ARRL Grammar Fundamentals 5

Question 1

Under FCC rules, how frequently must an amateur station identify itself during a lengthy contact?

Accepted Answer

Every 10 minutes and at the end of the contact

Answer

FCC Part 97 requires amateur stations to transmit their call sign at least every 10 minutes during a contact and at the end of each communication.

Question 2

In what language must an amateur station's FCC-required identification be transmitted?

Accepted Answer

Only in English

Answer

FCC Part 97.119 requires that station identification be made in English, regardless of what other language is used during the contact.

Question 3

What is a 'tactical call sign' and when is it typically used in amateur radio?

Accepted Answer

A descriptive name used for convenience during an event or emergency drill

Answer

Tactical call signs like 'Net Control' or 'Shelter 3' are used during public service events or drills for clarity, but FCC-issued call signs must still be used for required identification.

Question 4

When operating phone (voice) and ending a contact, which transmission correctly fulfills the FCC identification requirement?

Accepted Answer

'This is [call sign], signing off' transmitted before stopping

Answer

The FCC requires that a station identify with its call sign at the end of each contact; simply saying '73' without the call sign does not satisfy this rule.

Question 5

Why is the ITU/NATO phonetic alphabet used in amateur radio communication?

Accepted Answer

It ensures letters are understood clearly despite noise or accents

Answer

The phonetic alphabet replaces single letters with distinct, internationally recognized words to prevent misidentification caused by noise, QRM, or accent differences.

(ARRL) American Radio Relay League Practice Test

(ARRL) American Radio Relay League Practice Test

ARRL Grammar Fundamentals 5