K7PTL

Mike Rafferty

I was first licensed in 1973 while stationed on board the guided missile destroyer, USS Towers ( DDG-9. ) I hold an Amateur Extra Class license. Previous call signs were WA6FTB, WB7CGT, KA0IWR, KE0FN, and AA0AO. I have been an ARMS member since 1979.

I enjoy the radio hobby and spend most of my time on 75, 40, 17 and 20 meter phone and 40 meter CW. In the past I have spent much time with the digital modes, starting with RTTY and packet and progressed through AMTOR, PACTOR and PSK-31. You should see all the cabling for interfaces hanging in my ham shack closet!

The K7PTL station includes an Icom IC-910 and Yaesu FT-1000MP. I use a Kenwood TS-440 quite a bit also. CW ops is a choice of a couple Vibroplex keyers or a Bencher keyer. I have Elmered several people in the hobby, including our former pastor and his wife. In the days before cell phones those       2 meter rigs sure came in handy.

Professionally I was a pilot for Continental Airlines. Starting as a flight engineer on the DC-10 and progressing through pilot positions on the DC-9, MD-80, B-737, B-727, B-757 and in 2009 retired on the B-767. ( If it ain’t Boeing, I’m not going! ) The routes I flew were all over North and South America, the Caribbean and to several destinations in Europe. Years ago I was a crop duster and few the air mail in Montana. From there it was UPS freight hauling in Convair 440’s.

Over the years and continuing to today the Lord has used me in discipleship training. I enjoy spending time one on one, with couples or leading a group in discipleship.

Mary is also a licensed ham operator ( K3PTL ) and has also been very involved in the churches we have served, including much time one on one with ladies as the Lord directs. We have one son, Travis ( N0PHD ) who is married and has five children. Travis and his wife, Esther ( KB3DXY ) are both graduates of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

One of my favorite verses is Galatians 2:20 “ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. “

It has been a blessing to be a part of ARMS over the years. I plan to continue for as long as the Lord allows. As president, I will devote myself to promoting the fellowship of the group as well as a positive witness for Christ on the air.

Updated 4 January 2024