Аннотация:The evolution of the electron energy distribution function in the plasma channel created in air by the third harmonic of the Ti:Sa-laser pulse of femtosecond duration is studied. It is shown that such a channel can be used to amplify few-cycle electromagnetic pulses in subterahertz frequency range at the time of relaxation of the energy spectrum in air determined by the vibrational excitation of the nitrogen molecules. The coefficients of the gain as a function of time, electron concentration and frequency of the amplifying radiation are obtained. The propagation of few-cycle radio-frequency pulses through the amplifying medium is analyzed.