In article . net, "Bill Sohl"
writes:

Maybe I missed a post somewhere. What would be the difference,
other than name, between a Class A and the Extra?

All I can see is that Class A doesn't need to be renewed.

If the
only difference is the name, why would any Extra waste time
to pass a class A test whenit buys them nothing?

I'd do it just to avoid having to renew.

Plus, I could then say I'd passed both the "old" and "new" tests for
full-privileges ham licenses.

Also, why would the FCC want to maintain the name difference
in their database if that is all it is?

Just a name.

For 15 years the FCC retained the name difference between Advanced and General
even though Advanced privileges were exactly the same as General privileges.
For most of that time, the FCC "database" wasn't even computerized (the amateur
radio data was first computerized in 1964, IIRC).

So I don;t think it would be much of a problem today.

--

I think in all the arguments about the details, we may be losing sight of the
main goals of Hans' proposal:

1) Make it easier to get an entry-level amateur license
2) Convey a very large set of privileges with that entry-level license so that
new hams can sample *anything* amateur radio has to offer - except high power
transmitters.
3) Offer a real incentive for new hams to increase their technical knowledge
and qualify for full privilege licenses within a reasonable time
4) Simplify the rules and test procedures (two tests is simpler than three
tests, anyway)

Of course there's disagreement about the methods. But aren't these all pretty
good goals?


73 de Jim, N2EY