Jim,

1. Check the band coverage of the unit. Most scanners that claim to
be aircraft band receivers only get half the action.

You'll want 108 - 138 mhz coverage. The lower end is for the VOR /
TACAN signals. Sometimes there is a voice signal instead of the morse
code identifier. Upper end is the voice signal.

225 - 400 mhz is best for military aircraft. Most action is in this
band for what you'd want to be listening for.


2. What unit to buy?

Whatever works for you and your budget. I've owned Uniden (bearcat),
Radio Shack, and AOR in desktop and handheld format over the years and
had good success with all of them.

Keep an eye on pawn shops. My last 3 radios have come from there. All
in good condition and 1/3 to 1/2 the price of a new unit.

Consider an external antenna. Depending on where you are from the
source, you will normally get the airborne side only. Ground based
signal can be obtained if you get an antenna high enough and are close.
I mounted mine upside down in the attic so I wouldn't have to get up on
the roof. Getting decent reception.

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Welcome to the world of aviation scanning. My three most memorable
scanning events

1. Attending the Quad Cities are show and hearing the Snowbird and
Thunderbird tactical frequencies during their shows.

2. Driving under the Fechter MOA and listening to some F-16's
dogfighting above me.

3. sad, but memorable - Air traffic control diverting aircraft on
9-11.

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Hope this helps


MAH