What's The "Average" Effective Range?

There are several factors that contribute to your distance.

Atmospheric conditions are the primary aid/enemy of distance in radio communication. Along with that is the 11 year solar cycles which we are about to enter the peak of. The sun goes through roughly 11 year cycles where there are more frequent sun spots and less sun spots. When sun spot activity increases you can get out hundreds of miles barefoot. When the activity is at a low you might not get 5 miles out even with extra power.

Another thing that a couple people alluded to was terrain. If you are down in a valley or some hole somewhere and your antenna cant get over the hills it's going to keep you from getting out unless you can elevate your antenna.

If you really want to get out (and do it legally) you might want to get a ham license. I recently got mine and its been a blast and you don't even need to know code anymore!

73s!