When may an amateur station transmit without a control operator?
The correct answer is D: Never. According to FCC Part 97.7, an amateur station must always have a control operator when transmitting. There are no exceptions to this requirement - every transmission must be under the direct supervision of a licensed control operator.
Even when using automatic control (like a repeater), there must be a control operator responsible for the station, even if they're not physically present. The control operator is responsible for ensuring the station operates in compliance with FCC rules. This requirement ensures accountability and proper operation of all amateur stations. Automatic control doesn't mean 'no control operator' - it means the operator doesn't need to be physically present, but they're still responsible.
Exam Tip
Control operator = Always required. Remember: There are no exceptions - every transmission must have a control operator. Even automatic control requires a designated control operator.
Memory Aid
"**C**ontrol **O**perator = **C**onstant **O**bligation (think 'CO = CO' = Constant Obligation)"
Real-World Application
Your local repeater operates automatically, retransmitting signals without human intervention. However, there's still a control operator (the repeater trustee) who is responsible for the repeater's operation and ensures it complies with FCC rules. Even though the repeater operates automatically, the control operator must be designated and is accountable for the station's operation.
FCC Part 97.7Key Concepts
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Incorrect. Automatic control (like repeaters) still requires a control operator. The operator doesn't need to be present, but one must be designated and responsible.
Option B: Incorrect. When another licensed amateur uses your station, they become the control operator. There must always be a control operator.
Option C: Incorrect. Auxiliary stations still require a control operator. No station type is exempt from this requirement.
题目解析
The correct answer is D: Never. According to FCC Part 97.7, an amateur station must always have a control operator when transmitting. There are no exceptions to this requirement - every transmission must be under the direct supervision of a licensed control operator. Even when using automatic control (like a repeater), there must be a control operator responsible for the station, even if they're not physically present. The control operator is responsible for ensuring the station operates in compliance with FCC rules. This requirement ensures accountability and proper operation of all amateur stations. Automatic control doesn't mean 'no control operator' - it means the operator doesn't need to be physically present, but they're still responsible.
考试技巧
Control operator = Always required. Remember: There are no exceptions - every transmission must have a control operator. Even automatic control requires a designated control operator.
记忆口诀
**C**ontrol **O**perator = **C**onstant **O**bligation (think 'CO = CO' = Constant Obligation)
实际应用示例
Your local repeater operates automatically, retransmitting signals without human intervention. However, there's still a control operator (the repeater trustee) who is responsible for the repeater's operation and ensures it complies with FCC rules. Even though the repeater operates automatically, the control operator must be designated and is accountable for the station's operation.
错误选项分析
Option A: Incorrect. Automatic control (like repeaters) still requires a control operator. The operator doesn't need to be present, but one must be designated and responsible. Option B: Incorrect. When another licensed amateur uses your station, they become the control operator. There must always be a control operator. Option C: Incorrect. Auxiliary stations still require a control operator. No station type is exempt from this requirement.
知识点
FCC Part 97.7, Control operator requirement, Automatic control, Station operation
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Technician Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.