Radios de aviación Icom

Icom aviation radios: handheld backups and panel-mount transceivers

Icom is one of the most recognized names in aviation communication, and its air-band lineup covers two very different jobs. The handheld IC-A25 and IC-A16 series are go-anywhere VHF transceivers that pilots carry as a backup radio, use during training, or keep on the ramp, while the IC-A220 panel mounts and IC-A120B base station are fixed installations for the cockpit and the ground. The choice usually comes down to one question first: do you need communication only, or communication plus VOR navigation? From there, battery options, Bluetooth, and TSO certification narrow the field. Every Icom radio sold by Pilot Mall is backed by the full manufacturer warranty.

Compare the Icom aviation radio lineup at a glance

Types of Icom aviation radios

Handheld transceivers

The Icom handhelds share a common A25 platform: roughly 6 watts of transmit power, an 8 to 25 mile typical range depending on altitude and terrain, an IP57 waterproof rating, a 2.3-inch backlit LCD, both 8.33 and 25 kHz channel spacing, a 121.5 MHz emergency key, and 300 channels of memory. The IC-A25N is the Nav/Com flagship, adding VOR navigation receive, a built-in GPS, and Bluetooth for wireless headset audio. The IC-A25C is the com-only version of the same radio, the IC-A25C-S Sport adds the flexibility of an AA battery tray alongside its Li-ion pack, and the Bluetooth-equipped IC-A16B is a streamlined com-only handheld with long battery life.

Panel-mount and base-station transceivers

For fixed installations, the IC-A220 is a panel-mount VHF com radio with a bright OLED display and dual 8.33 and 25 kHz spacing for use in airspace that requires the narrower channels. The IC-A220T is the TSO-certified version of that radio, intended for installation in type-certificated aircraft where TSO compliance is required. The IC-A120B base station is a fixed air-band transceiver for ground use at flight schools, FBOs, and operations desks. Browse the full panel mount radios and base stations collection for mounting hardware and related options.

How to choose the right Icom aviation radio

Start with com versus Nav/Com. If you only need to talk and listen on the radio, any of the com-only models will do the job. If you want a handheld that can also receive VOR navigation and show your position on a built-in GPS, the IC-A25N is the one to carry. Next, think about power. The Sport's AA battery tray is a real advantage for students and cross-country pilots who may not always have a charger nearby, while Bluetooth on the IC-A25N and IC-A16B lets you route audio to a compatible wireless headset. Finally, match the form factor to the install. Backup and training use calls for a handheld radio, a permanent cockpit install in a certified aircraft calls for the TSO'd IC-A220T, and a ground operation is best served by the IC-A120B base station. Keep a spare BC-123SA AC adapter on hand so your handheld is always charged. For broader help picking a unit, read our guide to the best aviation handheld radios on the market and our breakdown of the differences between the Icom A25 models.

Why buy from Pilot Mall

• Authorized Icom dealer: genuine product and the full Icom manufacturer warranty on every radio.
• Aviation only: we sell pilot gear and nothing else, so our team knows transceivers, frequencies, and panels.
• Trusted for 25-plus years: thousands of pilots rely on Pilot Mall for radios and cockpit equipment.
• Free U.S. shipping over $100: every Icom radio qualifies.
• Expert guidance: talk to people who fly before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Icom A25N and A25C?

Both share the same A25 platform and com radio, but the IC-A25N is a Nav/Com that adds VOR navigation receive, a built-in GPS, and Bluetooth. The IC-A25C is com only, so it transmits and receives on the air band but does not offer navigation, GPS, or wireless audio.

What is the difference between the IC-A25C and IC-A25C Sport?

The IC-A25C and IC-A25C-S Sport are both com-only handhelds on the A25 platform. The main difference is power flexibility: the Sport ships with the option to run on a standard AA battery tray as well as the rechargeable Li-ion pack, which is handy when a charger is not available.

Does the Icom A25 have Bluetooth?

The IC-A25N Nav/Com includes Bluetooth, so you can pair it with a compatible wireless headset for audio. The com-only IC-A25C and IC-A25C-S Sport do not include Bluetooth, while the separate IC-A16B com-only handheld does offer Bluetooth connectivity.

What is the range of an Icom aviation handheld radio?

Typical range for an Icom A25-series handheld is roughly 8 to 25 miles, depending heavily on altitude, terrain, and antenna position. Line-of-sight conditions improve range substantially, so transmitting from higher altitude or open terrain reaches farther than from the ground between obstacles.

Is the Icom A220 panel mount radio TSO certified?

The standard IC-A220 is not TSO certified, while the IC-A220T is the TSO-certified version of the same radio. Both share an OLED display and support 8.33 and 25 kHz channel spacing for use in narrow-channel airspace, so the certification status is the deciding factor between the two.

Is Pilot Mall an authorized Icom dealer?

Yes. Pilot Mall is an authorized Icom dealer, so every Icom aviation radio ships brand new with the full Icom manufacturer warranty. You also get aviation-only expert support before and after the sale, plus Free U.S. shipping over $100 on qualifying orders.