When the control operator is not the station licensee, who is responsible for the proper operation of the station?

FCC rules establish a principle of joint responsibility for amateur radio stations. When the person actively operating the radio (the control operator) is different from the person who owns the station license (the station licensee), both individuals share equal responsibility for the proper operation of the station. If a rule violation occurs during this time, the FCC can hold both amateurs fully accountable. The station licensee must ensure their equipment and call sign are being used legally, while the control operator is responsible for making sure their actual transmissions comply with FCC regulations.