Oh, I agree 100%. That was only a basic description of why we should NOT cut antennas regardless of base loading. Even with base loading, there should not be any 'adjustments' to antenna lengths. All the base loading does is make a short antenna 'look' like a typical 1/4 (for example) wavelength antenna.

Don't cut them. Plain and simple. Send it back and have it checked. If the plane involved was in a crash, the receiver could have other issues besides a shortened antenna.

CGr.