After posting a question about modifying antennae for RC airplanes last year, many readers submitted helpful replies. However, a direct answer to my question remained elusive, perhaps because there isn't one due to the many variables. I found a link which describes some testing on common configuration modifications that I believe to be very enlightening. For those of you who are interested in "short antenna" variations or modifications, please check the site http://www.rc-cam.com/ant_exp.htm