the different aircraft communication equipment

Once you learn the lingo surrounding airplane communication products, you should start learning about the different brands. The market for communication systems for aircraft has a narrow scope and you won't find as much competition as you may expect for an aircraft communication system. You'll make the best decision if you find airplane communication products that meet your specific needs.
Try:  Start your search for modern aircraft communication systems at Bendix/King avionics, the manufacturer of some of the most widely used aircraft communications equipment in small aircraft. SITA maintains a product directory as well, so take the time to browse their listings as well.

Purchase your airplane communication system

If you've followed the above steps, you can select your airplane communication system with confidence. You can purchase from the manufacturer directly or you can choose a dealer who may offer supplemental services (such as discounts on other airplane radio parts or customer loyalty programs).
Try:  Should you choose to purchase your aircraft communications control systems from a third party, look past the manufacturer's web site and check out third-party sites. Global Operators Flight Information Resource (GOFIR) puts modern aircraft communication system dealers at your fingertips. Plane and Pilot magazine also has an avionics mall devoted to aircraft communication equipment.

• Ask other pilots about each communication system in aircraft they fly on a regular basis. Every pilot will have different insight into different aircraft communication technology, so you'll come away from an afternoon at the airport with more information than you ever thought possible.