No.. most if not all civil voice communications is NOT digital, but analog.

Its ALSO "AM". Even though you are in the 108-135 mHz band, adjacent to
the "good times radio" band... you are trying to listen to an "amplitude
modulated" signal with a "frequency modulated" reciever. If you want to
listen to aviation chatter, just part with the $$ (or pounds) and get an
aviation band scanner. It should cost no more than 2 hours worth of
flight instruction if US prices are any indication.

Dave

Lukasz W wrote:
Hi all!
As a non-native english speaker learning to fly in UK, I found that the
most challenging part of flying lessons is talking with controllers and
understanding what other pilot say. To get some practice I got ordinary,
20-bucks FM radio changed so I could receive frequency up to 135 MHz.
London Heathrow approach is (probably) 130.25, but despite living
nearby, I can't receive it. Is the radio too weak or I'm missing
something? Some guy said air communication is digital, but somehow I
don't believe it. Or maybe you guys have some other hints for me?
Thanks,

Lukasz