Starter Airband Scanner

The_Fat_Controller

Listening to ATC communications is not actually legal in the UK, but provided you don't react to or publish anything you hear you'll be OK.
https://www.pprune.org/atc-issues/206063-listening-uk-atc-communications-law.html

Not all airfields have their transmitters "on site" some are on nearby hills to improve coverage along with the equipment for the frequencies used for Area Control.
This calculator is useful and gives an idea of whether you'll hear what you want.
https://www.qsl.net/w4sat/horizon.htm

ATC frequencies are 118 to 137 Mhz, the modulation is AM and make sure your receiver can handle the latest 8.33 KHz channel spacing.

PS. There is no FM uplink to ATC sites, you will need a proper (AM) receiver to listen to ATC
  

Shocking_Blue

Many thanks for the responses, guys. May look at getting that Uniden.
Thanks again.

The_Fat_Controller

The various Uniden models are very popular with the local aviation enthusiasts in my area.
If using at home, an external antenna will make a vast difference to what you hear.

Shocking_Blue

The_Fat_Controller said:

The various Uniden models are very popular with the local aviation enthusiasts in my area.
If using at home, an external antenna will make a vast difference to what you hear.

Thanks. Any idea what sort of antenna might be good (again, not wanting a huge outlay).
Thanks

oh_really

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YouLoop-Magnetic-Antenna-Portable-Passive/dp/B08FX9KY33

Shocking_Blue

oh_really said:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YouLoop-Magnetic-Antenna-Portable-Passive/dp/B08FX9KY33

Thanks, oh_really.

The_Fat_Controller

That loop antenna does not have the correct coupling for a scanner, you need a BNC connector.
You would be better off with a dedicated airband antenna, that one is wideband.
I am sure there are many enthusiast groups that can give helpful advice.