Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 218; Flight Crew Total 2125; Flight Crew Type 307
Troubleshooting; Training / Qualification; Physiological - Other; Confusion; Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Issued Advisory / Alert; Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Aircraft; Environment - Non Weather Related
While enroute at FL280; I noticed the radio frequency was very quiet. Since COVID has impacted US aviation; frequency congestion has decreased significantly; which makes longer periods of radio silence a new sense of normalcy.  My last handoff to ZZZ Center was eight minutes prior at which I made positive radio contact on frequency XYZ.AB. I was using COM 1 as primary radio and monitoring XYX.B on COM 2 with the proper audio panel selections to hear both radios simultaneously. After time passed by and I realized I was not hearing anyone; I transmitted my N number on COM 1 to ZZZ Center and did not receive a response. I selected microphone to COM 2 and reached out to ZZZ Center on XYX.B; no response. I switched the microphone back to COM 1 and tried XYZ.AB again; no response. I switched the microphone back to COM 2 and announced; 'All stations on guard; radio check.' After the second attempt; ZZZ1 Center answered and gave me a new frequency; XXC.DY. A Controller replied 'Aircraft X; possible pilot deviation; I have a number for you; advise when ready to copy.' I was extremely shocked at the situation as I was unaware the radio issue had escalated to that extent. I continued my flight to ZZZZ and called as soon as practical after landing. I spoke with a Controller. Controller said NORDO is a common issue but mine was excessive. I have no deviations on my record and strive to maintain a clean record. Going forward; I will be more diligent in recognizing radio silence and will reach out more frequently if I assume the silent period is excessive.
GA pilot reported becoming NORDO enroute and thinking because of the COVID-19 pandemic the radio just had less communication traffic.