T1E06: License class privileges: When, under normal circumstances, may a

Q: When, under normal circumstances, may a Technician class licensee be the control operator of a station operating in an Amateur Extra Class band segment?

The correct answer is A: At no time. The correct answer is A: At no time. According to FCC Part 97.301, a Technician class licensee cannot be the control operator of a station operating in an Amateur Extra Class band segment, regardless of circumstances. The control operator's license class determines the station's privileges, and a Technician simply doesn't have Extra class privileges. This is an absolute rule with no exceptions. Even if an Extra class licensee designates a Technician as the control operator, or if it's a club station with an Extra class trustee, the Technician still cannot operate in Extra-only segments. The control operator's license class is what matters, and a Technician doesn't have the required privileges. To operate in Extra class segments, you need an Extra class control operator.

Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2022-2026 Question Pool | Topic: T1E

T1E06T1E

When, under normal circumstances, may a Technician class licensee be the control operator of a station operating in an Amateur Extra Class band segment?

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Deep Dive: T1E06

The correct answer is A: At no time. According to FCC Part 97.301, a Technician class licensee cannot be the control operator of a station operating in an Amateur Extra Class band segment, regardless of circumstances. The control operator's license class determines the station's privileges, and a Technician simply doesn't have Extra class privileges. This is an absolute rule with no exceptions. Even if an Extra class licensee designates a Technician as the control operator, or if it's a club station with an Extra class trustee, the Technician still cannot operate in Extra-only segments. The control operator's license class is what matters, and a Technician doesn't have the required privileges. To operate in Extra class segments, you need an Extra class control operator.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option B: Incorrect. Being designated by an Extra class licensee doesn't grant Extra class privileges. The Technician's license class still limits the station's privileges. Option C: Incorrect. Contest teams don't create exceptions. A Technician still cannot operate in Extra-only segments, even as part of a team. Option D: Incorrect. A club station trustee's license class doesn't grant privileges to control operators. The control operator's own license class determines privileges.

Exam Tip

Technician in Extra segments = Never. Remember: A Technician can never be the control operator in Extra-only segments, regardless of circumstances. The control operator's license class always determines privileges.

Memory Aid

**T**echnician **E**xtra = **T**otal **E**xclusion (think 'TE = TE' = Total Exclusion)

Real-World Example

You're a Technician licensee, and your local club has a station with an Extra class trustee. Even though the trustee is Extra class, when you're the control operator, the station is limited to Technician privileges. You cannot operate in Extra-only segments like the bottom of 80 meters or certain HF segments, even though the station trustee has Extra class privileges.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2022-2026 Question Pool

Subelement: T1E

Reference: FCC Part 97.301

Key Concepts

FCC Part 97.301 License class privileges Control operator Extra class segments

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Technician Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the T1E topic.