Which of the following is a characteristic of VHF communications?

VHF communications, or Very High Frequency communications, are indeed commonly used for aviation and maritime communications due to their ability to provide clear and reliable signals over relatively long distances, typically within the line of sight. The VHF range generally spans from 30 MHz to 300 MHz, which is well-suited for communication in these environments where reliable voice transmission is critical.

In aviation, VHF frequencies are essential for air traffic control communication and cockpit exchanges. Similarly, in maritime operations, VHF radios are heavily utilized for shore-to-ship communication and ship-to-ship communication, particularly within coastal areas and in open waters where line-of-sight transmission is effective.

The other options do not accurately characterize VHF communications. Satellite communications aren't primarily conducted on the VHF band; they typically operate in higher frequency ranges. While VHF can be used for short-range communication, its effectiveness and clarity make it particularly advantageous for longer-range operations compared to low-frequency bands. Lastly, VHF does not operate in the microwave frequency range; rather, microwave frequencies are usually associated with UHF (Ultra High Frequency) and higher bands, which exceed the VHF spectrum.