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			In article   , "Dee D. Flint"writes:
 
 Making the second level license examination equivalent to the current Extra
 examination sounds like it would drive people out of ham radio.
 
 That depends on how it's done. If a person knows from the start that they have
 10 years to get ready for the upgrade, they have a goal and can set a timeline
 to meet it.
 
 There's also the possibility (I don't know if Hans' plan would allow this or
 not) to allow Beginners to simply take the Beginner test again if they're not
 ready to upgrade after 10 years.
 
 That's
 simply too big a jump to expect people to take in one swallow so to speak
 especially since this would affect current Technicians who entered the
 licensing program under a system with 3 tiers (or more for those who entered
 several years ago).
 
 That all depends on how the transition is handled.
 
 Perhaps all existing hams would simply get Regulars. Or maybe all existing hams
 except Novices.
 
 Or perhaps existing hams would have their existing licenses and privileges
 extended/renewed until 10 years after the new system went into effect, putting
 everyone on the same timeline for upgrading.
 
 It would also take away privileges from existing Techs
 in that they are now receive renewable licenses but would not under that
 proposal.
 
 See above - it all depends how the transition is handled.
 
 73 de Jim, N2EY
 
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