We received a reminder from the FCC regarding the importance of obtaining a HAM license and using our radios accordingly. They even reminded us of the very large fines that we are subject to for unauthorized use of the HAM band! BAPA officers want to be sure you know about this and encourage everyone who hasnít already obtained a license to do so as soon as possible. Itís relatively easy and there are a number of resources available. 

A quick and relatively painless method is to attend a "Ham Cram" session, immediately followed by the test. These are sponsored by various local organizations, such as the Bay Area Educational Amateur Radio Society or San Francisco Amateur Radio Club. This is a great off-season opportunity get your license, with an investment of approximately $25 and one day. Space is always limited and reservations are typically required so check your schedule and sign up quickly. Organizations typically sponsor these regularly - there's probably at least one a month somewhere in the Bay Area.

For those who prefer self-paced learning, practice tests are available on line at http://www.qrz.com/testing.html or you can try the "HAM Cram" method online at http://www.qsl.net/wx9j/ and there are regular opportunities to take the license test when the practice tests say youíre ready. You can also find self-study books and videos, either on line (also at www.qrz.com) or at radio stores such as Ham Radio Outlet in Oakland. If you have any questions or need additional resources, please let me know.

Upcoming Ham sessions:

AERO-sponsored HAM Crams are every few months

Self-study starts 8:50am. Multiple exams given throughout the day.

Contact Dave Gomberg, 415-731-7793, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Latest info: http://www.wcf.com/sfares/exams.

Bay Area Educational Radio Society is another local resource providing regular HAM Crams: http://baears.com/

Searchable index of Ham test sessions: http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml

Another resource for finding a test: http://www.w5yi.org/vol-exam.htm

Radios are a really important part of paragliding safety equipment. Be sure to get your HAM license so you can use a 2 meter band radio for communication.