Official Observers

The Official Observer (OO) program has been sponsored by the ARRL for more than 85 years to help amateur radio operators assist each other to operate their stations in compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations.

Official Observer appointees have assisted thousands of amateur radio operators to maintain their transmitting equipment and comply with operating procedures and regulations. The object of the OO program is to notify amateurs of operating and technical irregularities before they come to the attention of the FCC and to recognize good operating practices.

The OO program serves as the first line of “eyes and ears” for the FCC. It is the backbone of the Amateur Auxiliary. OOs are certified in the Auxiliary by passing a mandatory written examination. In substantive rule violations cases, OOs refer problems to ARRL HQ.  After review by HQ staff, the OO may be requested to provide additional information that may be forwarded to the FCC for possible enforcement action.

If you have an issue that should be brought to the attention of New Mexico’s team of Official Observers, please contact New Mexico’s Official Observer Coordinator with details.