Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 2 Eng; Retractable Gear
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 2000; Flight Crew Type 75
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Distraction; Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
ATC Equipment / Nav Facility / Buildings; Aircraft; Human Factors
While flying to Pearland; Texas (LVJ) in cruise at 9;000' MSL; I noted that a moderately long time (20-30 minutes) had passed since we had received any ATC instructions and that the radio had been quiet without any transmissions heard for approx. 10-15 minutes. In fact; at the time; I commented on how quiet the radio was to my passenger. I began to become concerned that the controller might have forgotten to hand us off to the next frequency/agency and so transmitted my call sign; but there was no reply. I pulled the squelch out and transmitted again. This time; I faintly heard a reply. I transmitted again and asked if I should change to the next ATC frequency and I identified the frequency I thought I should change to (based on the 'nearest ATC facility' function on my device). I very faintly heard confirmation that I should in fact change to that frequency. I switched to the suggested frequency; immediately established clear contact and continued on my way. Communications were clear and strong for the remainder of the trip.Upon landing; I asked some pilot friends if communication was a problem in this part of Texas. Two of them commented that they often have problems hearing ATC in this area. Thinking some more about the issue; I was concerned that perhaps ATC might have tried to hand me off earlier; but that the signal was not strong enough to break the squelch. I acquired the aircraft just a few months ago and recently noted that both of the comm antennas are on top of the fuselage. It occurred to me that en route communication might be improved if at least one of the antennas were located on the bottom of the fuselage. Accordingly; I have ordered a bent whip antenna suitable for mounting on the belly of the aircraft. Hopefully the antenna on the bottom of the fuselage will improve communications. That being said; many aircraft have antennas located only on top of the fuselage and as evidenced by my conversations with pilot friends; I am not the only one to have experienced temporary loss of communication in this area. I am concerned that perhaps the ATC antenna facilities may not be as optimal as they could be in this area of the country. At a recent pilot/controller's meeting; I asked if there was a map available showing the approximate hand-off locations; altitudes and frequencies that ATC uses. I was informed that there is no such map. If such a map were to be made available; it would be a useful tool for helping the pilot determine whether a hand off has been missed or forgotten.
Pilot reports a loss of communication with ATC in a specified area of Texas. Pilot finds correct frequency and changes to the new frequency.