Frequently Asked Questions
COM/Radios
Clear and reliable communication is essential for navigating busy airspace safely. New 8.33 kHz-capable VHF COM radios are available from Mid-Continent Instruments and Avionics in both panel-mount and remote configurations. Features include dual-watch standby frequency monitoring, Bluetooth audio streaming, and built-in, two-place intercoms to suit any mission —from light, sport aircraft to IFR trainers and turbine-class airplanes.
The 8.33 kHz spacing triples the number of available voice channels compared to the older 25 kHz spacing. It is mandatory for most IFR flights in European airspace and is the global standard for modern aviation. Equipping your aircraft with an 8.33 kHz capable radio prepares you for international travel and any potential future changes in U.S. airspace management.
If your existing whip covers 118–136 MHz and SWR tests < 3:1, you do not need a new antenna. If those standards are not met, you will need to install a tuned VHF antenna.
Yes, you can interface a new COM Radio with most legacy audio panels. Consult the installation manual to confirm pin mapping.
An ANR (Active Noise Reduction) headset processes Bluetooth audio and ambient noise separately to deliver clear streaming audio while also canceling out background sound. The headset uses internal microphones to generate "anti-noise" waves that neutralize low-frequency noise.
VHF radio is limited by line-of-sight. The theoretical maximum range in nautical miles (NM) can be estimated with the formula: 1.23 x √Altitude in Feet AGL. For example, from 10,000 feet, the line-of-sight distance to the horizon is approximately 123 NM. Actual communication range depends on many factors, including the altitude of the receiving station, transmitter power, and antenna performance.