Paul Angelides founded Paul J. Angelides, PE PC, the private engineering firm in Syosset, New York, where he serves as president, in 1987. In his leisure time, he continues to pursue his decades-long hobby of amateur radio operation with an FCC Extra Class License.
Most people starting out in amateur radio operation take the Written Element 2 exam to receive their Technician Class license, which does not require knowledge of Morse code. Passing the Written Element 3 exam qualifies the operator for reception of the General Class license. These exams must be completed before a team of volunteer examiners (VEs).
Anyone with a General Class amateur radio license may upgrade to the Extra Class License by taking a multiple-choice examination, the Written Element 4 exam. Those who pass the 50-question exam and receive their Extra Class license can transmit on all Amateur Service frequencies.
Many amateur radio hobbyists choose to take this additional step to give them greater freedom since General Class frequencies often become quite busy. Resources to prepare for taking the Extra Class exam include the 2016 edition of the ARRL Extra Class License Manual, which sets the standards through June 2020.
