When we discuss Amateur Radio and handling traffic, either formal or informal, we tend to think of actual Amateur Radio Operators at the microphone, key, or computer passing information. However, particularly when moving tactical traffic, it may be beneficial to let the third party have the microphone, or type the message into a Winlink email.
Section 97.115 provides for allowing third party traffic as long as the control operator, a licensed Amateur Radio Operator, is in control of the station and monitoring the activity. All requirements that would apply to a typical contact would apply (identifying at proper intervals and at end of communication, use of non-coded communication, avoiding profanity, etc).
A perfect example of application of third party communication is Get-On-The-Air (GOTA) stations being operated by non-hams on Field Day. There isn't anything special about Field Day as far as the FCC is concerned, we are simply operating in compliance with 97.115, and could do the same thing any other day of the year. Al (KF4RPQ) often allowed his daughter at the microphone on a local repeater since she knew several of the other operators, and it was (and is) entirely legal.
Why relinquish the microphone? There may be times when tactical information needs to be communicated and the originator and recipient may be specialists, using words that we might not even understand - much as we sound to those not familiar with much of the terminology of Amateur Radio. It would be simpler to just let them pass the information.
There is the stipulation that we can not materially profit from our activities. This created an issue where an employee of a served entity, like a hospital, could theoretically be accused of "profiting" if he or she were to operate the radio for the benefit of their employer while at work. John (WD8LQT) would be an example of the situation. The FCC issued an R&O (Report and Order) clarifying that such activity was not disallowed, as long as the purpose of his employment was not related to radio operation and the operator wasn't "on the clock" for the purpose of operating. Finally, if the primary beneficiary of the operation of the radio is a Public Safety related entity (police, fire, hospital, SAR, etc) then the rule would likely not apply. This is all covered in 97.113 and surrounding sections.
