Response to comments on "An analysis of a staked dipole probe on a lossy earth plane using the finite-difference time-domain method" [and reply]

The paper by D.V. Thiel and R. Mittra, IEEE Trans. Geosci. Remote Sensing, vol.35, p.1357-62 (1997) is commented upon. The present author deals with the basis of the expression for the effective complex area of a horizontal electric dipole (HED) over a layered conductive half-space. The second related item deals with a basic flaw in an estimate of the error when the HED is lifted relative to the air/earth interface. The present author provides an additional analysis. In both cases the HED is oriented to have a maximum response.