Icom IC-A16B Aviation Bluetooth Ground-to-Air Handheld Radio, 1500mw
$399.99
Price: $399.99
(as of Nov 04, 2025 22:19:33 UTC – Details)
The ICOM A16B Comm-Only transceiver is ideal for students, ground crew and pilots of all levels! It has a compact, waterproof design for one-hand operation for working on the flight line, using it for back up in any aircraft, or for use by ground crew. Its 2400mAh Li-ion battery lasts over 17 hours and the radio includes a convenient sit-in rapid charger.
Package Dimensions : 9.69 x 8.66 x 3.31 inches; 9.1 ounces
Item model number : IC A16B
Batteries : 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
Date First Available : May 3, 2019
Manufacturer : Icom America
ASIN : B07RG8LBKW
Customer Reviews: 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 143 ratings var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
[FLEXIBLE CHANNEL SPACING] – Supports both 8.33 kHz and 25 kHz aviation channel spacing, ensuring reliable, interference-free communications across regulated airband frequencies.
[POWERFUL AUDIO CLARITY] – 1500 mW loudspeaker output delivers clear, intelligible communication even in high-noise cockpits or flight line environments.
[HIGH RF TRANSMISSION POWER] – 6 W (PEP) / 1.8 W (carrier) RF output provides strong, dependable signal coverage for enhanced airband communication range.
[BUILT-IN BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY] – Enables hands-free operation with wireless headsets and cockpit accessories for safer, distraction-free flying.
[EXTENDED BATTERY ENDURANCE] – Large-capacity battery delivers up to 17 hours of operating time*, reducing downtime on long flying days.
[RUGGED & WEATHER-SEALED] – Compact, waterproof housing rated IP67/IP54 and tested to MIL-STD-810-G for durability in harsh aviation conditions.
[ENHANCED NIGHT VISIBILITY] – LCD screen and illuminated keypad improve usability for low-light or night flight operations.
[VERSATILE HEADSET COMPATIBILITY] – Works with third-party aviation headsets (optional OPC-2401 adapter required) for flexible cockpit integration.
Customers say
Customers find the two-way radio’s audio quality good and appreciate its build quality, with one noting it’s perfect for fly-in communities. The device receives positive feedback for its battery life and performance, with one customer mentioning it transmits far and strong. The Bluetooth functionality and ease of use receive mixed reviews – while some find it awesome and easy to use, others report difficulties with setup and programming. The size of the device is also mixed, with some appreciating its compact design while others find it small.
8 reviews for Icom IC-A16B Aviation Bluetooth Ground-to-Air Handheld Radio, 1500mw
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Kevin NV –
Bluetooth is awesome
I got this radio and the Sporty’s radio at the same time, and it’s a night and day difference in quality. This radio feels much better made, more compact and lighter as well without 8 AAs. I like that you can put in text for saved channels, so I’ve got my common frequencies saved with their airport identifier and use (ie TWR GND AWS) all readily available. Speaker is louder and much clearer than the Sporty’s hands down. Battery life is very good.One of my favorite features is the bluetooth. Yes, it’s a little confusing that you have to get into a sub menu to use the bluetooth microphone portion, but once it’s set up it’s great. I have it linked to my Bose A20 headset with bluetooth, letting me use this as a backup radio without even dealing with my headset jacks, let alone adapters.As far as downsides, I wish dealing with the bluetooth functions was easier. If it doesn’t connect after a main com failure in air setting it up would become a lot more difficult and cumbersome than plugging in a standard radio. The other downside is lack of regular charging ports of any kind, even the non-rechargeable Sporty’s radio has a USB-C input for emergency power of the radio in addition to readily available AA battery use. While the lipo of the Icom is impressive, you do NEED the cradle and power supply to charge it which is an extra concern when traveling with it. Wish it would charge off USB micro or C as well, or at the very least be capable of running off of it in an emergency situation.
Michael W. Kelly –
Great radio.
Rock solid radio. Well made and loud enough to hear anywhere. Battery life is exceptional. Range is good for a handheld. The programming is a bit of a pain but thats the only down side Ive found so far.
Bucky –
Awesome little aviation transceiver, and with Bluetooth!
Exactly what I was looking for! Small, compact and light with all the features you expect from a handheld radio…and it has Bluetooth!! Which means I can easily pair it to my Sena comm system on my flight helmet without cumbersome cords! The range on the radio is typical for a handheld. There is plenty of memory to program all your frequently used frequencies and all the controls and buttons seem robust. You can’t beat this radio for the price, quality and features!
Steven Y. –
Ok but not Great
I have the A-14 also. These are supposed to be the differences: The IC-A16 is the direct replacement to the very popular Icom IC-A14 and IC-A14S transceivers. The IC-A16 is very similiar in size and design to the IC-A14 but introduces a number of enhancements including; IP67 Waterproof rating, Larger capacity battery (2400 mAh vs 2000 mAh), 8.33kHz and 25kHz channel spacing (versus 25 kHz only in the A14), 1500mW loud audio (vs 700 mW on IC-A14), and 20% great output power (6 watts versus 5 watts). The Icom IC-A16B also adds Bluetooth which was not available in the IC-A14.Is it Louder-Well I can’t tell the difference. Does it transmitt better/farther/clearer-Again I can’t tell the difference. The Display is too faint without enough contrast in bright light. The On/Off volume knob does not have any real detent to know you’ve turned it off or on. The menu to adjust the different functions is horribly complex and the instructions do a very bad job of explaining it. Battery life seems to be just as good as the A-14. The light switch was removed from the side, and that was a mistake. The PTT switch seems cheaper than before. The bluetooth works fine-If you can figure out how to work it. The belt clip is now only connected to the battery and it’s two little weak clips that attach to the radio body.
Airship-Driver –
Very good for the money
I bought this to work with my helmet that I wear a flying a Paramotor. I have not tried the Bluetooth functionality yet but I’m very please with this model. It’s pretty easy to use but somethings you’re going to have to refresh yourself in the manual and less you use all of the time. That’s why only give it four stars for that. The battery life seems excellent. Audio quality is pretty good. The range I guess is what you expect out of a handheld with a basic antenna.
Paul Wilkinson –
Great small form factor radio.
I ordered this radio for its size and features. It is definitely small. I have the IC-A25C and the A16 is smaller, which for my use is a good thing. Even though it’s smaller, the performance is just as good as the A25. The only drawback is that I have to use reading glasses to see some of the annunciators on display. Other than that, I think I’ve found my favorite backup radio.
A. Scott –
Aviation standard
It’s a great thing to have in the plane as a backup radio or for flight instructors sending students solo. Charge lasts a while, and easy to set up. You can talk or receive clearly. I use it to receive ATIS as well on planes that don’t have a secondary frequency.
Tom Blockovich –
Quality
I haven’t really had this long enough to see if there is anything that I don’t really like. The channel is easy enough to read, but the icons are a little small. I like the headset capability and bluetooth.