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As with the General, I have assumed that you have some technical knowledge, so understand what a sideband is, for example.
There is a some repetition from previous papers in the Regulations section.
Currently, on the MF and HF bands, the great majority of voice communications, termed "phone", use single-sideband, as this makes efficient use of power and spectrum. In other words, it has a narrow bandwidth for the content carried. SSB is a development from AM, or amplitude modulation. AM is most well known for its use in broadcasting, as receivers are simple. It was originally used in military and general communication, including Amateur. Now (in communications) it is generally only used in simple 27 MHz CBs, and VHF airband. Once AM only, 2182 kHz (MF Marine) has mostly gone to USB.
Amateurs do however still use a few variations of AM. Standard AM, or DSB-FC, for Double-sideband with Full Carrier, is used in historical equipment (often heavy, hence termed "boat anchors"). Home-brew gear often uses either this, or DSB without carrier, as they are more easily generated. This includes not needing the complex filtering or phasing techniques needed for SSB. The VK2WI broadcasts from Dural, NSW also use AM on selected bands, as this allows reception on simple shortwave receivers. New broadcast transmitters can generate upwards modulation above 100%! Modern Ham gear usually supports AM, including for talking to folks on "boat anchor nets". Many multi-mode rigs also support AM on VHF, as does the very nice Vertex Standard VXA-700 Spirit Airband plus 2 metres handheld (but not the newer -710).
Discrete component or IC Double-balanced modulators / mixers, including the SA-602 chip family produce Double Sideband without a carrier. This can be received with an SSB radio set to either sideband. These include "Direct conversion" equipment, which is compatible with single sideband, including receiving SSB. They however apparently cannot receive DSB correctly. Outside the US I don't think people get upset if you use a 3.58 MHz crystal, and operate at low power.
SSB is a single sideband, with the carrier suppressed. The tradition is that below 9 MHz LSB, or Lower Sideband is used. Above 9 MHz USB is used, and this applies all the way up through VHF, and beyond. 60 metres / 5 MHz uses USB.
It is worth noting that older "type approved" or commercial use equipment, such as Codan equipment may only have USB available, as this is used on all non-Amateur frequencies. Thus, when such gear is used on ham bands, USB is used.
Terrestrial analogue TV uses Vestigial Sideband (VSB), where the other sideband are retained for low frequency content, to ensure the integrity of the phase information. This applies for B&W, NTSC, or PAL systems.
HF phone signals typically extend either 3 kHz above or below the suppressed carrier, or in both directions for a DSB. The same distances occur relative to the carrier on an AM (DSB FC) signal. Thus we need to keep this distance from the band or segment edge in the direction which the sideband extends.
On 1.8 MHz, 3.6 MHz, and 7 MHz, or 160, 80 (aka 75 m), and 40 metres, tradition dictates Lower sideband (LSB) is used. While regulations vary by country, and licence class, the principle that the displayed frequency must be be 3 kHz above the lower band edge must be observed. Note that, in these cases, the actual band edge may be a legally defined phone sub-band, or sub-band defined in a band-plan. An Australia non-WICEN voice activity should not extend below 3600 kHz, meaning the dial frequency should not be less than 3603 kHz, or 3.603 MHz. This keeps frequencies below 3600 kHz free for CW and digital users.
Above 9 MHz Upper sideband (USB) is used. This means a station must not operate within 3 kHz of the top of the band. Given 20 metres extends to 14.350 MHz, you must ensure the dial frequency is not greater than 14.347 MHz. The same applies to band-edges all the way into VHF, UHF, and beyond.
Where USB is used on 80 metres, such as when using non-Amateur gear, the rule for USB apples to frequency selection.
Narrow data modes can get closer to the band edge, but if using narrow SSB voice you should probably avoid getting close the edge, as not all operators can legally reply, given many radios do not have advanced filtering.
On 60 m and 630 metres narrower SSB must be used, and so the rules are a little different.
For operations on 60 metres (5 MHz) SSB bandwidth is limited to 2.8 kHz. If using data on the existing channels, the same bandwidth applies. For CW, operation must be in the centre of each channel, and only one transmission is permitted per channel, even though several could fit. The power limit is 100 watts PEP, effective radiated power. This means, if you are using a dipole, the limit is 100 watts. This 100 watt level is the result of an increase over that initially applying.
The large wavelength of (almost) 60 metres makes high gain antennas very large. While a Yagi-like antenna made from inverted-Vs could be strung using two large trees or utility poles, a rotatable Yagi would be one of the largest, and most expensive antenna constructions in all of Hamdom. A curtain array would be another possibility, as would a rhombic. This however would have limited value, as while the improvement in receiver system gain has value, the transmit power must be reduced, to that equivalent to 100 watts into a dipole (or an antenna with the gain of a dipole).
The other antennas with decent performance for this band, given suitable supports, would be a loop. This can be a square, rectangular, delta (triangular), or other loop, hung in the vertical plane, or a horizontal loop; generally square.
All of the above said, this band probably has the greatest utility when used with an NVIS antenna. The classic NVIS antenna is a low dipole, perhaps mounted over a grounded wire or mesh.
UPDATE: As of around 9 January 2026 the new FCC issued allocation of 5351.5 - 5366.5 kHz to the amateur service on a secondary basis is active. This is in response to WRC-15 in 2015, so things do move slowly at times. Permitted power is 9.15 watts ERP. Use of the four existing channel outside this allocation remains at 100 watts ERP.
Antennas for this band should have reasonable performance on the Alaska Emergency Frequency with a suppressed carrier (dial) frequency of 5167.5 MHz, although lengthening of the elements, or the use of a tuner may be required for best performance. If your radio won't transmit a carrier or AM on this frequency either an external tone generator, or making a long "Ahhhhhhhh" while transmitting should activate the tuner.
Using other modes, the signal must not extend outside the band, so the direction and width of any modulation must be taken into account.
AFSK is Audio Frequency Shift Keying. This is typically generated by feeding audio from a PC's sound-card into the microphone or line-level input on a transceiver, and received from a headphone or similar output. In days of old, a dedicated modem or TNC would have been used; while nowadays, the PC could replaced by an Arduino, RaspberryPi, other SBC, or microcontroller. APRS can use a simple "TNC-2" to convert GNSS (GPS) data to tones.
The nature of the audio is two audio tones. This is used in Radio-teletype (RTTY); and AX.25 Packet, including APRS. Depending on data speed, a shift of several hundred Hertz is common. One frequency is the Mark, or binary 1; the other the Space, or binary 0. For those of us who used 300 and 1200 bps / baud modems in the early 1980s, such modems used this method. In fact, Bell protocols continue to be used in Ham Radio.
At VHF and UHF, the AFSK signal is typically fed into an FM transceiver, as there are cheaper, and more common, although "weak signal" modes use SSB rigs. On HF frequencies, discussed in these regulations questions, single-sideband is used.
The bandwidth twice the frequency shift plus twice the data rate. In any case, this is given in the question, typically as 1 kHz. If it is 1kHz then you must not get closer than 1 kHz below the upper band-edge for a 1 kHz bandwidth USB signal, and 1 kHz above the lower band-edge for a 1 kHz bandwidth LSB signal.
Off this section, multi-frequency shift keying exists.
Digital voice and slow-scan TV use a range of encoding systems. All are subject to the bandwidth limit of 3 kHz which applies to pretty much any mode on the Amateur HF bands.
Removed from the SSTV question, DRM, Digital Radio Mondiale is a digital voice mode, also capable of supporting the still images, especially on the HF (SW bands), although this mode is also used on MW and LW, at least in trials. A range of bandwidths are possible, allowing the carriage of quality music, and/or multiple voice-grade programmes. In the Ham world, DRM is generally encoded and decoded using PCs connected to regular HF radios. There are also variations of DRM which compete with DAB or DAB+, on VHF.
As modes are developed by Hams and companies around the world, it is important to ensure that the mode's bandwidth complies with regulations in your country. For example, C4FM used in Yaesu's "Fusion" digital voice system is far too wide for HF. CODEC2 is of the correct bandwidth.
The RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) has two meanings, one being the use of Amateurs, voluntarily registered with the area's Emergency Operations Centre, or other relevant authority, to support the operation of local, county, or state emergency operations, in support of government agencies.
The second is the "nuclear option" where the Amateur Service is shut down, and replaced by RACES, on specific frequencies, under tight Federal government control, say after a nuclear strike on the US, invasion, or civil war.
ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service) supports non-government agencies, such as the Red Cross, during disaster relief. Organisations such as volunteer mobile kitchen organisations called in during a disaster or evacuation may need communications assistance.
SATERN is the Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network, perform tasks such as passing health and welfare information during disasters. Other tasks have included linking hospitals after a tornado.
SKYWARN is part of the National Weather Service, which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It has 300,000 trained volunteers. Hopefully its operations will continue.
Outside the US, CANWARN is the CANadian Weather Amateur Radio Network; and Skywarn Europe groups perform a similar task in a range of European countries.
To varying extents, aircraft and vessels use radio based technologies for navigation, and for communications. Thus, there is some risk Amateur transmissions will interfere with the operation of these craft. Thus, it is necessary to obtain permission of the pilot of the aircraft, or master (captain) of the vessel.
For aircraft it may well only be possible for passengers to operate on private (light) aircraft, or aircraft engaged in search and rescue work. These are normally termed "general aviation", or GA, aircraft. However, if you are a pilot, even of a passenger or freight aircraft, it will generally be possible to use one of the aircraft's HF transceivers on the Amateur bands during cruise. Typically located in the console between the pilots, these have wide frequency coverage, and are often made by Collins.
For ships this depends partly on the company operating the ship, and for cruise ships you should ask the company, get this in writing, and book based on their policies. Do remember the huge risk of diseases circulating on board! While Radio Officers are becoming a thing of the past, with automated satellite-based communications, the ship's main transmitter can generally operate on the Ham bands.
In all cases, a regular Amateur licence is all that is needed. On US vessels this must be an FCC licence, or an overseas licence recognised for use in the US.
Two new bands were introduced around 2017, being 2200 metres, and 630 metres.
Given a tower a few 10s of metres is the limit of many Amateur's possibilities, such as antenna is going to be very inefficient. Loading coils can be wound in insulated wire on 20 litre pails, but some exceed the size of a 200 litre drum, and can consist of heavy copper bar, wound so that the bar has its edge inwards.
Antennas can be heavy wires strung between towers fed from one end, or a tower or mast with top-loading wires, which form a capacitive hat. A good ground system is also required. Another is a vertical wire connected to a continuous wire hung between two poles or towers, forming a T-shaped antenna. Some government VLF antennas are also T-shaped, strung between two mountain peaks!
Warning! Even modest powers fed into a high impedance antenna will result in a very high voltage on the output of the loading coil. This can be 10s of thousands of volts, and can be lethal!
This is a Low Frequency (LF) band, also termed long-wave. It covers 135.7 kHz to 137.8 kHz. Power is restricted to 1 watt EIRP.
It is our only LF Band, and as there are no VLF Amateur allocations, this is the longest wavelength, and lowest frequency, Ham band.
This band is below the the European long-wave broadcast band, where antennas exceeding 350 metres are standard, and Iceland's 412 metre one is the largest LW one standing, following an accident during the replacement of the guys of a 646 metre Polish tower. (Taller guyed towers exist on the US prairies, but these just support VHF and UHF systems).
Given the various challenges, specially chosen modes are used, especially very slow Morse code, termed "QRSS". This is both generated and received using equipment connected to PCs. Other, narrowband "weak signal" digital modes can also be used, along with regular Morse. That said, QRSS Morse beaconing is the most common operation in this band.
630 metres is the second MF Amateur band, in spectrum previously used for maritime communications. It is below the MW / MF AM broadcast band.
As an example of an effective antennas for this spectrum, 2CR at Cumnock on 549 kHz covers much of rural NSW using 50 kW into its top-loaded 198 metre (600 foot) tower. Clearly most Amateurs would not have access to such a structure, although top-loading is still useful.
The frequency range is 472 to 479 kHz. Power limits are 5 watts EIRP in most of the US. However, this band is not an Amateur allocation in Russia, so within 496 miles of it the power limit is 1 watt EIRP. This equates to 798.235 km, and this area is entirely within Alaska.
As with 2200 metres, the wavelength is large, and achieving 5 watts EIRP will be difficult for many stations. Output power of transmitters is limited to 1500 watts PEP.
While CW and digital modes are encouraged, this band is wide enough to support a narrow SSB voice signal.
Systems such as Packet Radio typically use VHF radio to transmit text-based massages, and small files. Messages often go from your station to a local BBS (Bulletin Board System), through other BBS stations, etc, and finally the recipient. It is also possible to connect to remote station or BBS by "digipeating" through several stations. There are also "gateway" stations which pass messages globally via HF radio or low-orbiting satellite.
One problem with this is that on occasions a station may send messages or files with inappropriate or unlawful content. Just as Twitter may not be liable for the content of tweets, BBS operators are not liable for forwarding a dodgy message. However, the BBS operator has a responsibility to discontinue (or remove) the offending messages. Plus what may be permitted in a message originating outside the US may not be permitted within it. The social media company owner squatting on Pennsylvania Avenue is clearly not an example of good conduct.
SSTV is an image transmission format where a still image is sent in a 3 kHz bandwidth, such as an HF SSB channel. There are many formats, however each image takes 8 to 114 seconds to send. It is essentially an analogue system.
The original system involved a video camera, modems, and a video display, using an old radar video tube, which has long persistence phosphor. Modern systems use PCs, interfaced via their soundcards. In between there would have been an external modem or similar with a Z-80 or other home system or early PC.
As an image mode, transmissions on the HF bands must be in the phone portion of the band. Or as per your national recommendations elsewhere.
Unlike the transmission of an image file between stations, using forward error correction, and/or ACK/NAK and re-transmission, SSTV images will often have visible interference or noise. The upside is that a station, even on the International Space Station, can transmit an image to a large number of stations, and unlicensed hobbyists can receive them.
The United States National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ) is an area based around Green Bank Observatory (a radio telescope, like Parkes), and Sugar Grove satellite communications interception facilities, located in West Virginia. The large rectangle takes in portions of WV, Virginia, and a tiny bit of Maryland. Operation is not prohibited, but is restricted, depending on the distance from the sites, and bands used. MF, HF, and 6m are less restricted. If you live in this zone you can contact the Interference Office, National Radio Astronomy Observatory, P.O. Box 2, Green Bank, WV 24944. The big No-No in the area are satellite 'phones, as these operate at 1400 MHz, the "hydrogen line", where radio astronomy is conducted. Read more at: Wikipedia: US NRQZ
This is an order issued by the FCC in 1985 requiring state and local planning authorities to make reasonable provision for Amateur Radio. In practice, this means that antennas of some undefined reasonable size must be permitted.
These however do not affect the often Karen-heavy "homeowner associations", or HOAs. That said, perhaps getting onto the committee is a good idea.
Who knows whether any useful legislation will be passed amongst the current chaos. The Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act (or is it a Bill?) has been reintroduced into both chambers in early 2025, with bipartisan support. If it passes it will overcome HOA restrictions on outdoor antennas.
These are the actual questions from the Extra licence exam pool, as published by the NCVEC. Numbers in square brackets refer to FCC rules, such as [97.313] or [1.303]. These numbers are NOT provided in the exams.
E1A01 [97.305, 97.307(b)]
Why is it not legal to transmit a 3 kHz bandwidth USB signal with a carrier frequency of 14.348 MHz?
A. USB is not used on 20-meter phone
B. The lower 1 kHz of the signal is outside the 20-meter band
C. 14.348 MHz is outside the 20-meter band
D. The upper 1 kHz of the signal is outside the 20-meter band
With a USB signal, the signal occupies spectrum above the (suppressed) carrier frequency displayed on the radio. If we operate on 14.348 MHz, our signal will be above the band edge (14.350 MHz), and thus outside the 20 metre band by 1 kHz, answer D.
E1A02 [97.301, 97.305]
When using a transceiver that displays the carrier frequency of phone signals, which of the following displayed frequencies represents the lowest frequency at which a properly adjusted LSB emission will be totally within the band?
A. The exact lower band edge
B. 300 Hz above the lower band edge
C. 1 kHz above the lower band edge
D. 3 kHz above the lower band edge
The LSB signal extends nearly 3 kHz below the suppressed carrier, so you must stay at least 3 kHz above the lower band edge, or more usually, the bottom of the "Phone" segment, answer D.
Outside the US, where the data and phone segments are often not legally mandated, unless you wish to be known as a "lid", you still need to take note of the voluntary band plans, and avoid the data / RTTY segments.
E1A03 [97.305, 97.307(b)]
What is the highest legal carrier frequency on the 20-meter band for transmitting a 2.8 kHz wide USB data signal?
A. 14.0708 MHz
B. 14.1002 MHz
C. 14.1472 MHz
D. 14.3490 MHz
This question is a bit unfriendly, as it requires you to remember that the demarcation between the data and voice parts of this band is 14.150 MHz. However, it is then just a simple tasks to subtract 2.8 kHz, or 0.0028 MHz, from this number, and get 14.1472 MHz, answer C.
Remember, any value 2.8 kHz below a round number must end in 72.
E1A04 [97.301, 97.305]
May an Extra class operator answer the CQ of a station on 3.601 MHz LSB phone?
A. Yes, the entire signal will be inside the SSB allocation for Extra class operators
B. Yes, the displayed frequency is within the 75-meter phone band segment
C. No, the sideband components will extend beyond the edge of the phone band segment
D. No, US stations are not permitted to use phone emissions below 3.610 MHz
No, as your sideband would extend around 2 kHz down into the data / RTTY segment, answer C.
Depending on the the nature of the DX station's operation, you may be supposed to be working split anyway, so you can be above 3.603 kHz, and legal anyway. "Split" means stations replying to the DX station are up (or down) around 5 kHz from the DX station.
The first 2 distractors would only apply if you were using Upper Sideband, outside the Amateur convention, but occasionally done if using type-approved or similar radios, which may only do USB.
If you are in VK (Australia), for example, it is legal to ask him or her to move up a few kHz, to clear the data segment. "3D2PI VK2YJS Can you QSY up 2 kHz please?"
E1A05 [97.5]
Who must be in physical control of the station apparatus of an amateur station aboard any vessel or craft that is documented or registered in the United States?
A. Only a person with an FCC Marine Radio license grant
B. Only a person named in an amateur station license grant
C. Any person holding an FCC issued amateur license or who is authorized for alien reciprocal operation
D. Any person named in an amateur station license grant or a person holding an unrestricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
The same rules apply for operation in the US, being that a US licence, or a person holding an overseas licence which allows reciprocal operation, answer C.
As this is amateur radio, only amateur licences are relevant.
E1A06 [97.303(h)(1)]
Where must the carrier frequency of a CW signal be set to comply with FCC rules for 60 meter operation?
A. At the lowest frequency of the channel
B. At the center frequency of the channel
C. At the highest frequency of the channel
D. On any frequency where the signal's sidebands are within the channel
The actual CW signal must be on the centre of the channel, answer B.
Despite the fact several CW signals would fit, this is not permitted, as it would confuse a government user who is the primary user of the frequency, and likely only had a USB radio, or some sort of digital device.
E1A07 [97.313(k)]
What is the maximum power permitted on the 2200-meter band?
A. 50 watts PEP (peak envelope power)
B. 100 watts PEP (peak envelope power)
C. 1 watt EIRP (equivalent isotropic radiated power)
D. 5 watts EIRP (equivalent isotropic radiated power)
This is 1 watt EIRP, answer C.
Given the very large wavelenth of the signal, compared to the size of the antenna most amateurs are able to construct, achieving 1 watt EIRP is actually very difficult.
E1A08 [97.219]
If a station in a message forwarding system inadvertently forwards a message that is in violation of FCC rules, who is primarily accountable for the rules violation?
A. The control operator of the packet bulletin board station
B. The control operator of the originating station
C. The control operators of all the stations in the system
D. The control operators of all the stations in the system not authenticating the source from which they accept communications
This is the control operator of the station which originated the message, answer B.
The answer to a second question re this indicated that you should discontinue forwarding any such communications. This may include blocking callsign(s) or fake cllsigns involved, often done via a configuration file. Some packet software distributed in Australia included WOMBAT in this field, the "handle" used by a pirate.
E1A09 [97.313(l)]
Except in some parts of Alaska, what is the maximum power permitted on the 630-meter band?
A. 50 watts PEP (peak envelope power)
B. 100 watts PEP (peak envelope power)
C. 1 watt EIRP (equivalent isotropic radiated power)
D. 5 watts EIRP (equivalent isotropic radiated power)
This is 5 watts EIRP, answer D.
The Alaska bit is because, as Russia is part of Region 1, they may make use of this spectrum for other purposes. And yes, there are Russian airfields which as 757 carrying a fleeing felon could reach from north-west of the lower-48, so the distance is not huge.
E1A10 [97.11]
If an amateur station is installed aboard a ship or aircraft, what condition must be met before the station is operated?
A. Its operation must be approved by the master of the ship or the pilot in command of the aircraft
B. The amateur station operator must agree not to transmit when the main radio of the ship or aircraft is in use
C. The amateur station must have a power supply that is completely independent of the main ship or aircraft power supply
D. The amateur station must operate only in specific segments of the amateur service HF and VHF bands
You must have permission of the master or pilot, answer A.
For cruise ships, you need to select an amateur friendly company, and get permission in advance.
E1A11 [97.5]
What licensing is required when operating an amateur station aboard a US-registered vessel in international waters?
A. Any amateur license with an FCC Marine or Aircraft endorsement
B. Any FCC-issued amateur license
C. Only General class or higher amateur licenses
D. An unrestricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
This is asking about operating an amateur station on a vessel, not a marine one, so it is any FCC issued amateur licence, answer B.
This ignores reciprocal operation.
E1B01 [97.3]
Which of the following constitutes a spurious emission?
A. An amateur station transmission made without the proper call sign identification
B. A signal transmitted to prevent its detection by any station other than the intended recipient
C. Any transmitted signal that unintentionally interferes with another licensed radio station and whose levels exceed 40 dB below the fundamental power level
D. An emission outside the signal's necessary bandwidth that can be reduced or eliminated without affecting the information transmitted
These are "garbage" emissions, outside the signal's bandwidth, and transmitters and amplifiers should be adjusted to eliminate these, answer D.
E1B02 [97.307(f)(2)]
Which of the following is an acceptable bandwidth for digital voice or slow-scan TV transmissions made on the HF amateur bands?
A. 3 kHz
B. 10 kHz
C. 15 kHz
D. 20 kHz
Let me restate this: "Which of the following is an acceptable bandwidth for pretty much any transmissions made on the HF amateur bands?" It is 3 kHz, answer A.
The previous version of the question referred to DRM, which is a digital voice broadcasting system capable of displaying images (including album covers), designed for the HF / SW bands. The spoilers are bandwidth which may be used for broadcasting.
E1B03 [97.13]
Within what distance must an amateur station protect an FCC monitoring facility from harmful interference?
A. 1 mile
B. 3 miles
C. 10 miles
D. 30 miles
It is the shortest distance, stated in the regulations as 1600 metres, being about 1 old-fashioned mile, answer A.
I wonder of DOGE will discontinue these.
E1B04 [97.303(b)]
What must the control operator of a repeater operating in the 70-centimeter band do if a radiolocation system experiences interference from that repeater?
A. Reduce the repeater antenna HAAT (Height Above Average Terrain)
B. File an FAA NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) with the repeater system's ERP, call sign, and six-character grid locator
C. Cease operation or make changes to the repeater that mitigate the interference
D. All these choices are correct
Amateur Radio is a Secondary service in the 70 cm band. The primary use is defence radar, or "radiolocation" services. Given that these may well be for detecting incoming missiles and other significant threats to North America, repeaters must close down, or make changes to mitigate or reduce interference, answer C.
Modifying the antenna is just one option.
E1B05 [97.3]
What is the National Radio Quiet Zone?
A. A. An area surrounding the FCC monitoring station in Laurel, Maryland
B. An area in New Mexico surrounding the White Sands Test Area
C. An area surrounding the National Radio Astronomy Observatory
D. An area in Florida surrounding Cape Canaveral
This is the area around the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, located in West Virginia, answer C.
Observatorio de Arecibo (Arecibo Radio Telescope) in Puerto Rico suffered very significant damage, and has been removed as a distractor.
It covers portions of Appalachia, taking in parts of Virginia and the southern tip of western Maryland. People who think WiFI, etc harms them often move there, even though it has been proven to be purely the nocebo effect.
E1B06 [97.15]
Which of the following additional rules apply if you are erecting an amateur station antenna structure at a site at or near a public use airport?
A. You may have to notify the Federal Aviation Administration and register it with the FCC as required by Part 17 of FCC rules
B. You may have to enter the height above ground in meters, and the latitude and longitude in degrees, minutes, and seconds on the FAA website
C. You must file an Environmental Impact Statement with the EPA before construction begins
D. You must obtain a construction permit from the airport zoning authority per Part 119 of the FAA regulations
It if includes antennas or masts of a significant height, depending on the proximity to the airport, the FAA and FCC must be notified, answer A.
This follows certain glide-slopes, depending on the nature of the airport or heliport. Note that even a fairly short pole on a building that is at the height limit for its location may be problematic.
E1B07 [97.15]
To what type of regulations does PRB-1 apply?
A. Homeowners associations
B. FAA tower height limits
C. State and local zoning
D. Use of wireless devices in vehicles
Unfortunately this only applies to state and local government zoning rules, answer C.
Note that this question applies strictly to PRB-1, and the situation at the time of the pool publication, last updated in late 2024. It can only stand, or be deleted, but not changed, until the new pool is issued.
E1B08 [97.121]
What limitations may the FCC place on an amateur station if its signal causes interference to domestic broadcast reception, assuming that the receivers involved are of good engineering design?
A. The amateur station must cease operation
B. The amateur station must cease operation on all frequencies below 30 MHz
C. The amateur station must cease operation on all frequencies above 30 MHz
D. The amateur station must avoid transmitting during certain hours on frequencies that cause the interference
There are specific hours which must avoid transmitting if your signal interferes with signals from US broadcast media, if the FCC places these conditions on your station, answer D.
E1B09 [97.407]
Which amateur stations may be operated under RACES rules?
A. Only those club stations licensed to Amateur Extra class operators
B. Any FCC-licensed amateur station except a Technician class
C. Any FCC-licensed amateur station certified by the responsible civil defense organization for the area served
D. Only stations meeting the FCC Part 97 technical standards for operation during an emergency
Any FCC licensed amateur station may participate, provided they are registered with the local civil defence organisation, answer C.
What is illogical about "except a Technician" is that there remain many Novice operators, with significantly fewer privileges than Technicians, and you would assume the wording would also exclude them.
E1B10 [97.407]
What frequencies are authorized to an amateur station operating under RACES rules?
A. All amateur service frequencies authorized to the control operator
B. Specific segments in the amateur service MF, HF, VHF and UHF bands
C. Specific local government channels
D. All these choices are correct
All frequencies that the control operator can normally use may be used during a RACES operation, answer A.
This applies to the Amateur band aspect of operations. Hopefully training includes familiarisation with any other agency's equipment which you may also use, althoughj often it is fairly simple.
E1B11 [97.15]
What does PRB-1 require of state and local regulations affecting amateur radio antenna size and structures?
A. No limitations may be placed on antenna size or placement
B. Reasonable accommodations of amateur radio must be made
C. Such structures must be permitted when use for emergency communications can be demonstrated
D. Such structures must be permitted if certified by a registered professional engineer
Towns, cities, counties, and states must permit antenna structures for Amateur Radio of a reasonable size for the environment, answer B.
Even if any potential Enabling Act (a genuine Freudian slip, but do look that one up), I mean Preparedness Act alters rules for this and/or HOAs, either this question will stand as is; or it will be removed until a corrected one is issued for 2028 on. That said, this question does not mention HOAs which the potential law is aimed at.
The Bills are: H.R.1094 in the House, and S.459 in the Senate. You can use the Online Campaign.
As of early January 2026, before placing an amateur station within an officially designated wilderness area or wildlife preserve, or an area listed in the National Register of Historical Places an Environmental Assessment must be submitted to the FCC. This refers to a part of the FCC regulations which applies to all radio facilities. This applies to more significant structures, and there is a help number for the Office of General Counsel listed in rule 1.1304. This is (202) 418-1700. This does not apply to operating a portable or mobile station with minimal impact.
This appears to apply for some private residences, so you may need to apply for a modest, removable antenna structure. If there was a long wire or other broadcast receiving antenna at some point you could try saying that you are restoring this. If you want an antenna on a listed school building you could search for evidence of a previous station.
Slow scan TV transmissions are restricted to phone band segments, as is the case with all image modes.
On to: Extra Regulations 2 - Control Operators, IARP & CEPT, Amateur satellites
You can find links to lots more on the Learning Material page.
Written by Julian Sortland, VK2YJS & AG6LE, January 2026.
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