Federal Communications Commission

Ref:  FCC WT Docket 98-143

I agree that the current CW test speed requirements are not in line with the
current levels of technology, and therefore, should be reduced to the levels
specified in the ARRL Proposal, along with the license class restructuring.
Also, with the reduced CW requirements, I would like to see a more stringent
testing of the digital modes, since they are, in a sense, taking the place of
CW as an alternative to voice.

With the restructuring, I would also like to see a streamlined testing system,
in that every Volunteer Examiner (VE) would use the same testing method,
preferably, a fill-in-the-blank style. Also, I believe that the question pool
should actually be larger, as this will reduce the number of people who
memorize the answers to questions, instead of actually knowing the rules and
theory.

As far as the Waiver for the code requirements, I believe that a certification
from a licensed physician should be all that is needed, and the release of
personal medical records to anyone other than another physician dealing with a
persons particular illness is inappropriate.  I firmly believe that if the
wording is correct in the certification, no physician will risk losing his/her
license on a bogus certification. 

I also believe that the elimination of the RACES license is a good idea, as it
is a duplication of licensing.  Basically, either we are emergency
communicators, or we aren't.

Thank you for this opportunity to comment on this matter.

Joseph C. Fuhr
N8PVR