humptybump
Well Known Member
I am looking for first hand use cases where having two COMM radios is better than having one COMM with "monitor" capability.
I can't imagine flying IFR without dual comms. It can be done but it wouldn't be fun. You need the second comm to check ATIS, weather, etc. without having to ask for permission to leave the frequency.
So the adding of a second comm means locating a second antenna and adding an audio panel.
With two pilots, they can each talk on a different radio. Handy when one is on with ATC and the other is calling Unicom for a rental car or whatever. Or one is talking to FSS while one is on with ATC.
Of course it doesn't happen often, but it's nice when it does.
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.
yes, the plane is VFR day/night today.
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.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.