What is NOT a common use for amateur radio?

Amateur radio, often referred to as "ham radio," is primarily used for personal, non-commercial purposes, allowing operators to communicate with each other, experiment with technology, and assist in emergencies. The key distinction for amateur radio is that it is not intended for monetary gain; rather, it serves recreational and community-focused objectives.

Commercial broadcasting is fundamentally different as it involves sending content to a mass audience for profit. This activity requires specific licenses regulated by governmental bodies, which oversee the frequency allocations and operational procedures for commercial entities. Amateur radio operators are not permitted to engage in commercial broadcasting or to use their licenses to transmit for business purposes. Instead, their communications might include emergency support, personal messaging among friends or hobbyists, or experiments with new technology.

In contrast, emergency communications leverage amateur radio's capabilities to relay important information during disasters when traditional communication infrastructure may fail. Personal messaging is a common use of amateur radio, allowing operators to stay in touch on various frequencies. Aviation communications, while crucial, are typically conducted on designated aviation channels by licensed personnel, rather than by amateur radio operators.