What determines the transmitting frequency privileges of an amateur station?

In amateur radio, the control operator is the person actively in charge of the station's transmissions. According to FCC rules, the frequency privileges are strictly determined by the license class of this control operator. Even if you are using equipment owned by an Amateur Extra class licensee, if you are a Technician class control operator, you may only transmit on Technician class frequencies. Distractors suggesting privileges are based on the highest class license of anyone in the room or printed on the station license are incorrect. The privileges follow the person at the controls, not the equipment or bystanders.