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Yaesu Vertex FTA 550 VHF Handheld Radio - AA Battery Pack

$199.00/Each
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Part# 11-12461
MFR Model# FTA-550 AA

Overview

The YAESU FTA-550 is packed with features, yet very affordable. Boasting an oversize full dot matrix LCD display, the FTA-550 Airband Transceiver provides full communication on the Aircraft communications Band and additionally provides VOR and LOC navigation features on the "NAV" band. The FTA-550 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 FTA-550 can easily be reprogrammed in minutes using the optional PC Programming software and the supplied USB programming cable.

Note: The FTA-550 AA comes with an Alkaline Battery Tray (it does not include a Rechargeable Battery).
   
California Prop 65 Warning Symbol

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Features

Now Meets MIL-STD-810F
  • The FTA-550 has now been tested and complies with the Military Standard MIL-STD-810F. Similar to commercial Land Mobile radios, all current Yaesu Airband Transceivers have been tested for durability against Low temperatures, High temperatures, Shock, Vibration, Dust and Rain, ensuring many years of rugged use.
Easy to Operate Menu system
  • The FTA-550 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.
Huge Dot Matrix Display (160 x 160 dots)
  • The FTA-550 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-550 has to offer.
VOR Navigation Display
  • When the FTA-550 receives a VOR signal, the display will automatically switch to the NAV band screen which shows a CDI based on the received signal.
200 Memory channels with up to 15 Alphanumeric characters
  • The FTA-550 can store up to 200 Memory channels for quick and easy retrieval. With the capability of using up to 15 Alphanumeric characters per name the FTA-550 allows for a better channel description.

Specifications

  • 25kHz & 8.33kHz spacing
  • 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
  • NOAA Weather Channel receive*
  • NOAA Weather Alert*
  • 200 Memory Channels with 15 alphanumeric characters
  • Back-lit Keypad and display with dimmer
  • Water Protection -IPX5 Rating
  • Loud Audio (800 mW)
  • 3-Year Limited Warranty

Documents

In The Box

  • Cigarette Lighter DC Converter
  • Helical Antenna
  • Belt Clip
  • Headset Adapter Cable
  • Alkaline Battery Tray
  • USB Cable
  • Ferrite Core
  • Accessories
  • Frequently Purchased With
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Reviews

Fairly easy to use. Good value.

Eric T Verified Purchase

YAESU VERTEX FTA 550 AA VHF HANDHELD

September 15, 2023

Nice little radio ..well thought out good instruction manual

Shane K Verified Purchase

YAESU VERTEX FTA 550 AA VHF HANDHELD

July 4, 2023

Excelente radio.

Gilson D Verified Purchase

YAESU VERTEX FTA 550 AA VHF HANDHELD

May 30, 2023

This is a very affordable handset designed specifically for aviation. The frequency range doesnt have other spectrums like ham radio band to allow for accidental frequency input. The only thing I find odd is the squelch can only be adjusted by first pressing a side button and the using the volume control. But then you must remember to press the side button again to resume volume adjustment. An independent squelch and volume control nob like Yaesu is known for would make much more sense. Overall excellent water resistant build quality a little heavy but defiantly built for durability and longevity

Brian Verified Purchase

YAESU VERTEX FTA 550 AA VHF HANDHELD

February 2, 2023

This was a gift to my student pilot daughter so I cannot personally give my opinion

Ken J Verified Purchase

YAESU VERTEX FTA 550 AA VHF HANDHELD

November 18, 2022

Great radio. Very clear with excellent range.

Horn A Verified Purchase

YAESU VERTEX FTA 550 AA VHF HANDHELD

June 15, 2022

Very nice product!

Stevens R Verified Purchase

YAESU VERTEX FTA 550 AA VHF HANDHELD

May 24, 2022

Cecil R Verified Purchase

YAESU VERTEX FTA 550 AA VHF HANDHELD

May 20, 2022

Great radio for the money.

John T Verified Purchase

YAESU VERTEX FTA 550 AA VHF HANDHELD

June 8, 2021

This radio just works perfect if all you need is a good handheld com. Good features, easy to navigate, and nice interface. Included headset adapter is nice also. Strong 5 star rating.

Eric G
April 21, 2021

Q&A

Please note, Aircraft Spruce's personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.

Q: Do you need to download any type of programs for the 550AA or is it preloaded?

The Yaesy Vertex FTA 550 AA is pre-loaded, ready to use out of the box.

Q: Is the Yaesu Vertex FTA 550 CE marked?

While the Yaesu Vertex FTA 550 can support both 8.33 and 25 Khz spacing, it is not CE marked.

Q: Does 550L have a remote push to talk switch available? Does Bose A20 headset mic work as push to talk provided no intercom is set up? Is there an adapter for Bose A20 helicopter connection to radio?

The Vertex FTA 550L comes with a Headset Adapter Cable in which you can plug a PTT switch such as PN:11-12100 into. If you connect a headset with the Headset Adapter Cable you need to use the switch on the transceiver itself or a PPT switch. To plug a helicopter headset into dual GA jacks you would need PN: Part # 13-09307.

Q: What is the estimated battery life with the AA batteries? Should you use rechargeable AA batteries or regular AA batteries?

The average life of the batteries is 13.5 hours and per the manual, Alkaline batteries are to be used. Rechargeable NI-CD or NI-CH AA's are not to be used.

Q: Does the Yaesu 550 have Sidetone when used with a headset?

Yes, this does have a sidetone when used with a headset.

Q: What are the dimensions of the Yaesu FTA 550 radio not including antenna?

The approximate dimensions of the radio with the battery pack on are: 2-1/2" W x 6" H x 1-1/2" D.

Q: Is the antenna included with the Yaesu Vertex FTA 550 or do I have to purchase separately?

The antenna is included in the box.

Q: Can you buy a li-ion pack for the Yaesu FTA 550 later on to convert it to rechargeable?

Yes, you can purchase part # 11-12832 later which is the rechargeable battery.

Q: Can this Yeasu FTA 550 AA model be used outside the USA? Is it 110V or 220V?

This model uses a AA battery pack, so it does not recharge using 110v or 220v. For the rechargeable lithium version, see part # 11-12460 (110v) or 11-12530 (220v).

Q: How would I use a PTT with this Yaesu FTA 550 radio?

The PTT would be plugged into the headset adapter, and the headset plug would then go into the PTT. Any portable PTT, like part # 11-07712, would work with this radio headset adapter.

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