View Full Version : FCC Enforcement Letters out again!
N7AAO
02-07-2005, 01:39 PM
Here they are! (http://www.arrl.org/news/enforcement_logs/2005/0205.html?nc=1)
Rather interesting bunch this time... our Extra that allegedly made threats tries to say that he didn't receive the recording (yeah, right), a couple of unlicensed operators find out that the FCC doesn't like that, more W5YI-VEC recalls, and, this time's piece de resistance, two folks being warned about behavior on 75 meters, including trying to take over a frequency as their own!
N8CPA
02-07-2005, 02:14 PM
I wonder how many of those examinees
Will experience re-Morse for buying CSCE's.
Again I say, if a licensee deliberately jams,
instant revocation!
Go Riley!
Looks like W5YI is in a bit of trouble.. Figures, as I just applied to be a VE with them..
Quote[/b] (N9KZU @ Feb. 07 2005,09:21)]Looks like W5YI is in a bit of trouble.. Figures, as I just applied to be a VE with them..
Yeah, and.....?
Quote[/b] ]The notifications are part of a continuing audit of W5YI VEC Yucaipa examination sessions held from 1999 through 2001.
Seems to me the "problem" is in California, not with W5YI as a whole. Try and think before displaying a knee-jerk reaction.
We have both ARRL and W5YI examiners here in Delaware and I can't think of a time when there was ever a question about operations.
I think you'll find, as a whole, W5YI is ok. An organization is only as good (or bad) as the folks in it.
If you want to see the standards of W5YI examiners raised, then join and become an example of how to do it right. It's the only way the problem is going to get fixed.
N7AAO
02-07-2005, 02:59 PM
Quote[/b] (n3jja @ Feb. 07 2005,07:49)]If you want to see the standards of W5YI examiners raised, then join and become an example of how to do it right. It's the only way the problem is going to get fixed.
Wrong... in order for the standards to be raised, W5YI-VEC would have to actually have some.
I have looked at both programs from the perspective of an applicant, and W5YI would probably let ex-KG6IRO be a VE.
The funny thing is jja is accusing ME of having a "knee-jerk reaction".. Which I suppose is better than his, which is the same thing only without the knee..
Quote[/b] (N9KZU @ Feb. 07 2005,10:05)]The funny thing is jja is accusing ME of having a "knee-jerk reaction".. Which I suppose is better than his, which is the same thing only without the knee..
I believe my response is, "Whatever..."
If if bothers you that W5YI might be a problem, then don't join.
You implied that W5YI as a whole was corrupt. That, IMO, is a knee-jerk reaction. There is a problem in California. That doesn't mean the entire organization is bad, despite what others in this thread seem to think.
If you had said, "Looks like W5YI in California has a problem", then I wouldn't have mentioned it.
Oh.. So you are nit picking.. As a very wise man once said:
"Whatever"
Quote[/b] (N9KZU @ Feb. 07 2005,10:29)]As a very wise man once said:
"Whatever"
Why, thank you for the compliment. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
N8CPA
02-07-2005, 04:39 PM
That's the problem! It ISN'T just in California.
Over the last 12 years at least, similar problems have been identified at his sessions in TN, NC, SC, MO--which ones have I forgotten? The entire organization in Puerto Rico lost its FCC authorization and was subsequently dismantled, due to rampant corruption.
All that said, I know some VE's, whom I consider beyond reproach, who were certified by that VEC. I would test with them any day. Their individual integrity trumps organizational corruption, in my opinion. Locally, if you have men and women of integrity, you won't have problems even in a subsidiary of a corrupt organization. It's where the other sort coagulate that the much deserved negative attention gets drawn, as it should. And I hope the FCC maintains the scrutiny.
N7AAO
02-07-2005, 07:10 PM
Quote[/b] (N8CPA @ Feb. 07 2005,09:39)]That's the problem! It ISN'T just in California. #
All too true... the problems that they are finding NOW are just in California... there have been others, including South Carolina (http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2000/02/10/4/), Puerto Rico (http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2000/04/12/2/), Oregon (http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2000/07/07/2/), and, in fact, the whole W5YI-VEC organization. (http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2000/02/03/3/)
If there's this much smoke, there's gotta be some fire somewhere.
N8CPA
02-07-2005, 07:43 PM
How did I miss that item?
http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2000/02/03/3/
For years, I've been calling that guy the "Lid Maker" half facetiously. I wasn't even aware of the Feb 3 announcement, but basing my opinion on previous probes and inquiries. The whole system probe is new information to me. And all I can say is a paraphrase of Tina Fey's comment about Powell stepping down: It's about $#%^&()&*&^^_() *&^% time!
If I read that notice, I only glanced and it didn't register. I haven't mentioned it here previously, but I lost an older sister to cancer recently and I'm a still a bit distracted by the ponderings one does the first time the loss of a sibling is experienced. It really dents one's cosmic view when a large family is involved.
I guess we are all fairly hardy. Of my parents 7 children, only one has died, depsite severe accidents and illnesses over our liftimes. I think it's a somewhat rare statistic, since we are all now 50+ years old.
KL7FZ
02-07-2005, 08:26 PM
Re:The KL4Z.
He is listed here on QRZ as KL4Z but not in the FCC database.
Also, to get a KL4 call he would have to be in Alaska or at least an Alaskan address to qualify. He is in Florida.
I hope he is not using the call on the air.
KL7FZ
Quote[/b] (N7AAO @ Feb. 07 2005,02:39)][two folks being warned about behavior on 75 meters, including trying to take over a frequency as their own!
I know both of those guys from 75 meters...
One I don't understand the problem, the net that he and a few friends started is in no way a problem, at least that I've heard...
The other is a certifiable nut case.
Why don't they print the complaints also ? Is there some way to find these on the FCC site ?
73 de Jeff
K4KWH
02-07-2005, 11:16 PM
Quote[/b] (N7AAO @ Feb. 07 2005,06:39)]Here they are! (http://www.arrl.org/news/enforcement_logs/2005/0205.html?nc=1)
Rather interesting bunch this time... our Extra that allegedly made threats tries to say that he didn't receive the recording (yeah, right), a couple of unlicensed operators find out that the FCC doesn't like that, more W5YI-VEC recalls, and, this time's piece de resistance, two folks being warned about behavior on 75 meters, including trying to take over a frequency as their own!
I wonder if the gentleman doing the threats will have a "cow" when he gets fined? (Sorry, I couldn't help it!)
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
73
KC7UP
02-07-2005, 11:48 PM
Also how can 1 person have the calls for 7 club licenses. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
Curt
KC9ECI
02-08-2005, 02:38 AM
Why would he want to?
..I wonder if any ARRL VE's ever did anything against the FCC rules? It is possible if happened, without the ARRL printing it. Or that it has happened without anyone knowing. All I know, is I have always tested through W5YI, because thats what the club uses that I test with. I can promise you there is no fraud going on.. because I trust the VE's giving the test.
N8CPA
02-08-2005, 11:20 AM
I also wondered if the League might be under-reporting their own foibles, since problems seemed too rare for the size of the organization. And because only once do I remember them reporting a re-xam order for one of their own sessions. That's why I started checking the FCC website myself. If there are more problems than the League reports, even the FCC is keeping it under cover--which isn't very likely.
I can never remember the url for the comprehensive enforcement letter page. So every time I go there, I have to search for it anew. Next time, I'll cut and paste it to a notepad.
Maybe the issue isn't under-reporting.. Maybe the ARRL VEC is actively trying to catch out W5YI.. If no one is checking in on the ARRL VEC test sessions they might just not be getting caught.. Or maybe this theory is just a bit too conspiracy theory for me..
N7AAO
02-08-2005, 01:36 PM
Quote[/b] (KD5OWO @ Feb. 07 2005,20:11)]..I wonder if any ARRL VE's ever did anything against the FCC rules? It is possible if happened, without the ARRL printing it. Or that it has happened without anyone knowing. All I know, is I have always tested through W5YI, because thats what the club uses that I test with. I can promise you there is no fraud going on.. because I trust the VE's giving the test.
The folks in Visalia, CA, also trusted their VEs... right up until the time they got the letter from the FCC.
N8CPA
02-08-2005, 05:08 PM
Quote[/b] (N9KZU @ Feb. 08 2005,09:24)]Maybe the issue isn't under-reporting.. Maybe the ARRL VEC is actively trying to catch out W5YI.. If no one is checking in on the ARRL VEC test sessions they might just not be getting caught.. Or maybe this theory is just a bit too conspiracy theory for me..
I suspect the group in question, #5YI--I just can't treat that brand name as a callsign--feels too "burdened" to maintain any standards of qualification for their VE's. RM petitons from the group have reported such a feeling about administering some parts of testing. Maybe it affects the way they screen potential examiners.
No, we both have had our dirty laundry. I have an appeal on my desk at the moment where an ARRL VE wants to be reinstated. Until we hear an OK from the FCC, it is still pending.
Jim
Quote[/b] (N8CPA @ Feb. 08 2005,12:08)]Quote[/b] (N9KZU @ Feb. 08 2005,09:24)]Maybe the issue isn't under-reporting.. Maybe the ARRL VEC is actively trying to catch out W5YI.. If no one is checking in on the ARRL VEC test sessions they might just not be getting caught.. Or maybe this theory is just a bit too conspiracy theory for me..
I suspect the group in question, #5YI--I just can't treat that brand name as a callsign--feels too "burdened" to maintain any standards of qualification for their VE's. #RM petitons from the group have reported such a feeling about administering some parts of testing. Maybe it affects the way they screen potential examiners.
Pretty much here is the conversation I had with W5YI this morning..
Me: I'm relatively new to Michigan and do not know a VE here to vouch for me to become a VE myself.
YI: Oh.. Want to start your own group then?
I don't know if I'm going to make it through these stringent requirements.
N8CPA
02-08-2005, 06:21 PM
Quote[/b] (w5jbp @ Feb. 08 2005,13:15)]No, we both have had our dirty laundry. I have an appeal on my desk at the moment where an ARRL VE wants to be reinstated. Until we hear an OK from the FCC, it is still pending.
Jim
Jim, does that mean that there's no collusion between the League and the FCC? That there's no automatic rubber stamp, no mutual blanket authorization, no lockstep, no subsidiary relationship, no mutual interchangeabilty of roles in the licensing process? You must wait for a decision from the Commission for a simple reinstatement?
I'm shocked! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
[For the past 25 years, I have considered myself fortunate that the first thing I learned to build was a BS filter. The ALC--Automatic "Load" Control--has kicked in every time I heard the allegations I've listed above.]
>You must wait for a decision from the Commission for a simple reinstatement? <
No, that is not what I said. When a session gets dinged, the FCC will or can ask that the VEC suspend the VE's credentials until the situation is resolved. Riley Hollingsworth's shop is responsible. Until Riley is satisfied, those VEs' in question, will be on hold. It is an enforcement issue.
N8CPA
02-08-2005, 08:25 PM
Jim, I understand. I was being facetious, echoing some of the popular anti-League comments I've heard over the years. That's all. I still think the League is the way to go for VE certification.
Sri abt that. Getting old.
Well, like I said when I turn 18 I will get accredited with W5YI and ARRL.. I don't believe there have ever been any investigations for either VEC here in this part of Texas.. and like I said many of the VE's are with both W5YI and ARRL. There is one local club that goes back and forth every other week. To me it does not matter, both VE's get the job done. As long as the VE's who issue "bad tickets" get stopped, I am happy.
Quote[/b] (KD5OWO @ Feb. 08 2005,18:33)]As long as the VE's who issue "bad tickets" get stopped, I am happy.
Well, you aren't 18 yet, so I guess you can't be expected to know the rules around here.. Please allow me the courtesy of bringing you up to speed. You see.. This sort of logical thinking just isn't tolerated on QRZ. You may have extremist views to either side of political, social, or CW issues, but don't presume to bring LOGIC into a forum such as this. Its just not kosher.
This public service message has been brought to you by the members of the joint coalition of Anti-Code and Pro-Bush supporters.
And lets not omit that the person who started the group is W5YI Fred Maia, one of the founders of No Code International and one of the collaborators on the NCVEC anti-code petition.
n7wsb
02-09-2005, 07:10 AM
Quote[/b] (N8CPA @ Feb. 07 2005,09:39)]That's the problem! It ISN'T just in California.
I'm actually confused by this. I read through the letter most seem to be aimed towards New Jersey, New York, Texas and Florida hams. In fact only one is California and it was a minor violation.
N8CPA
02-09-2005, 11:00 AM
Quote[/b] (AG4YO @ Feb. 09 2005,01:57)]And lets not omit that the person who started the group is W5YI Fred Maia, one of the founders of No Code International and one of the collaborators on the NCVEC anti-code petition.
"I suspect the group in question, #5YI--I just can't treat that brand name as a callsign--feels too "burdened" to maintain any standards of qualification for their VE's." .
Hence, my comment above. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif