I've used it twice, both times a long time ago in the USA. Once in Terminal Control Area of a large Internation airport, my single comms radio failed (some schools are real cheapskates with no transponder/2nd comms radio), ATC had me flying compass headings for posative ID, not easy with the background noise, but do-able. The other time was shortly after Take off, I used the handheld to get me back on the ground. Same problem with background noise, but it can be done. In my view, worth it, better if you can connect to an external aerial and have a headset connection.