"Roger Worden" wrote in message . com...
Thanks to all the people who responded! ICOM seems to be the near-unanimous
favorite.

One other question: the models people mentioned seem to be COM only, no NAV.
Is there a need for NAV features in soaring? From what I've read so far, it
would seem that it's not used even in cross-country soaring, only in power
flight.

Especially since the introduction of GPS, the NAV function is
unnecessary, especially for gliding. Even if you do get it, trying to
use it while soaring would be difficult and dangerous at best! (think
looking at a sectional to find the nearest VOR, setting the freq,
finding the radial you are on, then trying to plot that on the
sectional - oh, and stay in that half knot thermal while you are doing
it. Lookout, what lookout?

Of course, you can also bury your head in the cockpit with a handheld
GPS, so it still takes discipline.

BTW, if you get an ICOM, and plan on using it a lot in a club
environment, I would suggest also getting the optional AA battery pack
(about $35, I think). That way when your NiCad runs out you have a
backup. I also use the handheld mike, clipped to my parachute harness
or shoulder strap - a lot easier to use than fumbling for the whole
radio, which then has to be re-stowed - not a good idea in the
pattern.

Good luck

Kirk
66