[KYHAM] New NO THEORY License class

[Martin Hensley]

In general, I have very few problems with the proposal, but there are 
a few things that I would change:

1. Current Technicians should NOT be "grandfathered" into the new 
system as General licenses. As I read the proposal, they would 
already be gaining new HF privileges if they entered the new system 
at the entry-level class. Why should they be "promoted" to the 
General class?

2. The General class examination should include more questions on HF 
operation and modes. That was undoubtedly the easiest written exam 
that I've ever taken in Amateur Radio. Of course, passing the 13wpm 
CW test took 3 months and 4 attempts . . .

3. Keeping the CW test for Amateur Extra seems reasonable. It is a 
test of a specific operating mode that is currently in use. While I 
have no personal interest in CW, I also see no need to eliminate it 
entirely for those who want to earn the highest license class. Of 
course, what is needed to make this logical is to reorganize the band 
plans as well. Separate CW and digital segments of the bands, then 
give only Extras operating privileges in the CW segment. Novice and 
Generals could have a small CW segment in one of the less crowded 
bands (10M?) for practice.

Like it or not, CW testing will become a thing of the past in most of 
the world. This doesn't mean that it is a dead or obsolete mode 
(listen to the number of people that still operate AM). It simply is 
no longer absolutely necessary for routine communications. The "small 
bandwidth, poor conditions" argument is being rapidly made obsolete 
by the newer digital modes, as well. On the other hand, there should 
be some way to maintain the CW segments of the bands for those who 
enjoy it and have proven at least a basic level of ability. I think 
the proposal above accomplishes that.

73,
Martin, KF4EBC
-- 
If you are going to live on the cutting edge, you'd better expect to 
bleed a little.
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