General Class License Study

Overview

The General Class license opens the HF spectrum to you. With that access comes a new set of FCC rules covering frequency privileges, power limits, third-party traffic, and special station types. This module covers the regulations you must know before you transmit on HF.

General Class HF Frequency Privileges

General Class gives you access to portions of all HF amateur bands. Extra Class operators have exclusive use of certain sub-band segments. You must stay out of those Extra-only segments.

Band	General Phone (SSB)	General CW/Data
160m	1.800–2.000 MHz (full band)	1.800–2.000 MHz
80m	3.800–4.000 MHz	3.525–3.600 MHz
40m	7.175–7.300 MHz	7.025–7.125 MHz
30m	No phone permitted	10.100–10.150 MHz (200W max)
20m	14.225–14.350 MHz	14.025–14.150 MHz
17m	18.068–18.168 MHz (full band)	18.068–18.168 MHz
15m	21.275–21.450 MHz	21.025–21.200 MHz
12m	24.890–24.990 MHz (full band)	24.890–24.990 MHz
10m	28.300–29.700 MHz	28.000–28.300 MHz

Memory tip: 17m and 12m are “WARC bands” — General and Extra share them equally with no sub-band split. 30m is also a WARC band; no phone permitted and power is limited to 200 watts PEP.

Power Limits

The standard maximum output power for General Class on most HF bands is 1,500 watts PEP. Exceptions you must know:

• 30 meters: 200 watts PEP maximum
• When operating in Novice/Technician subband segments: 200 watts maximum

FCC rules require you to use the minimum power necessary to carry out the communication. This is a legal requirement, not just a courtesy.

Third-Party Communications

Third-party communications means passing messages on behalf of persons who are not licensed amateur operators.

• Domestic: Freely permitted. A non-licensed person may speak over your microphone as long as you (a licensed operator) are present and in control of the station at all times.
• International: Only permitted with countries that have a formal third-party agreement with the United States. Check the current ARRL list before passing international third-party traffic. Violation is an FCC rule infraction.

The control operator remains responsible for all transmissions, even when a third party is speaking.

Remote and Automatic Control

Remote control means controlling the station from a different location (such as over the internet). The control operator must be able to terminate transmissions immediately if needed. All rules apply as if you were physically at the station.

Automatic control (beacons, repeaters) allows the station to operate without a control operator on duty. Specific FCC rules govern what types of operation are permitted under automatic control.

Space Stations

The FCC defines a space station as an amateur station located more than 50 km above Earth. Any licensed amateur may transmit to a space station on frequencies where they have operating privileges. The International Space Station uses the club callsign NA1SS for amateur radio contacts.

Antenna Structures

Antenna structures exceeding 200 feet above ground require FAA notification and FCC registration. Structures near airports may require notification at lower heights. Always check local rules before erecting a tower.

60 Meters (5 MHz)

The 60-meter band is unique in amateur radio. It consists of five specific channels (not a continuous allocation), with a maximum power of 100 watts ERP (effective radiated power) relative to a dipole. Only USB phone, CW, RTTY, and certain digital modes are permitted. General Class operators have full access to these five channels.

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Practice Questions