Hello All from Sussex County, DE! I am a complete novice in today’s HAM world and looking to engage in the community. I am actively studying the Technician license content and considering which multiband radio to purchase.
All said, in 1980 I earned a 1st Class FCC General Radiotelephone Operators License (General Radiotelephone Certificate) with a Shipboard Radar Endorsement, which I renewed in January 1985. Honestly, I haven’t used this license and so accordingly have started studying the associated content again.
I actually thought the licenses expired long ago, HOWEVER, when I looked up my license on the FCC website, I found it and it stated I am registered as a Commercial User with a Call Sign of “PG0510785”, which matches my license number on the certificate. Below is a full copy of the data I found on the FCC site:
Call Sign PG0510785
Radio Service CM - Commercial Operator
Status Active
Auth Type Regular
Grant 01/02/1985
Expiration (entry was blank)
Effective 01/02/1985
Cancellation (entry was blank)
Licensee Information
FRN (entry was blank)
Type Individual
After finding the data on the FCC website, I examined the physical license that I have in possession more closely and it states “the license is valid for the lifetime of the holder unless suspended by the FCC”, which both surprised & delighted me…
Can any of the senior members confirm that I am not missing something and that although I have a lot of catching to do, I am already in possession of a General License? If so, how can I obtain a 2 x 3 Call Sign as opposed to PG510785?
Thanks in advance for any assistance rendered!