One of our members checked with the FCC on whether we need to license
our handhelds (used by the club for operations) as we don't have a
base station.

The working on the FCC web site says, "You are required to have a
separate Ground Station license to operate your radio on the ground."
It doesn't make a distinction between handheld or base station, only
that it is being operated on the ground (versus the air). There must
be a division of responsibility between the FAA and FCC on operating a
radio in the air versus on the ground.

Anyway, from our club's standpoint we need to renew our license and
are working on that. But from my personal standpoint, do I need a
license to use my handheld on the ground? How about a radio in a
chase vehicle? I suppose I am a much more difficult target to hit
than a fixed base operator.

My $0.02.

- John DeRosa