Why were radio transmissions so much of a problem in the Earhart flight?
9. There is a phenomenon in the propagation of electromagnetic radio waves that calls for a bouncing effect off the “D” layer of the ionosphere. Depending on atmospheric conditions, this “bouncing effect” changes aviation radio reception and transmissions in the high frequency bands. Because one of the major mysteries of the Earhart disappearance was the sudden cessation of radio communications the “crashed and sank” followers of the Earhart story believe the sudden cessation of radio communications with the Itasca was, and still is, the prime argument. How could a magnetic radio wave reach as far as Nauru Island? The answer has to be the “D” layer of the ionosphere, and the “D” layer of the atmosphere could also explain, in part, the on again- off again transmissions in and around Howland Island. As Earhart switched to the 6210 frequency in the vicinity of Howland, it was at the time of day when atmospheric conditions began to change from the heating of the sun. Radio operators on boa
