So You Want to be a Ham?
Amateur Radio is a fun and exciting hobby. With a little effort one can obtain a Federally-issued license and participate in an exciting area of communication. The operator can meet others from around the world, making new friends and learning about other cultures.
The hobby is also a major service to the community. When disaster strikes, often the first information from that area is from Amateur Radio Operators. "Hams" first pass emergency traffic and then handle "Health and Welfare" traffic to help assure friends and relatives of the condition of affected people. Hams were extremely helpful at the World Trade Center Disaster, numerous hurricanes including Katrina, and other natural and man-made disasters such as earthquakes and hospital emergencies.
There are three classes of license in the Federally-licensed Amateur Radio Service. Exams are given by Volunteer Examiners, other hams who have achieved higher license classes. Fees are very inexpensive and exams are available in your area. An important thing to remember is that the ham community wants you to succeed because it help increase the number of operators in the service.
Classes of License (Click to learn more):