W4KKP Charles C Kayhart an 105-year-old !!! ARRL member, Cliff Kayhart, W4KKP, of White Rock, South Carolina, is claiming the title of “World’s Oldest Operating Ham.” No official record of such milestones exists, but ARRL is not aware of any radio amateurs senior to Kayhart, and he is now quite likely the oldest active ham at least in the US. Early this year, Charlie Hellman, W2RP, died at 106; he also may have been the longest licensed. Hellman outlived the former “oldest US ham,” Harry Wolf, W6NKT, by 8 days. Wolf was a couple of weeks shy of turning 108. Kayhart now lives at The Heritage at Lowman Home. best 73 de IW2BSF - Rudy
I had the pleasure to chat with Cliff last August... a fine and sharp op! I would give my eye teeth to see some of his logs! Carry on, Cliff... 73 de KD9CLH
Many Congrats OM.....I used to speak regularly to W2RP SK....recently obtained a copy of his book "elements of radio" First published 1946....these old guys are amazing.......
I worked Charles in Oct 2016...he sent me a QSL, and even his hand writing was sharp...Hope I'm operating at 106 years of age....
Cliff, It looks like you have lived a very full and eventful life, needless to say. I am only 68, and can only hope that I can "go long" as you have, and continue to be on the air.
This is a great story about one of our greatest generation! I was born the day Charles arrived on Iwo Jima. Paul K5YZE
I wonder how many years the longest living continually licensed Ham is? My dad has 64 years as a licensed operator, and Im guessing the record is likely in the 80-90 year range based on this fine gentleman? Jim W6NYA
