The Volunteer Consulting Engineer Program
The Volunteer Consulting Engineer (VCE) Program provides assistance to
amateurs who may need to meet requirements set forth by local zoning /
building authorities. Professional engineers are often needed when an
amateur must obtain a permit to erect an antenna support structure. Hams
often need an "expert witness" to certify that the tower in question
meets or will meet the engineering requirements of local ordinances.
Amateurs who need assistance are referred to Volunteer Consulting
Engineers in their area.
To be a VCE, you must be a professional engineer registered by the
appropriate department of state government. VCEs should be able to
provide expert testimony and information on issues such as, but not
limited to, structure wind loading, guy anchor requirements for given
soil conditions, antenna height effectiveness and data on antenna
structure safety and consistency with local building codes, as well as
radio frequency interference, grounding and electrical safety.
VCEs are not expected to provide their services for free, but are asked
to provide an initial consultation gratis and to consider giving
discounted rates to amateurs where possible to meet a common goal for
the good of Amateur Radio in the community.
VCEs shall keep their Division Director apprised of engineering work
that they are doing if it was a result of a referral through the VCE
Program.
VCE Search Engine
