Narrative:

[We were] unable to receive clear ATC communications on all three radios and all frequencies. [We] tried for approximately twenty minute period while flying through a stratus layer of clouds associated with thunderstorms in the area. Also [we were] unable to establish any communications with company dispatch during this period. [There was a] constant loud squelch/interference noise disrupting ability to hear any clear ATC reception. It appears we were able to still transmit; because on occasion we could hear ATC responding to our attempts to call them. We broadcast our intentions and route in the blind on both ATC assigned frequencies and 121.5 while attempting other ATC frequencies noted on enroute chart; as well as trying to reach any other aircraft that might have been in area. Finally were able to re-establish communications with ATC once we were clear of all clouds. We were able to stay clear of all clouds for the rest of flight and landed without further incident. Dispatch/maintenance notified once in the clear and contract maintenance met aircraft upon arrival.suspect faulty RF5; according to mechanic on arrival....flying in stratus cloud associated with thunderstorms. We all know that the airbus definitely has a problem with radio reception while flying in any precipitation...this by far was almost a total loss of communications due to equipment and associated weather.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: An A320 Captain reported being unable to receive clear ATC communications on all three radios and all frequencies during a twenty minute period while flying through a stratus layer of clouds associated with thunderstorms. Constant loud squelch/interference noise disrupted ability to hear any clear ATC reception.

Narrative: [We were] unable to receive clear ATC communications on all three radios and all frequencies. [We] tried for approximately twenty minute period while flying through a stratus layer of clouds associated with thunderstorms in the area. Also [we were] unable to establish any communications with company Dispatch during this period. [There was a] constant loud squelch/interference noise disrupting ability to hear any clear ATC reception. It appears we were able to still transmit; because on occasion we could hear ATC responding to our attempts to call them. We broadcast our intentions and route in the blind on both ATC assigned frequencies and 121.5 while attempting other ATC frequencies noted on Enroute Chart; as well as trying to reach any other aircraft that might have been in area. Finally were able to re-establish communications with ATC once we were clear of all clouds. We were able to stay clear of all clouds for the rest of flight and landed without further incident. Dispatch/Maintenance notified once in the clear and Contract Maintenance met aircraft upon arrival.Suspect faulty RF5; according to Mechanic on arrival....flying in stratus cloud associated with Thunderstorms. We all know that the Airbus definitely has a problem with radio reception while flying in any precipitation...This by far was almost a total loss of communications due to equipment and associated weather.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.