Question T1E03
From subelement T1 - T1E
Who must designate the station control operator?
Why is this correct?
The station licensee must designate the control operator because they own the station license and are ultimately responsible for its operation. While the FCC regulates amateur radio, they don't assign control operators to individual stations. Frequency coordinators handle repeater coordination, not control operator designation. Any licensed operator cannot make this designation - only the person who holds the station license has this authority and responsibility.
Memory tip
Remember the ownership principle: whoever holds the station license calls the shots. This pattern applies throughout amateur radio regulations - the licensee retains ultimate authority and responsibility, even when delegating operational control to others.
Learn more
Think of this like owning a car - you decide who gets the keys. The station licensee maintains legal responsibility for their station's operation under Part 97.103, even when designating someone else as control operator. This ensures accountability and proper station operation. The FCC presumes the licensee is the control operator unless station records document otherwise, reinforcing the licensee's central role in station management and compliance with emission standards and frequency privileges.
Think about it
Why do you think the FCC requires the station licensee, rather than any qualified amateur, to make the control operator designation?