The Fast Track to Your General Class Ham Radio License by Michael Burnette (AF7KB) and Kerry Burnette (KC7YL) is a comprehensive study guide designed for aspiring amateur radio operators seeking to pass the FCC General Class License exam. This book, published in April 2023, focuses on offering a clear, organized, and effective approach to preparing for the General Class exam that is valid for the 2023–2027 testing period. In this review, I’ll examine the structure, content, usability, and overall value of this guide.
Overview
The General Class License is the second level of amateur radio licensing in the United States, which grants access to more frequencies and higher power limits compared to the Technician Class License. To achieve this license, operators must pass a 35-question multiple-choice exam, covering topics like operating procedures, radio theory, electronics, safety, and regulations.
The Fast Track to Your General Class Ham Radio License provides an exhaustive resource that both prepares candidates for the exam and explains the concepts behind each question. The book is organized around the most current exam pool (July 2023 – June 2027), making it immediately relevant and up-to-date.
Content Breakdown and Structure
1. Chapter Structure and Organization
The book is divided into logical sections that mirror the actual exam topics. Each section is dedicated to one of the three major sub-categories of the General Class exam:
- Technical (Electronics, circuits, radio frequency, etc.)
- Operating Procedures and Practices (communication techniques, emergency communication, etc.)
- Regulations and Safety (FCC rules, electrical safety, antenna installations, etc.)
Each chapter starts with a brief introduction, followed by explanations of key concepts, diagrams, and formulae when applicable. The content is written in a concise and easily digestible style, which is suitable for both beginners and those with some basic knowledge of radio.
The structure of the book is straightforward, with the following key elements in each chapter:
- Review of Key Concepts: The authors highlight the most important points for each exam topic.
- Practice Questions: At the end of each section, a set of multiple-choice questions is provided to help the reader reinforce the material.
- Answer Key with Explanations: A detailed answer key explains the correct answers and addresses why the other options are incorrect, providing a deeper understanding of the concepts.
This approach ensures that learners are not only memorizing the correct answers but are also able to understand the underlying principles, making it easier to apply the knowledge in practical situations.
2. Exam Question Review
What sets The Fast Track to Your General Class Ham Radio License apart from many other ham radio study guides is its direct alignment with the FCC’s official exam question pool. Each question is not only listed but also explained in context, giving readers a clear roadmap for how to answer similar questions in the future.
The book divides the 35-question exam pool into 12 sections (with one section dedicated to regulations, another to operating procedures, etc.), ensuring that readers are exposed to every potential topic in the exam. These sections are organized by topic but maintain a consistent format that will be familiar to anyone who has used a question pool-based study guide before.
3. Visual Aids and Diagrams
One of the strengths of this guide is its extensive use of visuals. Diagrams and illustrations of circuits, waveforms, and radio setups are scattered throughout the book. These visual aids are not just decorative; they are designed to clarify complex concepts and show practical applications, especially for technical subjects like electronics and radio propagation. The diagrams are clear, easy to follow, and often include helpful annotations.
4. Focus on the “Why” and “How”
What makes this guide unique is the authors' focus on the why and how behind the material. Many study guides can simply provide the question and the answer, but The Fast Track to Your General Class Ham Radio License goes a step further by explaining the reasoning behind each answer. This focus on understanding is crucial for long-term retention and applying knowledge outside the context of a test.
Ease of Use
1. Accessibility
While the book is detailed, it is highly accessible for a broad range of users. The language used is simple and avoids jargon wherever possible. Even for those who are new to amateur radio, the content is digestible, with plenty of explanations for beginner concepts and terminology.
The chapter structure makes it easy to jump between topics, and the “exam review” format helps readers prioritize the areas they need to focus on most. You don’t need to read the book cover-to-cover; it’s designed to allow for targeted studying based on your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Study Plan
At the beginning of the book, the authors suggest a study plan that helps readers break down the material into manageable sections. For those with limited time, this structured approach can be very helpful. The plan is designed to work with your schedule, whether you have weeks or months before your exam.
3. Self-Assessment
The inclusion of self-assessment tools, such as end-of-chapter quizzes and the final practice exam, allows readers to gauge their progress as they study. This aspect is incredibly important for identifying weak areas and improving confidence before taking the actual exam.
Additional Features
1. Online Resources
The authors include references to additional online resources, including websites and apps that can further support your study. For example, they mention popular online exam simulators, which are useful for mimicking the test-taking experience.
2. Authoritative Guidance
Michael Burnette, AF7KB, is a licensed amateur radio operator with years of experience in the hobby, and Kerry Burnette, KC7YL, contributes with valuable insight. Both authors bring their hands-on knowledge and expertise to the book, ensuring that the content is not only exam-focused but also practical for real-world ham radio use.
Pros
- Up-to-date and comprehensive: Covers the entire 2023–2027 FCC General Class exam question pool.
- Clear explanations and illustrations: Visual aids and in-depth explanations make complex topics more accessible.
- Focused on understanding: Prioritizes learning the material, not just memorizing answers.
- Easy-to-follow study guide: Organized structure and self-assessment tools support learners at every stage.
- Exam-oriented: Includes practice questions, quizzes, and a final practice exam for optimal preparation.
Cons
- Could be more concise: At times, the explanations can be a bit lengthy, which might overwhelm someone looking for a more condensed resource.
- Limited coverage for advanced topics: While the book covers all exam topics thoroughly, it doesn’t dive into advanced ham radio practices beyond the scope of the General Class exam. More experienced operators might need additional resources for broader knowledge.
Conclusion
The Fast Track to Your General Class Ham Radio License by Michael and Kerry Burnette is an excellent resource for anyone looking to obtain their General Class ham radio license. Its thorough coverage of the exam material, clear explanations, and practical focus make it one of the best study guides for this level of licensing. Whether you are a beginner or a Technician Class operator aiming to upgrade your license, this book will help you understand the material at a deeper level, not just pass the test.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone preparing for the General Class exam, and I consider it one of the most effective study guides available. The structured approach and focus on real-world knowledge will prepare you for both the exam and for successful operation as a licensed General Class amateur radio operator.
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