Utilizing more than one antenna to improve the quality and reliability of radio signal is called antenna diversity.

Heavy and/or faster aircraft utilize top and bottom antenna configurations to eliminate the possibility of signal blind spots caused by shadowing. Lighter, slower general aviation aircraft typically only have 1 antenna and do not require antenna diversity. Although not completely uniform, the transmission pattern of a typical antenna provides adequate radiation above and below in relation to most GA aircraft even when the antenna is on the bottom of the aircraft.