Bill Sohl wrote:
"KØHB" wrote in message
ink.net...

"Bill Sohl" wrote
...... what is your specific proposal?

I propose that new license applications be available
in two classes, namely "Class B" and "Class A".

The "Class B" learners permit would have an entry-level test
(basic regulations, safety, operating procedures, basic DC
and AC electronics). This class would have full frequency and
mode privileges, power limited to 50W output. The permit
would be issued for a period of 10 years, and be non-renewable.

The "Class A" license test would be of a difficulty level
similar to the current Extra class test, and would have
full privileges at power levels up to 1500W, equivalent to
current Extra Class license holders. This license
would be issued "for life" without requirement for
renewal.

Current licenses could be renewed indefinitely, and would
retain their current operating privileges.

Current Novice, Technician, General, and Advanced class
licensees could upgrade to "Class A" at any time.

Given the non-renewable aspect of your Class B and a difficulty
level for Class A being set to approximate today's Extra; I think
that presents a very large jump from B to A in one test
element.

That depends on the level required of the B license, doesn't it?

Note that some things will be eliminated from the pools for
both Element A and Element B. For example, since both
licenses would have access to all amateur frequencies
and modes,
all the questions about various license-class subbands
and mode restrictions would disappear.

Today, even with 3 element steps
to Extra we see limited (i.e. about 15%) of today's hams
going to Extra.

So far, anyway.

Once code is gone,

??Once code is gone??

Or once the code *test* is gone?

some of that will increase, but
I suspect many people find their needs addressed at Tech or
General.

Or maybe the code test isn't the problem it is often presented
to be.

More than half of the current US amateur licensees have passed
all the code testing they need for Extra, yet only about 15%
have gotten that license - even though the rules haven't changed
in almost six years.

Perhaps a set of 3 classes, A, B & C would make more sense
wherby Class A would be as Hans proposes, Class C would be the
non-renewable Class B he proposed and we call my
suggested Class B a renewable version of the Class C.
Class B would be 100% identical to Class C except it would be
renewable and it would have a test element equivalent to
todays General.

So a person would start out with a Class C, and could upgrade to
Class B or Class A.

What that system does is essentially rebadge the current
Tech/General/Extra
system with a few changes.

Just some more thoughts, what say you folks?

Is the Extra written so tough that it's unreasonable to expect hams to
pass it even after 10 years?

73 de Jim, N2EY