On the amateurradio subreddit, someone asked:
I’m in the U.S. and am planning on demonstrating HF to a group of kids and unlicensed adults at a family event this weekend. I’d like the kids especially to be able to get on the air. I’ve read through Part 97.115 and the list of third-party operating agreements on ARRL’s website. But maybe some of you who have experience with GOTA (Field Day Get on the Air) or JOTA (Jamboree on the Air) can help me.
What does a QSO involving an unlicensed operator sound like? I know I need to be controlling the radio, but I could use some guidance on how these QSOs usually go.
The first reply reads:
As far as third-party traffic goes, it’s my understanding that the scenario you’re describing isn’t third-party traffic. You, as the licensee, are simply acting as a control operator so an unlicensed individual can talk on the radio, so long as you are physically present and can act to control the transmitter and provide guidance to the unlicensed individual.
I didn’t think that this was quite right. I thought that a third party was anyone operating the station other than the station licensee or control operator. As I was getting ready to write this, however, I thought that I better make sure. Well, good thing that I did because I think the reply is correct.
Part 97.3 (47) defines third party communications as “A message from the control operator (first party) of an amateur station to another amateur station control operator (second party) on behalf of another person (third party).”
So, I learned a couple of things today:
- The correct meaning of “third party” and “third-party communications.”
- Not to be so quick to show off what I know (or think I know).