Glenn Petri, KE4KY, has had a long, nearly 50-year history in ham radio, starting with his novice license in 1975. His journey through the hobby saw him participating in significant DXpeditions such as to Campbell Island ZL9HR and Mellish Reef VK9MT, becoming an expert on the role of DXpedition Pilots, and speaking at ham radio conferences such as Visalia. In this interview, Glenn focuses on the expectations of a DXpedition pilot, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of the hobby. He challenges the conventional belief that pilots are merely logistical support and advocates for their integral role in real-time propagation feedback and operational optimization. Glenn opines that the best DXpedition pilots blend DXpedition experience with highly effective communication techniques and supported by tools like Groups.io and Starlink. Glenn has also turned his attention to mentoring and supporting the next generation of ham operators, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in the hobby. Please join us for the conversation, and if you like what you hear, please subscribe to W1DED Worldwide. 73, Kevin W1DED.
I didn’t know of the role of pilots on a DXpedition team. KE4KY’s observations about the need for a liaison between the public and the operators on a DXpedition were insightful. Very good interview.
Pilot station (or is it pilot chore) is a hard task. You need an empty inbox to begin with and patience. I stopped a few years ago but was involved in a few: 3Y0E (Bouvet Isl) ZS8T (Marion) YI9PSE (Kurdistan, Iraq) 4W6A (East Timor) JX5O (Jan Mayen) K4M (Midway) XR0Y (Easter) ST0R (S.Sudan) NH8S (Swains) HK0NA (Malpelo) ZL9HR (Campbell) TX5K (Clipperton) K9W (Wake) FT5ZM (Amsterdam) VK9MT (Mellish Reef) FT4TA (Tromelin) K1N (Navassa) 3G0ZC (Juan Fernandez Isl) K5P (Palmyra) KH1/KH7Z (Baker Island). 73 Col MM0NDX
Come to The BARS Club Meeting in October and get the inside dirt. For more information go to ky4ky.com
Many thanks to Kevin for his time and interest. So blessed! DX-pedition op at ZL9HR Campbell Is., VK9MT Mellish Reef, and then most recently TX5S Clipperton Is. - all trips of a lifetime! Failed to mention that Curt WX4W was the chief pilot for the TX5S operation. Outstanding job by him and the TX5S pilot team.
