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FCC Report and Order on Part 97

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 12:50 pm
by carnage aligner
http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Release ... 4-74A1.pdf

Here is a summary:

1. Emission type FXE and FXD are now authorized by rule instead of waiver. These emission types are supported in ETSI 102 / DMR systems and provide for TDMA or time division multiple access in the Amateur Service. "This promotes spectrum efficiency and furthers experimentation in the radio arts - FCC" :mrgreen:

2. Lifetime credit is given for Element 3 and Element 4 if your licenses expires. An expired licensee may retake Element 2 at a VE session and receive credit for Element 3 or Element 4 if they previously passed those elements and were licensed as a General, Advanced, or Extra Class operator.

3. Three VE's are still required for test sessions. The FCC declined to reduce the number to two.

4. Remote testing via telepresence is authorized, provided that a VE team offers that capability and the VEC and VE have procedures to ensure adherence to the rules for the examination. VE teams are not required to offer remote testing, but may at their option offer this technique for testing. An example would be using Skype and a remote testing application verified by IP connection. This makes it possible to proctor VE sessions remotely.

5. Some additional VE procedures are also clarified.


Craig

Re: FCC Report and Order on Part 97

Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 4:08 pm
by ab5rm
This removes a lot of presure from folks who allow their license to lapse. Nothing mentioned though about Advanced class hams being able to get a new 2x2, so I presume they would be issued a 2x3 and then spend some money if they chose to for a KA5BC call.

Re: FCC Report and Order on Part 97

Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2014 8:37 am
by carnage aligner
The FCC is NOT issuing any new Advanced class operator licenses. If a licensee is expired beyond the two year grace period, then they may take the Element 2 Technician exam. They will receive credit for Element 3, but not Element 4 as IT EXISTS TODAY.

Element 4a and Element 4b were combined into the new Element 4 after 2000 when the Part 97 created only three license classes, Tech, General, and Amateur Extra. While an Advanced class operator had passed Element 4a (the most difficult technical exam), they had not passed Element 4b, thus the need to take a new Element 4 exam if they wish to obtain a 2x2 or vanity Extra Class call sign.

If you want to die as an Advanced class operator, then renew your license and STFU! :twisted: