Deep Dive: T1E03
The correct answer is A: The station licensee. According to FCC Part 97.103, the station licensee is responsible for designating the control operator. The licensee has the authority to decide who will operate their station and under what conditions. The station licensee is the person or entity that holds the station license grant. They have the ultimate responsibility for the station's operation and compliance with FCC rules. While the control operator is responsible for the actual operation during their control, the licensee designates who that operator will be. This ensures clear accountability and proper station management.
Why Other Answers Are Wrong
Option B: Incorrect. The FCC doesn't designate control operators. The station licensee makes this designation. Option C: Incorrect. Frequency coordinators coordinate repeater frequencies but don't designate control operators. Option D: Incorrect. While any licensed operator can be designated as a control operator, it's the station licensee who makes that designation, not just any operator.
Exam Tip
Control operator designation = Station licensee. Remember: The station licensee has the authority and responsibility to designate who will be the control operator of their station.
Memory Aid
**D**esignate **C**ontrol **O**perator = **D**one by **C**all sign **O**wner (think 'DCO = DCO' = Done by Call sign Owner)
Real-World Example
You're the licensee of station KA1ABC. You have a friend who is also a licensed amateur, and you want them to operate your station while you're away. As the station licensee, you designate your friend as the control operator. Your friend is then responsible for proper operation while controlling your station, but you (as the licensee) made the designation.
Source & Coverage
Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool
Subelement: T1E
Reference: FCC Part 97.103
Key Concepts
Verified Content
Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T1E topic.