Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2022-2026 Question Pool | Topic: T1D
T1D05T1D

When may amateur radio operators use their stations to notify other amateurs of the availability of equipment for sale or trade?

Deep Dive: T1D05

The correct answer is D: When selling amateur radio equipment and not on a regular basis. According to FCC Part 97.113(a)(3), amateur stations may be used to notify other amateurs about equipment for sale or trade, but only for amateur radio equipment and only occasionally (not as a regular business activity). This exception allows amateurs to help each other buy, sell, and trade equipment within the amateur community, which supports the hobby. However, it must be occasional - you cannot use your station to regularly advertise equipment sales, as that would be using amateur radio for business purposes. The equipment should be amateur radio related, and the activity should be occasional personal sales, not a commercial business operation. Regular or frequent equipment sales would violate the prohibition on business use of amateur radio.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. Equipment sales are permitted, but only occasionally and only for amateur radio equipment. Option B: Incorrect. The restriction isn't about whose property it is. The key is that it must be occasional sales of amateur equipment, not regular business. Option C: Incorrect. Profit is not the determining factor. The key is that sales must be occasional, not regular business activity.

Exam Tip

Equipment sales = Occasional, amateur equipment only. Remember: You can occasionally advertise amateur radio equipment for sale, but not on a regular basis. Regular sales = business use = prohibited.

Memory Aid

**E**quipment **S**ales = **E**very **S**o often, **A**mateurs only (think 'ES = ESO, A')

Real-World Example

You're upgrading your station and want to sell your old 2-meter transceiver. You mention on a local net that you have equipment for sale and provide details. This is permitted because it's occasional (not regular) and it's amateur radio equipment. However, if you were regularly advertising equipment sales every week, that would be using amateur radio for business purposes and would be prohibited.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool

Subelement: T1D

Reference: FCC Part 97.113(a)(3)

Key Concepts

FCC Part 97.113(a)(3) Equipment sales Occasional use Business prohibition

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T1D topic.