he's still licensed, technician License, ya know I haven't researched it much.. i know there was a bunch of rule changes sense then, but seems like the group around here all know about it, and looking for this..
??? i'm off to do a little research on this.
EDIT:
from the ARRL website:
http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/grandfather.html#Grandfather
The FCC does not offer any credit for expired Novice, General, Advanced or Extra class licenses. However, per FCC Rule 97.505(a)(4), the FCC does offer partial credit to pre-1987 Technician licenses. If an applicant was ever a "Technician" prior to 3/21/87, and has proof, the FCC will afford credit for the General (Element 3) written exam only. The FCC does not require the applicant to have been continuously licensed.
so there you have it.. if he can find an old call book with his name and license number (call sign) he'll be a General class.
EDIT 2:
from same webpage.
A 1987 Edition, or earlier, Radio Amateur Callbook listing is acceptable as proof (be sure to include the year of publication reference, if not printed on the page) so long as the license class is shown in the listing (only Callbooks issued Fall 1967 or later show license class).
An original Element 3 CSCE issued before March 21, 1987, is acceptable as proof.
has to have this or the original CSCE card..