[CW] Removing the written test

[John Geiger]

One thing I never see is people complaining how they have to learn electrical theory to become a ham, and petitioning the FCC to remove the written test. 

I had to learn electronic theory for 4 different tests:

Novice
Tech/General
Advanced
Extra

I don't have any interest in homebrewing equipment nor fixing my own.  I want to get on the air and operate.  I have fixed a couple of pieces of equipment I picked up at a hamfest, and on a good day I can put a PL259 on a piece of coax and not get second degree burns from the iron.

However, it seems that the written test could be holding lots of people back, who would make fine operators, but who just don't see why the FCC emphasizes electronic theory on the tests, when it is just another form of knowledge.  Homebrewing a rig is so stuck in the past, and this idea probably drives off lots of teenages from seeking a ham license.  

In addition, to get a driver's license I don't have to know how to repair a car, or the theory behind why a car works.  

I think those of us who aren't into the electronic side of ham radio have alot of petitioning and complaining to do to catch up with the others.  Is anyone else interested in forming the NWTI group-No Written Test International?  We will not be against electronic theory, we will just be against using it as a requirement for ham licensing. And we will be super annoying until we get our way and everyone agrees with us.

73s John NE0P