Who does the FCC presume to be the control operator of an amateur station, unless documentation to the contrary is in the station records?

• A. The station licensee
• B. The individual operating the radio
• C. The control operator
• D. The last person known to operate

Answer: (A)

The FCC presumes the station licensee to be the control operator of an amateur station unless there is documentation to the contrary in the station records. This is rooted in the regulatory framework that places responsibility and accountability on the licensee for the operation of their station. The licensee is the individual who has been granted the license to operate the amateur station and is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the station complies with FCC rules and regulations.

The presumption regarding the licensee's status as the control operator simplifies regulatory oversight and supports accountability within the amateur radio community. If someone else is operating the station, the licensee must maintain accurate documentation if that person is to be considered the control operator instead.

Other options, although relevant in different contexts, do not align with the FCC's presumption. For instance, the individual operating the radio may not necessarily be the legally recognized control operator unless they are appointed and documented as such. Similarly, while there may be a designated control operator, failing to document this in the station records would default to the presumption of the licensee's status. Lastly, the last person known to operate does not provide a reliable means of establishing ongoing responsibility, since control can be transferred in many ways, and incorrect assumptions could lead to violations.