Four rules that affect amateur radio operators under Part 97 have been marked for deletion by the FCC, effective today. The deleted sections include §97.27 (duplicative license modification provision), §97.29 (obsolete paper license replacement procedure), §97.315(b)(2) (grandfathered pre-1978 HF amplifiers), and §97.521(b) with Appendix 2 (obsolete VEC regions).

The FCC adopted a Report and Order in October 2025 to delete almost 400 obsolete rules pertaining to wireless services, with four deletions in Part 97 that govern Amateur Radio. What practical impact do these changes have on current amateur operations? Are there any compliance considerations we should be aware of?

These deletions are purely administrative housekeeping. §97.27 was duplicative of statutory provisions for license modifications, and §97.29 dealt with obsolete paper license procedures. No operational changes for current licensees - your digital license and ULS procedures remain the same.

The §97.315(b)(2) deletion is interesting from a technical perspective. This provision grandfathered HF amplifiers purchased before April 28, 1978, and those manufactured before that date with marketing waivers. Any pre-1978 amplifiers still in use would need to meet current certification requirements now.

Good to see the FCC cleaning up outdated regulations! The VEC region changes in §97.521(b) and Appendix 2 were obsolete anyway. Makes the rules cleaner and easier to navigate for new hams. The current VEC system works well without those legacy provisions.