Steve Robeson, K4CAP wrote:

"Tom Winston" wrote in message ...


On 19 Jan 2004 10:08:20 -0800, N2EY wrote:


Existing Advanceds get free upgrade to Extra, ...


That's not an upgrade; that's a downgrade. Advanced class licensees
passed the Extra class written exam, and passed a 13 wpm code test.
Furthermore, most Advanced class licensees took the older Extra exam
-- an exam that's a lot tougher than the current Extra exam.



Uhhhh...in what universe?

The only "Advanced" class licensees that I know of that took an
Extra written test but didn't upgrade were one's who failed the 20WPM.

There was that window of time from Jan 2000 to April 14, 2000 where one
could take the
extra written, pass it, get the CSCE, and cash it in on April 15, 2000.
And then have
your extra. And not fail the 20wpm test because he didn't take it. I
did this and also
took the advanced written (was an old tech plus), and cashed in the
CSCEs April 15th.


And I'd like to know how getting more operating privileges is a
"downgrade"...?!?!

Would you take an airline ticket "upgrade" by moving FROM First
Class to Coach? Uh uh...It's the other way around. Same here.



Possession of the Advanced class license proves that the holder met
higher standards than the current crop of Extras.

But those advanceds didn't do the extra writtens (4B). So, if the extra
written is "worth"
more than 13wpm, then todays' extras have higher standards than the
advanceds'.
Depends on how you call it, if element 4B 13wpm or not.




Perhaps. Certainly the Advanced Class folks passed a more
stringent code test. My Advanced written was hard, but so was the
Extra. I am proud of both.

It's a good thing to have, but it's not at the top of my resume. My 13
patents
and BSEE are above it. Now that we're in bragging mode.... :-)