An extra class license comes in handy too. There are a lot of rare DX stations that only hang out in the lower band edges. 5 watts ERP will help keep you, your family, and neighbors safe. If you live on a 60 x 120-foot city lot, QRP is the only way to go. Get a copy of the RF safety program by Wayne Overbeck N6NB, and use the maximum permissible exposure limits for uncontrolled areas.
Ground planes work fine at altitude.
Our DX friends like to use these antennas. They seem to work well in all directions. Commercial radios work fine. Just turn the power down. You can not beat their performance.