[Hallicrafters] OT: Aircraft Band

[Bruce Wright]

Dear Fellow Halli List Members...

Knowing this question is somewhat off-topic, any replies are appreciated and 
can be sent to me via direct e-mail.

The recent postings about 115 mHz and its use, brought to mind a question 
that's a curiosity to me and one that I've not found the answer to.

After being away from amateur radio for a number of years, I wanted to 
participate in a local charity event as a communications volunteer and this 
required the purchase of an HT. I was surprised to find among its specs an 
AM detector enabling it to receive the VHF aircraft band.

Why is AM used in this band (118 to 136 mHz plus/minus)? It seems to me 
that, at the current stage of communications, SSB would be the mode of 
choice. (Btw, I'm NOT an anti-AM advocate).

Anyone have a plausible answer(s)?

Thanks, in advance.

73,
Bruce
WC5CW