"Bill Sohl" wrote in message
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From: Bill Sohl on Dec 5, 6:48 am
As to a new beginners license, I (me alone) would
support that idea...but I think we need to approach
that concept slowly by the following path:

1. FCC drops code test as currently proposed
2. The ham community (ARRL, etc) monitors closely
the entrance/addition of new (i.e. never before) hams
and upgrades of existing hams for at least a couple of years.
3.After two years, we assess if any problem exists
regarding the ability to gain new hams.

Whatever. :-) First item is excellent. Second, okay.
Does there really need to be an "assessment" as in the
third? What "assessments" were done in the past?

Assessment, review, whatever. I personally think the
current 3 level license structure does not reflect a
good starting path for new hams because Techs are
(a) only allowed VHF, yet they have (b) power
privileges for full 1500 watts. My personal view is
to have a beginners license with a variety of HF
and VHF access and modes but with a limited power output
(say 200 watts or less).

The current 3 licenses and privileges are the
result of piecepart change over time and the result has
some less than logical consequences regarding
privileges and entrance level testing when compared
to the Novice tests which we had for almost 50
years. YMMV.

Cheers,
Bill K2UNK

Well I would propose dropping the Tech altogether and upping the General
written to 50 question test once the code is dropped. The difference in
technical material is not great and it's not that hard to memorize the
difference in privileges.

Once the code is dropped, in the classes that I teach, I will combine the
material and encourage all the students to go straight to General. There
really won't be a need for an introductory license.

Dee D. Flint, N8UZE