Question E1A10:
[97.11] If an amateur station is installed aboard a ship or aircraft, what condition must be met before the station is operated?  

Choices:  
A: Its operation must be approved by the master of the ship or the pilot in command of the aircraft  
B: The amateur station operator must agree not to transmit when the main radio of the ship or aircraft is in use  
C: The amateur station must have a power supply that is completely independent of the main ship or aircraft power supply  
D: The amateur station must operate only in specific segments of the amateur service HF and VHF bands    

Correct Answer is  A: Its operation must be approved by the master of the ship or the pilot in command of the aircraft  

Correct answer: A — Its operation must be approved by the master of the ship or the pilot in command of the aircraft.

1) Why A is correct
- FCC rule 47 CFR §97.11(a) states that the installation and operation of an amateur station aboard a vessel or aircraft must be with the approval of the master (ship) or pilot in command (aircraft). They are responsible for safety and all onboard communications.

2) Why the other choices are incorrect
- B: Not required by the rules. You must avoid causing harmful interference to required onboard communications at all times, but there is no blanket prohibition on transmitting when the main radio is in use. The controlling requirement is command approval and non-interference.
- C: No requirement to use an independent power supply. Using ship or aircraft power is permitted if approved by the master/pilot and without causing interference.
- D: There are no special “ship/aircraft-only” amateur band segments. Normal amateur allocations and your license privileges apply, subject to general restrictions and any applicable international/operational limitations.

3) Useful rules of thumb
- Always obtain approval from the master/pilot before installation or operation.
- Never interfere with the vessel’s or aircraft’s required communications or navigation systems.
- If outside the U.S. or in foreign territorial waters/airspace, ensure operation complies with local authority and treaty requirements.
- Optional but common: identify with “/MM” (maritime mobile) or “/AM” (aeronautical mobile) for clarity.