I agree completely. The exam isn't supposed to be like a bar or medical board exam. I am a soccer referee instructor and the people that pass the exam and obtain the entry level referee license aren't expected (or qualified) to go out and do the World Cup or the Olympics. It takes many years of training and experience to achieve that level. I view amateur licenses the same way -- Technician is an "entry level" license. -- Andy Oppel On Mon, Aug 18, 2008 at 9:11 AM, Coy Day <n5ok@arrl.org> wrote:

I have one Mike, W5UC, that insists that our licensing structure is broken and that the ARRL must fix it. I've relayed to him that their isn't much desire, at this point, to change the licensing structure. He didn't like that answer! He is saying that it is too easy to get a license and that the FCC is licensing those that are totally unqualified to be on the bands.

My feelings are that we don't test people into being "fully qualified". We test to see if they are qualified to begin learning amateur radio through experience.

Anyone have any good answers for Mike?

Coy -- Coy Day, N5OK 20685 SW 29 Union City, OK 73090 405-483-5632

-- ----- Andy Oppel andy.oppel@gmail.com