Yaesu FTA-850L Color Bluetooth NAV/COM Aviation Transceiver - Portable

In this review the Yaesu FTA-850L is evaluated as a compact portable NAV/COM transceiver aimed at pilots and flight crews who need a reliable backup radio with modern convenience. The single biggest reason to consider the FTA-850L is its combination of an integrated GPS receiver with Bluetooth connectivity, which lets it serve as both a navigation aid and a hands-free communications tool in the cockpit. The unit feels like a practical field radio for cross-country flights or as a standby RX/TX device during training or rental operations.

Key Features

• Wireless Bluetooth Operation: Allows headset or device pairing to reduce cable clutter and support hands-free use in the cockpit.
• Integrated 66 Channel WAAS GPS Receiver: Provides GPS position and navigation guidance to supplement ILS and VOR navigation for safer situational awareness.
• 8.33 kHz Narrow Band Compatible: Works with modern narrowband channeling used at many airports, ensuring compliance with current frequency spacing.
• 400 Channel Memory Bank: Stores frequent frequencies and makes switching between ATC, ground, and advisory channels fast and repeatable.
• Rechargeable and Alkaline Power Options: Includes a Li-Ion battery pack and an alkaline case so the radio remains usable on long flights or when charging is not available.

Who It's For

The FTA-850L is best for private pilots, flight instructors, and avionics technicians who want a well-featured portable NAV/COM as a primary portable or a dependable backup. Its GPS integration and memory capacity suit cross-country pilots who need quick access to navigation and ATC frequencies, and crews who appreciate a color display and Bluetooth for headset pairing.

Pilots who require excellent sunlight legibility or a radio strictly for instrument flight with the brightest displays may want to compare models, since some users report mixed feelings about the color display visibility in direct sunlight. Those who need built-in autopilot interfaces or advanced datalink features should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong radio transmit and receive quality that many customers praised for use as a backup RX/TX.
• Good connectivity options including Bluetooth and a useful cable interface with the included headset adapter.
• Flexible power choices with a Li-Ion battery pack and an alkaline battery case for field reliability.
• Integrated WAAS GPS simplifies navigation by combining ILS, VOR, and GPS information in one portable unit.

Cons

• Color display receives mixed feedback and can be harder to read in bright direct sunlight.
• Connectivity features are mixed in customer impressions, so pairing and range may vary by headset or device.

Specifications

Product	FTA-850L Color Bluetooth NAV/COM
Brand	YAESU
GPS	Integrated 66 Channel WAAS GPS Receiver
Channels	400 channel memory bank
Narrow Band	8.33 kHz compatible
Power	Li-Ion battery pack (7.2V, 2200 mAh) plus alkaline battery case
Included Accessories	Antenna, Rechargeable and Alkaline Battery Cases, Headset Adapter

Our Verdict

The Yaesu FTA-850L is a practical, feature-rich portable NAV/COM that offers strong radio performance, flexible power options, and useful navigation with its WAAS GPS. It represents good value for pilots who want a capable backup or a portable unit for general aviation flying, though anyone prioritizing perfect sunlight readability should check the display in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it include GPS navigation?
The unit includes an integrated 66 channel WAAS GPS receiver for GPS-based navigation alongside ILS and VOR support.

What power options are available?
It ships with a Li-Ion battery pack (7.2V, 2200 mAh) and an alkaline battery case for disposable batteries when needed.

Can it pair with headsets wirelessly?
Yes, the FTA-850L supports Bluetooth operation and also includes a headset adapter for wired connections.