Kansas State University

home > public relations office

Source: Raylene Alexander, 785-826-2940
News release prepared by: Natalie Blair, 785-826-2642, nblair@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011

K-STATE SALINA AVIONICS STUDENT EARNS GROL FROM THE FCC

Michael Hetchler, senior in aviation maintenance, Oxford, Mich., earned his General Radiotelephone Operator License from the Federal Communications Commission. He is the first student to do so in recent history.

"The avionics industry can require an avionics license before hiring. This can be the older FCC, which is still required by a lot of industry, or the newer National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies' Aircraft Electronics Technician license," said Raylene Alexander, assistant professor of avionics.

Hetchler decided to earn both.

The FCC GROL test consists of two elements: basic radio law and operating practice, on which an examinee must correctly answer at least 18 out of 24 questions to pass; and a general radiotelephone section that covers the electronic fundamentals and techniques required to adjust, maintain, and repair radio transmitters and receivers. To pass the second section, an examinee must correctly answer 75 out of 100 questions.

Earning the license indicates a thorough understanding of operating procedures, radio wave propagation, radio practice, electrical principles, circuit components, practical circuits, signals and emissions, and antennas and feed lines.

#