As a newly minted private pilot, and a long time radio nerd, one thing I’ve always had my eye on (even before I started flying) is a portable aviation radio. As somebody who only rents I’ve thought it would be a nice thing to throw in the bag as a backup. The FBO I rent from has some very decent airplanes, but you never know when that 1979 vintage radio is going to call it quits, right?
Aside from my “need it” justification, I also have my “want it” justification. Living in Wisconsin I’m only about an hour drive from EAA and make the trip every year. I thought a portable would be a fun toy to bring along to the airshow for listening to all the radio traffic. I'm also a full time ARFF firefighter at MSN so it would probably be a "toy" at work to listen to what's going on everything other than ground, which is all we typically listen to.
So, as infinitely more experienced aviators than me, is my justification way off base? Are there other items I may not have which are far wiser investments? I’m really thinking used since I don't want to spend $400 on a new one, but I don’t want to be taken for a clunker on eBay, so where might I go to find one? As a radio guy I know and trust iCom, but are there other good brands out there? What models are good?
Thanks for any thoughts.