appreciate the replies, lots to think about.
Should have expanded on my "needs" a little. I may be a student pilot but my other half has a PPL so we fly at least once a month together for fun. A handheld radio may(?) come in useful there.
We rent , not own so anything requiring structural modification is out. I am aware of the procedures for lost comms. My home airport is in a class C control zone so prior permission needed to enter. Options available to me are indeed phoning the tower on my cell phone ( I have all the numbers of local airfields stored) or landing at an alternative field ( there is one I think that isn't class C or D in the vicinity)
With that in mind, maybe Backpacker's advice is the one to go for.
I did wonder about how easy it would actually be to use a handheld while the engine is running.
Still in two minds about whether to shell out for one or not.
Last edited by localflighteast; 8th Jul 2013 at 14:42.