WA2SI wrote:
Dr. Daffodil Swain wrote:
Why not maintain the 5WPM requirement in the U.S., but give No-Code
Techs
access to the 80, 40, 15, and 10 meter old novice sub-bands. This
would
allow aspiring upgraders a place to hone their skills without
having
to
just listen to recordings. Also, the sending skills can be
developed
as
well. A side benefit would be hearing the sound of CW again ( even
if it's
bad) in these largly unused segments. Just a thought.

Sounds reasonable. Heck, eventually the FCC will acquiesce to those
who
feel amateur radio privileges are rights rather than privileges. I
personally believe the FCC is going to retain Element 1 solely for
the
Extra class license. This would actually be a more balanced
alternative, IMHO.

We've long since left the American core value of "priviledge is
earned", Bert. It started with Johnson's "Great Society". The "Great
Entitlement Giveaway" has been gaining momentum since. It's now
self-perpetuating. You have a pulse? You're entitled to what ever you
want regardless of whether you earned it or not.

In any case, I tend to agree with you on the Code issue. I'd go a
bit further and grandfather all the Advanced guys into Extra if for no
other reason than eliminating some administrative headache. Readjust
some of the sub bands a bit, then have it down to truly three classes
of license...Not three active and then several other "if you were
licensed on this date, "this", if you are one legged and whistle while
roller skating, "that" class, etc etc etc...

EXTRA: Remain as is. Full privileges and 5 WPM test.

ADVANCED: Grandfathered to Extra. Class eliminated from
database.

GENERAL. Becomes No Code. Present Generals remain. Sub bands
adjusted with Advanced "upgrade".

TECH PLUS: Must take written for upgrade to General with HF
theory/practice/safety questions. "Novice" HF privileges revoked, but
CSCE for 5WPM remains valid for future Extra upgrade.

NC TECH: No Change.

NOVICES: No more renewals. Put on notice that if they don't
upgrade by next renewal date, the license is eliminated. Possible
alternative, grandfather to NCT?

73

Steve, K4YZ