EDITORIAL
There are several Amateur Radio licensing restructuring proposals on the table. The FCC has issued its plan in WT Docket # 98-143, and subsequent Errata to this docket. The ARRL has issued its own plan, with a subsequent Amended restructuring plan. Also, No Code International has submitted their proposal to the FCC. This plan has the endorsement of the National Conference of V.E.C.s.

After reviewing the FCC, ARRL, and NCI proposals, I have come to the conclusion that NO CODE INTERNATIONAL'S plan would be the best route for Amateur Radio licenses into the 21st century.

MORSE CODE TESTING METHOD
The morse code testing method should be standardized to a 10 question MULTIPLE CHOICE test (the test method most VE teams use today), one minute of copy can be used if the applicant does not achieve 7 correct answers out of the 10. This testing method is the best for all concerned!

Unfortunately, the ARRL'S AMENDED RESTRUCTURING PLAN seeks to eliminate this testing method, and require CW tests to be in the format of 10 questions with "fill in the blank" answers (passing grade 70%) or one minute of solid copy of morse code. NO MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS! As a V.E., I prefer the multiple choice testing method. This type of test leaves little room for mistakes, and is viewed as a more reasonable testing method.

SUPPORT H.R. 783
AMATEUR RADIO SPECTRUM PROTECTION ACT OF 1999
PENDING IN CONGRESS

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