Light Transport
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45; Flight Crew Total 14919; Flight Crew Type 2611
Distraction; Workload; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Aircraft; ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Environment - Non Weather Related; Staffing; Human Factors
Radio communication with ZZZ Center was not established over State X enroute on a flight from ZZZ to ZZZ1.  I was able to re-establish radio communication with ZZZ1 Center North of City X on frequency XYZ.AB using the number 2 communications radio.  I regularly fly this route and I know most of the high altitude center frequencies by memory.  While speaking with ZZZ1 Center I was advised to call ZZZ Center after landing.  My normal procedure is to monitor 'On-Guard XYX.BC with the number 2 radio; however; there was an ELT transmitting.  The XYX.BC frequency was congested and was only occasionally monitored to wait for the ELT transmission to dissipate.  The number 2 radio was operating with much less static than the number 1 radio.  After landing I spoke to the pilot that previously flew the aircraft and they confirmed that the number 1 radio has been having reception issues.  The number 1 radio was troubleshot and found to have a bonding issue between the fuselage and number 1 communications antenna due to corrosion.  The antenna is in the process of being replaced. In conclusion; improved aircraft maintenance would have prevented this event.As a side note: I have noticed more 'NORDO' events since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Now; a day does not go by that an aircraft is not being summoned to remedy a 'NORDO' situation.  Previously; these events were less.  I speculate that a change in ATC staffing and increased size of control boundaries for one Controller to be responsible is a possible contributing factor.  I notice now that the high sector controllers (usually working FL260 and above) are working considerably larger areas including the low sector.  It is now not uncommon to hear a high sector Controller clearing low altitude aircraft for approaches and handing them off to Local Approach ATC. Juxtaposed to this increased workload for the Controller is less flying for air crew.  The reduced flying during this pandemic may contribute to these 'NORDO' events due to crews having reduced flying schedules and reduced recent experience."
Pilot reported not being able to contact a Center Control due to aircraft radio communication issues and frequency saturation.