SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-e-region-hop

How far can one hop via the E region normally travel?

About 1,200 miles.

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  1. 180 miles
  2. 1,200 miles ✔
  3. 2,500 miles

Why: The E region sits lower than the F2 region, so one hop covers a shorter distance, about 1,200 miles along the Earth's surface.

Huh, didn't know that: Scatter propagation can let signals be heard inside the transmitting station's skip zone.

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References

Answer: 1,200 miles. The E region sits lower than the F2 region, so one hop covers a shorter distance, about 1,200 miles along the Earth's surface.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    What is the approximate maximum distance along the Earth’s surface normally covered in one hop using the E region?
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    B. 1,200 miles
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  3. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    B. Scatter
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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