A radio operator (also, formerly, a wireless operator in British and Commonwealth English) is a person who is responsible for the operations of a radio system and the technicalities in broadcasting. The profession of radio operator has become largely obsolete with the automation of radio-based tasks in recent decades.[1] Nevertheless, radio operators are still employed in maritime[2] and aviation fields.[3] In most cases radio transmission is now only one of several tasks of a radio operator.[4][5] In the United States, the title of Certified Radio Operator is granted to those who pass a test issued by the Society of Broadcast Engineers.

A radio operator aboard the RV Polarstern.
An RAF advertisement recruiting “Wireless Operators”, from the 21 December 1923 edition of The Radio Times

The role of 'Wireless Operator' aboard aircraft during WWII was often abbreviated to 'WOp' or 'WOP' in official documents or obituaries.[6][7][8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Radio Operators". www.bls.gov. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  2. ^ GMDSS Radio Operator
  3. ^ "Radio Operator: Information About a Career as a Radio Operator". Study.com. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  4. ^ "Being A Radio Operator: What You Really Do". www.owlguru.com. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  5. ^ "Agent Radio Operation During World War II — Central Intelligence Agency". www.cia.gov. Archived from the original on January 9, 2008. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
  6. ^ "FSGT Roy Edward Brook".
  7. ^ "Handley Page Hampden Mk I AD730, 18 Apr 1941". aviation-safety.net. Aviation Safety Network. 25 July 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  8. ^ "WOP means Wireless Operator". All Acronyms. Retrieved 16 Apr 2022.