[CW] FCC Response re: Extra License

Tue, 23 Apr 2002 16:54:59 -0700

Well, I for one have to agree with Mr. Cross. I also have a short comment.

I can't conceive that anyone could pass an Extra exam with one days study. I
would believe that any who did in fact pass did so because the class was a
last minute refresher to learning already applied.

I originally took the Tech test in August of 95. I then upgraded to Tech +
in September, and General in October. I then upgraded directly to Extra,
after 13 months of intensive study and lots of time in the CW bands building
my CW speed, in November of 96. My ability to memorize is awful so I had to
learn the math so I could work the problems not just vomit the right answer.

I will probably never build my own rig but I operate in accordance with
regulations and good amateur practice. I pump a handle or twitch a bug with
the best of them but I am certainly no engineer. Now, should that keep me or
anyone else like me out of the hobby? I will let those of you who read this
decide.

73 Patrick AC6YD

 -----Original Message-----
From: 	[email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]  On Behalf
Of Jim Reid
Sent:	Tuesday, April 23, 2002 4:26 PM
To:	CW Reflector
Subject:	[CW] FCC Response re: Extra License

Just to complete the topic:

Today,  the following arrived from William Cross at the
FCC:

"Jim,

While I understand that your comments are rhetorical, I can
answer the question you pose:

Yes, what does the Extra Class license mean anymore??

It means what it always meant, no more and no less:  it means
you showed up at an exam point and passed the necessary
exam elements to show the VEs (prior to 1984 it was the FCC
Engineer-in-charge) that you were qualified for an Amateur
Extra Class license.  The Amateur Extra Class operator license
is an amateur radio license-not a professional engineering
license-and there never has been a need, requirement, or a
reason for a person to take "an entire semester in engineering
school to learn how to solve all those impedance, complex
plane,  R+/- jX problems" to be an amateur radio operator.
Personally, I'd prefer they take an entire semester before
they get on the air and read their transmitter's operating manual.

Keep in mind, too, that the exam system and license structure
we have today is the system the hams asked for-not one
imposed by the government.

William Cross"

Happy they  took notice about my post of some days ago about
becoming an Extra in one day.  Seems the folks who took that
class and test,  had done much studying before that day, at
least those who passed had;  have heard from one who signed
up for the class,  but couldn't make it,  but will in June,  he hopes.

Subject closed.

73,  Jim  KH7M

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