ARRL Technician Practice Exam

When the control operator is not also the station licensee, who is responsible for the proper operation of the station?

1. Only the control operator

2. Only the station licensee

3. The control operator and the station licensee are equally responsible

4. Local club members share responsibility

The correct answer is: The control operator and the station licensee are equally responsible

When the control operator is not the station licensee, both individuals share responsibility for the proper operation of the station. This means that the control operator, who is actively operating the station, must ensure compliance with regulations and proper use of the equipment. Simultaneously, the station licensee, who holds the license for the radio station, has a duty to oversee and ensure that the station operates within the established guidelines. This shared responsibility is critical because it emphasizes the importance of collaborative adherence to amateur radio regulations. The control operator makes day-to-day operational decisions and uses the station, while the station licensee maintains the integrity of the licensing process and ensures that the station remains compliant on a broader scale. Such a framework helps uphold the standards of amateur radio and promotes accountability among operators. In some cases, local club members or other parties may have a role in assisting with station operation, but they do not bear the same level of responsibility as the control operator and the station licensee.