Use cases for dual-COMM ?

[Low Pass]

Originally Posted by BCP Boys

I don't generally like to disagree on this forum and stick my nose in too often but this is one topic that just gets to me. A few of you nice folks are stating that for VFR only 1 com is needed. We as pilots go through so much to make our planes safe to fly and redundant if possible ( I know we all fly single engines for the most part so redundant engines are not an option on RVs . . . at least I haven't seen a twin RV yet ), but why would you not want to add redundancy for 1 or even 2 of the 3 pillars of flying? Remember, Aviate, Navigate and communicate. Too many people fly in these uncontrolled/non-towered fields with no radios stating that communications are not required !!!! I will never understand why someone would fly in to a public field and not listen for other traffic or notices at the airport. You know, its NOT required to have to have 2 Magnetos either but most of us who have Mags, have 2 . . .

If you decide to go with just 1, at least carry a hand held in case you lose your radio, it may safe your life one day.

I rarely, more like never, fly anywhere that loss of com will cause a life threatening condition. Not even close. And I fly lots of places. Light IFR, grass strips, Bravo airspace, etc.

[humptybump]

Hi everyone, in hopes of getting this thread back on topic, the OP was looking for use cases for having two COMM radios. There was a deliberate attempt to not inquire if one COMM vs two COMMs was "better".

There base been a bit of thread drift with some (not all) of the recent posts.

Thanks.

[rzbill]

Glen,
I use # 2 COMM for ATIS and Ground on the way out from the hangar. #1 stays on tower and departure.

Enroute, #1 is moved through the various ATC handoffs while #2 is used for ATIS and FSS if needed. Ground and the FBO for the destination airport go into the #2 when we get close.

Sure, you can do all that with one comm but its easier with two and you get the redundancy of 2.

FYI, #2 is a lower power transmitter and is the one that stays on when I go on the E-bus due to alternator failure.

[RV6_flyer]

I have two comms and both can monitor the Standby. On cross-country flights, I have comm 1 tuned to Center. Comm 2 is on Guard (121.5) and comm 2 standby / monitor is on Flight Watch (122.0). I use comm 1 also for Air to Air with the other aircraft that may be with me.

One does not need to have two panel mounted radios. The 2nd comm could be a handheld that is wired into the aircraft. Yes a 2nd antenna and a pigtail lead that is in the aircraft to get the audio and mic of the handheld tied into the the aircraft intercom or radio. If you can build an aircraft including wiring your aircraft, it is not that difficult to tie the handheld into being used as a 2nd comm.

When my aircraft first flew, I only had one radio a KX-125. I added a monitor 2nd radio handheld after a few months. Was nice to talk to ATC and get ATIS without needing to go off frequency. Three years after first flight, did a panel upgrade to approach certified GPS / Comm and SL30.