Amateur Radio--America's Number One Hobby
 
Amateur Radio (often called "ham radio") is the leading public service
hobby in the US. It is authorized by the US Federal Communications
Commission and has a 75-year history of providing service to the community
and developing a valuable pool of trained technicians and communication
experts. Amateur Radio operators are people of any age, sex, profession, 
or nationality who are fascinated with communication via two-way  radio.
Generally a skilled group, they are required to pass examinations to
receive the authorization to operate an Amateur Radio station. 
 
The typical Amateur has a variety of interests, and the hobby provides for 
a multitude of individual preferences.  Amateurs engage in general
chit-chat;  emergency operations, including participation in Civil
Preparedness; sending,  relaying, receiving, and delivering free Radiograms
for the public; providing  communication support for civic functions such
as local parades, marathons,  etc; making friends with Amateurs in foreign
countries; investigating the  mysteries of radio signal propagation;
building, modifying, and designing  radio equipment, antennas, and
accessories; launching and using amateur radio  satellites for
earth-to-space communication; winning awards for operating  proficiency in
many areas; helping others prepare for Amateur Radio FCC  license
examinations; and many more exciting and valuable activities.
 
The FCC grants five classes of licenses to operate Amateur Radio stations, 
each requiring the candidate to demonstrate progressive levels of ability
and knowledge. Each successive class of license allows greater operating
privileges and access to more usable radio frequencies. For most persons,
the initial license is Novice operator. It requires the applicant to pass
an elementary written test and to demonstrate the ability to understand
Morse code when sent at just 5 words per minute (wpm).  The second step up
the ladder is the Technician Class. Another written examination is
required. Next up is General Class. Another written examination must be
passed, as well as a test to demonstrate the ability to understand Morse
code at 13 wpm. The fourth step up the ladder is Advanced Class. For this
level, another written examination is required. The final step up the
ladder is Amateur Extra Class. Another written examination and 20 wpm Morse
code proficiency is  required. This license authorizes all Amateur Radio
privileges and frequencies.
 
For all licenses, the examinations are administered  by at least three local
amateur operators serving as Volunteer Examiners (VEs). Their efforts are
coordinated by a Volunteer Examiner Coordinator (VEC). The VEC makes public
the questions used in the written examinations. The administering VE's may
charge the candidate a nominal fee as stipulated by the FCC for certain
reimbursable expenses incurred in preparing, processing, or administering
the examination (currently $5.60 per exam session, regardless of how many
exam elements are taken).
 
Many licensed amateurs enjoy joining and participating in local Amateur
Radio clubs. These clubs provide comradeship, coordinate  special
activities, support members via exchange of information and often conduct
free FCC exam preparation classes.
 
Amateur Radio is a truly unique and thrilling avocation that can give years
of unforgettable pleasure and allow you to serve your community in a very
distinctive way.  Believe it or not, you can get on the air and have a ball
on a shoestring! Lots of amateurs obtain their first set of transmitting
and receiving equipment as a loaner, gift or at minimal cost from other
amateurs who have accumulated spare equipment.  To get a ham radio license
takes most people a month or less to study Morse code and theory to pass
the Novice exam.