Question T1D11
From subelement T1 - T1D
When may an amateur station transmit without identifying on the air?
Why is this correct?
Option D is correct because FCC Part 97 specifically exempts telecommand transmissions to model craft from normal identification requirements. When controlling drones, boats, or other radio-controlled models, amateur stations don't need to identify on the air. Options A, B, and C are incorrect—brief transmissions for station adjustments, unmodulated signals, and low power operations all still require proper station identification according to standard FCC rules.
Memory tip
Look for the word 'telecommand' in amateur radio regulations—it signals a special exception. One-way control signals to remote devices operate under different rules than two-way communications. This pattern appears in several amateur radio exceptions.
Learn more
Telecommand operations for model craft represent a unique category in Part 97 because they're inherently one-way transmissions with no human operator at the receiving end. Unlike typical amateur communications, these control signals serve a specific technical function rather than facilitating operator-to-operator contact. This exception recognizes that model craft control doesn't involve the traditional amateur radio purpose of advancing the radio art through human communication and experimentation.
Think about it
Why do you think the FCC would exempt model craft control from identification requirements when almost all other amateur transmissions must include proper station identification?