If you make a telephone call with any type of wireless phone, PDA, or pager, you’re indirectly reaping the benefits of General Aviation (GA). Helicopters are routinely used for the installation of cell phone towers. They’re also used to install cell phone antennas on buildings. When microwaves won’t work, these helicopters are used to string wire or fiber optic cable along major intercity routes.
And when available satellite resources are maxed out or too expensive, special long-duration, high-altitude aircraft or airships can actually orbit and loiter at low speeds over major cities to serve as airborne platforms for communications relay equipment, thus replacing the use of traditional space-based satellites.
© Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
