getontheairBrand new · read first
What is ham radio?
Job: a plain-language intro — who can get licensed, the three classes, and how it differs from GMRS, FRS and CB.
When: before you decide to study.
Start · license to first park
Studying, just licensed,
or packing for the first activation.
Start here if you are still learning the ropes. Ticket to Talk is free for Technician, General, and Extra. The Guide chapters walk you from license to first park day.
Budget · paperwork
What a license costs
Job: dated fee table (as of Oct 2026), the $35 FCC fee, 10-year term, renewal, grace period and call signs.
When: before you book a session.
Families · Scouts
Parents, youth & Scouting
Job: safety, privacy and cost for minors; Radio merit badge, JOTA-JOTI (Oct 16–18, 2026) and hosting a Scout station.
When: a young person or a Scout unit wants in.
Next · exam
Ticket to Talk
Job: practice Element 2 / 3 / 4 mocks and section drills in the browser.
When: before you sit the exam — Technician, General, and Extra practice stay free.
Optional · guide
Get licensed & first activation
Job: read the Start chapters — what to study, what to pack, what “10 in the log” means.
When: after the ticket, before the first Saturday drive.
Only if you need it
Programs & parking-lot crib
Job: pick POTA / SOTA / WWFF / PARCS and keep a one-page crib in the glovebox.
When: you know the callsign but not which program yet.
Order of operations
- What is ham radio? — learn the basics, then check what a license costs.
- Ticket to Talk — pass the exam you need.
- Guide Start — first activation path and program rules overview.
- Plan — when you have a park day on the calendar, open the Plan hub.
Need the full Field Guide? Open Guide in the top nav.