timberfaller
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2015
- Messages
- 6
I've got a quick question (although people will hound me and may it way longer than I need). I am wondering the legality of using a hand held radio without an operators license in a 100% legit emergency. I am a first responder and wildland firefighter. I consider myself quite competent in handheld radio use and also understand what a true emergency would be (no I wouldn't call out for a broken arm, I'm talking massive trauma "golden hour" scenario. So what I have gathered so far on the topic is about as clear as mud. It sounds like some say yes you can use anything at your disposal in that scenario, but I want to know its actually legality. I would like a reference to the FCC or CFR.. I've done everything from search the internet to actually call the FCC. The net says its OK, but the FCC says you need a license, although gave no reference. Obviously if I am going to have to worry about some gestapo fining me in the event an actual emergency I will leave that one pound hunk of plastic waste at the trailhead when I go ten miles in. Someone please give me some final resolution. At this moment I'm leaning towards leaving the darn thing at home, so I hope someone can give me a good answer.
And yes, I would have the frequencies set already for towers I know work well in the area (normally federal and state repeaters I deal with for work).
PS-Please, Please, Please refrain from hounding me about a license. I am not against one, I truly do not have time to drive the six hour round trip and study for the exam. My free time is truly at a premium. What little I have I volunteer for trail work or go hiking. And I looked into the exam already. A good deal of it honestly seemed overkill to operate a handheld, it was good and practical but truly seemed set for someone operating a base station or working towards a repeater. Trust me fellas law enforcement, firefighters and the military wouldn't know hardly anything on that test and we rely on our handhelds to save our lives. It would be nice if they had a simple handheld examine for those only wanting to operate a 5W receiver/transmitter (that's my basic hounding, not to anyone here, more about the FCC).
Thanks!
And yes, I would have the frequencies set already for towers I know work well in the area (normally federal and state repeaters I deal with for work).
PS-Please, Please, Please refrain from hounding me about a license. I am not against one, I truly do not have time to drive the six hour round trip and study for the exam. My free time is truly at a premium. What little I have I volunteer for trail work or go hiking. And I looked into the exam already. A good deal of it honestly seemed overkill to operate a handheld, it was good and practical but truly seemed set for someone operating a base station or working towards a repeater. Trust me fellas law enforcement, firefighters and the military wouldn't know hardly anything on that test and we rely on our handhelds to save our lives. It would be nice if they had a simple handheld examine for those only wanting to operate a 5W receiver/transmitter (that's my basic hounding, not to anyone here, more about the FCC).
Thanks!