Panning For 1x2 Gold

I learned a few things while looking for a 1x2 callsign to go with my Extra Class license granted in May, 2000.

There are always a certain number of ham calls in the ULS database whose holders died more than two years ago but still show an Active status. Some of these have years to run before they expire so you won't find them on anyone's lists.

When FCC cancels the callsign of a deceased amateur they use the date of death as the cencellation date. The trick is to find one of these callsigns, get it canceled, and apply for it before anyone else can figure out what you're up to. Recall that, because the holder died more than two years ago, the call becomes immediately available when FCC cancels it.

I use QRZ.com to look for individual 1x2 callsigns of interest with the following attributes:

  • The holder code is HAI (an original holder) with a date of birth still listed on the detail page of QRZ's call listing.
  • The holder was born earlier than, say, 1920.

    Now I have a 1x2 callsign holder whose last name and birthdate I know. I use the SSDI (Social Securty Death Index) at Ancestry.com or Rootsweb.com to search on the last name and birthdate only. If the holder is listed there, AND the record shows his exact date of death, AND the zip code listed agrees with that listed in QRZ.com, FCC will accept this SSDI listing as adequate proof for cancellation purposes. I now have a callsign that can be made available for reissue.

    Let me point out that it is rather tedious work to do this. I'm good at it now so I just do it when I have a few minutes to spare instead of working crossword puzzles. I know of no other way to find birthdate info associated with ham licensees. If you can think of a better source please let me know!

    If you know personally of a ham who died more than two years ago you can, of course, ask the county where he died for a copy of his death certificate and use that instead of SSDI. These are public records and available to all. These can generally be obtained on the Web at http://www.vitalchek.com/. If you are asked why you want this information, just say it's for "license revocation." Everyone seems to understand that a decedent has no need for any kind of license. I offer this alternative because not everyone is covered by Social Security. FCC will also accept official newspaper obituaries under some circumstances. They do not accept listings in QST.

    Once I find one of these I print the SSDI page. Then using my browser's Back Button I go back to the QRZ detail page and print that on the other side of the paper. I now have a callsign I can share with an Extra class ham who wants one. He must do the rest.

    The next step is to write a letter to FCC requesting cancellation of the callsign with a copy of the SSDI page attached. They will accept SSDI info as adequate proof of death as long as the name and zip code match their records and the exact date of death is given. The requester must sign the letter. FCC will not cancel a callsign based on an anonymous request.

    I usually advise requesters to send their letter by USPS overnight delivery with receipt requested. That tells you when it got there. I further advise that they wait a week and then make their online application. It is not necessary to wait until the callsign is cancelled because the cancellation date used will be more than two years in the past. Applications arriving electronically are NOT viewed by anyone at FCC. The applications go into a computer file of the current day's receipts to be processed about 18 days later.

    Cancellation requests are taking about two weeks at the moment so if one were to file on the day the request got to Gettysburg, it is possible the application could be processed before cancellation resulting in dismissal of your application.

    Here's a sample letter to use for cancellation:

    (Your name)
    (Your street address)
    (Your City, State, ZIP)
    Tel: (Your phone number)
    E-mail: (Your email address)

    (Today's date)

    FCC, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
    1270 Fairfield Road
    Gettysburg, PA 17325-7245

    Re: Cancellation of callsign

    To whom it may concern:

    I am requesting that you cancel amateur license (callsign) since the holder, (holder's name), died (date of death). A copy of the SSDI page showing the required information is attached.

    Thank you,

    (Hand-written signature)

    (Your name, your callsign typed out for clarity)

    If you have more questions, just ask. You may FAX your letter to the attention of Ms. Rebecca Little at 717-338-2850. Send your FAX during FCC's normal work day when the FAX machine is attended.

    Here are the links to the SSDI websites:

    http://www.ancestry.com/search/rectype/vital/ssdi/main.htm
    http://ssdi.rootsweb.com/

    73, Alvin, W6WJ