FCC Pulls General Upgrade

WASHINGTON, DC, Nov 20, 1998--The FCC has pulled back a General Class upgrade from a Kentucky ham because it says the Physician's Certification used to obtain a Morse code testing waiver "is not a valid document." The FCC notified Richard C. Lalone II, KC5GAX, of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, of its action by certified mail November 18. But the Commission stopped short of revoking his license or levying a fine.

A former Texas resident, Lalone, 34, has been told he may no longer operate under General class privileges, his amateur privileges have been returned to Tech Plus, and he has been issued a new license document. The FCC said Lalone's privileges reverted to Tech Plus as of today.

The FCC advised Lalone that while it was not pursuing a fine at this time, he could run into problems later if he decides to renew his ticket or to upgrade. At that point, the Commission said, it might later decide to designate the issue for a hearing before an administrative law judge, "in order for the Commission to determine what, if any, enforcement action should be taken and what action to take on the application."

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