"K4YZ" wrote in news:1109339098.970664.145900
@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com:


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



There are too many proposals already, that's why the FCC is taking so long,
in all probability. FWIW, here's mine:-

1) Drop Element 1;

2) Upgrade Novices and No-code Techs to Tech Plus privileges, but just call
it Technician;

3) Upgrade Advanced to Extra

4) 'Re-farm' the Novice subbands as already agreed by the FCC;

5) As (4) above also affects (2), some further adjustments would have to be
made to Tech privileges, so I suggest giving them General CW/Data on 80, 40
and 15, plus full privileges on 10.

I don't expect everyone to agree, but I can't resist posting my two cents!

73 de Alun, N3KIP