Icom A16 Aviation Portable Two-Way Radio

Icom A16 — Entry-Level Air Band Portable

Overview (unchanged, condensed):
The Icom A16 is an 8.33/25 kHz ground-to-air handheld with class-leading 1500 mW audio, compact one-hand operation, and a rugged waterproof build. It’s ideal for student pilots and preflight tower comms. Includes a sit-in rapid charger; the 2400 mAh Li-ion battery runs 17+ hours.

Versions

• A16 41 USA: Communications-only, full keypad

• A16B 31 USA: Communications-only, Bluetooth®, full keypad

Warranty

• 3 years on the radio; 1 year on accessories

Specifications

General

• Frequency range
  TX: 118.000–136.99166 MHz
  RX: 108.000–136.99166 MHz
  RX (Weather): 161.650–163.275 MHz

• Memory channels: 200

• Channel spacing: 8.33 kHz / 25 kHz

• Emission types: 6K00A3E, 5K60A3E, 16K0G3E (Weather)

• Power supply: 7.2 V DC

• Current drain (approx.)
  • TX High: 1.8 A
  • RX Standby: 65 mA (typ.)
  • RX Max audio: 650 mA

• Antenna impedance: 50 Ω (BNC)

• Operating temp: –10˚C to +60˚C (14˚F to +140˚F)

• Dimensions (W×H×D, w/o projections): 52.2 × 111.8 × 34.1 mm (2.1 × 4.4 × 1.3 in) with BP-280

• Weight (approx.): 257 g (9.1 oz) with BP-280

Transmitter

• RF output (at 7.2 V DC): 6.0 W (PEP), 1.8 W (carrier)

• Audio harmonic distortion: < 10% (at 60% modulation)

• Spurious emissions: > 46 dB*

• Frequency stability: ±0.4 kHz

Receiver

• IF stages: 46.35 MHz (1st), 450 kHz (2nd)

• Sensitivity
  • COM: < 0 dBμ (at 6 dB S/N)
  • NAV: < 3 dBμ (at 6 dB S/N)
  • Weather: < –8 dBμ (at 12 dB SINAD)

• Squelch threshold: < 0 dBμ; Weather: < –5 dBμ

• Spurious response: > 60 dB; Weather: > 30 dB

• Hum & noise: > 35 dB (at 30% modulation)

• Audio output power
  • Internal speaker: 1500 mW (typ.)
  • External speaker: > 350 mW (AM 8 Ω, 60% mod., 10% THD)

• External SP connector: 3-conductor 3.5 mm (dia.)

* Except operating freq ±62.5 kHz (25 kHz spacing) and ±20.825 kHz (8.33 kHz spacing).
Measurements per FCC Part 87.

Environmental & Protection

• Ingress protection: IP67 / IP54

• MIL-STD-810G (also meets -810C/-D/-E/-F)

  • Low Pressure: 500.5 I, II

  • High Temp: 501.5 I, II

  • Low Temp: 502.5 I, II

  • Temp Shock: 503.5 I-C

  • Solar Radiation: 505.5 I

  • Rain (Blowing/Drip): 506.5 I, III

  • Humidity: 507.5 II

  • Salt Fog: 509.5 –

  • Dust (Blowing): 510.5 I

  • Immersion: 512.5 I

  • Vibration: 514.6 I

  • Shock: 516.6 I, IV

Supplied Accessories

• BP-280 battery pack

• BC-213 rapid charger

• BC-242 AC adapter

• FA-B02AR antenna

• MB-133 belt clip

• Hand strap

FAQ About Icom A16 Aviation Portable Two-Way Radio

What versions of this radio are available?

There are two versions. One is the standard model that works with wired headsets, and the other has Bluetooth for wireless headsets. The Bluetooth version is called the IC-A16B. It lets you connect wireless headsets, but not every headset will work perfectly, so it’s best to double-check compatibility.

How long does the battery last?

The battery can last up to about 17 hours if you are not using Bluetooth and keep the backlight off. If you talk a lot, use Bluetooth, or keep the screen light on, it will drain faster.

How powerful is the radio and how loud is it?

It transmits at around six watts, which gives it good range for a handheld radio. The speaker is strong and loud enough to hear clearly even in noisy areas like an aircraft or on the tarmac.

Is the radio waterproof and durable?

Yes, it’s built tough. It’s both waterproof and dust-resistant and meets military standards for durability. However, if you drop it hard or crack the case, that protection might not hold up anymore.

How many channels can it store?

It can hold up to two hundred memory channels. You can name each one to make it easier to find the frequencies you use most often.

Can I use my aviation headset with it?

Yes, you can. Most wired headsets work fine, although you might need an adapter for certain plugs. If you want to go wireless, you’ll need the Bluetooth version of the radio and a compatible headset.

How does it work if I use both a wired and Bluetooth headset?

If you have both connected, the one you use to talk depends on which push-to-talk button you press. When you receive audio, it can come through both headsets at the same time.

Does it support 8.33 kHz channel spacing?

Yes, it does. It supports both 8.33 and 25 kHz channel spacing, so it can be used in areas where either spacing is required.

Is it easy to program?

It’s not hard, but you’ll want to read the manual the first time you set it up. Once you learn the menu system, it becomes pretty simple to save and recall your favorite channels.

How loud is it in noisy environments?

It’s quite loud for a handheld radio. The speaker power is strong enough for you to hear messages clearly even with background noise around you.

Will it work with Bose or other popular headsets?

For wired headsets, yes, if you have the right adapter. For Bluetooth headsets, it depends on the model. Some headsets work well, while others might not connect properly, so it’s hit or miss.

Will it still be waterproof if I drop it?

Not necessarily. If you drop it and the case or seals get damaged, the waterproof and dustproof protection may no longer work as intended.

Can I use a different antenna with it?

Yes, it uses a standard BNC-type antenna connector, which means you can replace or upgrade the antenna as long as it’s made for aviation frequencies.

How far can it receive signals?

It has very good sensitivity, so it can pick up signals clearly within the usual airband range. The distance depends on where you are, how high you are, and what obstacles are around, but most pilots say it performs really well for a handheld.

Can I power it from my aircraft or an external battery?

Yes, you can. It supports an external power cable that connects to a twelve-volt source, though most people just rely on the main rechargeable battery for regular use.