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- X-Last-Updated: 1997/09/25
- From: wolf@netheaven.com (Wolfram v.Kiparski)
- Newsgroups: rec.models.rockets,rec.answers,news.answers
- Subject: rec.models.rockets FAQ Part 10 - High Power Rocketry
- Followup-To: rec.models.rockets
- Organization: none
- Distribution: world
- Reply-To: wolf@netheaven.com
- Summary: This posting contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions
- (and their answers) about Model and High Power Consumer Rocketry
- Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU
- Originator: faqserv@penguin-lust.MIT.EDU
- Date: 07 May 2002 12:02:28 GMT
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-
- Archive-name: model-rockets/high-power
- Rec-models-rockets-archive-name: rockets-faq/part10
- Posting-Frequency: monthly
- Last-modified: 1997 September 12
- URL: http://dtm-corp.com/~sven/rockets/rmrfaq.toc.html
-
- Rec.Models.Rockets Frequently Asked Questions: PART 10 of 14
-
- HIGH POWER ROCKETRY
-
- Review: A High Power rocket is a model weighing more than 1500 grams (3.3 lb)
- at liftoff, or containing more than 125 grams of propellant (total),
- or containing any one motor with more than 62.5 grams of propellant.
-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.1 I'm a successful model rocketeer. What do I need to get into HPR?
-
- When this question was posted to r.m.r a while back, these were the pre-
- dominant suggestions and tips:
-
- - Start with E/F/G kits with 29mm motor mounts from LOC or Aerotech.
- These should be the easiest to build.
- - Read and become familiar with the NAR and/or Tripoli High Power Safety
- Code(s).
- - Get familiar with and use expendable motors before jumping into
- reloadable technology.
- - Join a high power club if possible (local NAR section or Tripoli
- prefecture).
- - Be very careful of the construction differences between model and high
- power rockets. You HAVE to build higher power rockets to be more sturdy
- than model rockets (see the next question).
- - If not already a member, join both the NAR and Tripoli (if you can
- afford high power rocketry, you can afford to join and support both
- these organizations).
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.2 What are the major differences between model and high power rockets,
- besides size and motors? Are they built differently?
-
- Above and beyond all else, high power rockets are built much stronger
- than standard model rockets. This is due to the higher speeds and
- acceleration achieved by these models. Some of the construction
- differences are:
-
- - High power rockets have stronger, thicker body tubes.
- - They have MUCH stronger engine mounts, bonded using epoxy rather
- than white or yellow glue.
- - Engine mount rings, adapter rings, etc., are typically made from
- 1/8" or thicker aircraft plywood, fiberglass, or phenolic sheet, rather
- than paper or balsa.
- - Fins are typically made from plywood, fiberglass, phenolic, or
- waferglass, not balsa; Thick balsa fins have been used on H/I powered
- models, but they have to be reinforced with fiberglass/epoxy laminate.
- - Fins are often mounted into slots in the body tube with Through The Wall
- (TTW) mounting. Most common and recommended method is glued TTW and
- directly onto the motor tube.
- - Parachutes are larger and typically made from some type of fabric
- (plastic chutes are not strong enough, usually).
- - Heavy elastic shock cords or bungee, tubular nylon, or Kevlar shock line
- are used rather than rubber for shock cords, and these are typically
- epoxied to the motor mount or a bulkhead.
- - Positive motor retention systems (clips, bolts, etc.) are important,
- as HPR reload casings start to get pretty expensive.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.3 How do I get high power certified?
-
- There are two organizations which may certify you to purchase and use
- high power rocket motors. These are the National Association of
- Rocketry and the Tripoli Rocketry Association. Note that you must be
- a member of the organization to certify for high power with that
- organization. Once certified, both organizations recognize the
- certification of the other.
-
- As of April, 1996, new NAR certification procedures have gone into
- effect.
-
- Current NAR procedures:
-
- - For Level 1 certification (the first step) one must fly an H or I powered
- rocket successfully, and have it witnessed by two senior NAR members, one
- of which must be high power certified. Fill out the proper form, have it
- signed by the witnesses, and send it in to NAR HQ.
-
- NOTE: NFPA 1127 allows an uncertified individual to purchase a single H
- or I motor for certification purposes.
-
- - For Level 2 certification (the next step up) one must take and pass a
- written exam, and then successfully fly a J/K/L powered rocket.
- Questions for the examination come from a pool of questions that are
- available for review prior to taking the test at the NAR web site.
-
- - The NAR does not currently certify to Level 3 (M and up).
-
-
- Tripoli certification procedures are scheduled to change on 1 Sep 1996.
- At that time there will be three (3) high power certification levels:
-
- - Level 1, allowing single motor H and I flights. No clusters or staging.
- - Level II, allowing up through L motors, staging, clustering and hybrids.
- - Level III, unlimited, allowing M power and up.
-
- A written test will be required for Level II certification, in addition to
- the certification flight. Level III certification requirements will require
- pre-flight approval and review from the Tripoli Advisory Board.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.4 What is a 'reloadable' motor. Are they worth the price? Are they legal?
-
- A reloadable rocket motor is a metal cylinder with removable end pieces.
- Solid propellant and time delay are purchased separately from the motor
- casing, in 'reload kits'. These kits contain all of the expendable,
- non-reusable materials for a single flight. The cost of the reload is
- significantly less than the cost of an expendable motor (when talking
- about F sizes and up). Quite a number of reloadable motors and reload
- are now certified by NAR or Tripoli. Refer to the approved motor lists of
- each organization to see exactly which motors are currently certified.
-
- YOU MUST BE A CERTIFIED MEMBER OF A QUALIFIED ORGANIZATION TO PURCHASE OR
- USE RELOADABLE HIGH POWER MOTORS. See section 3.1.9, below, for
- information on becoming certified to use high power reloadable motors.
-
- WARNING: IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY r.m.r CONSENSUS THAT YOU DO NOT
- ASSEMBLE AND/OR PREP A RELOADABLE-TYPE MOTOR UNTIL JUST PRIOR
- TO ITS USE (I.E., ON THE FLYING FIELD). *** UNDER NO
- CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD ASSEMBLED RELOADABLE MOTORS BE STORED WITH
- IGNITERS INSTALLED ***
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.5 What are these different 'types' of composite motors I hear about (White
- Lightning, Black Jack, Smokey Sam, etc.)?
-
- These are all manufacturers' names for various formulations of 'stuff'
- they have added to the propellants to get specific pyrotechnic effects.
-
- Black Jack (Aerotech): low(er) average thrust engine which produces a
- dense, dark exhaust to aid in tracking. Also has a distinctive roar.
- Note: BJ motors have a slow thrust buildup and long ignition time. Take
- care when using this type of motor in a cluster. Also play close
- attention to the manufacturer's Maximum Recommended Liftoff Weight
- (MRLOW).
- Blue Thunder (Aerotech): high level average thrust engines with a bright
- violet-blue flame and very little visible exhaust. Designed for high
- thrust, high acceleration lift-offs. Ignites quickly. Very fast thrust
- build-up.
- Firestarter (U.S. Rockets): low impulse composite formulation which
- produces large numbers of sparks.
- Hellfire (Vulcan): a high thrust motor which produces a bright red
- flame.
- Smokey Sam (Vulcan): produces a dark exhaust to aid in tracking.
- Silver Streak (Rocketflite/MRED): produces a fine shower of white sparks
- during boost (these are actually black powder motors). VERY fast
- ignition and thrust buildup.
- White Lightning (Aerotech): medium average thrust engine producing a
- bright white flame and distinctive roar. Ignites quickly. Moderately
- quick thrust buildup.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.6 What's an FAA waiver? Which rocket flights require one?
-
- An FAA waiver is official permission by the Federal Aviation Administra-
- tion allowing the launching of rockets exceeding a certain size. The rules
- appear in FAR 101.
-
- A document describing FAR 101 is available at the sunsite archive:
- http://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/archives/rec.models.rockets/FAA/FAR101_explained
-
- The following are the relevant sections of FAR 101, regulating the
- launching of model and high power rockets.
-
- ----------------------- FAR 101 Subpart A--General --------------------
-
- Sec. 101.1 Applicability.
-
- (a) This part prescribes rules governing the operation in the United
- States, of the following:
- (3) Any unmanned rocket except:
- (i) Aerial fireworks displays; and,
- (ii) Model rockets:
- (a) Using not more than four ounces of propellant;
- (b) Using a slow-burning propellant;
- (c) Made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic, containing no
- substantial metal parts and weighing not more than 16 ounces,
- including the propellant;
- and
- (d) Operated in a manner that does not create a hazard to persons,
- property, or other aircraft.
-
- [Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6721, June 29, 1963, as amended by Amdt. 101-1, 29 FR
- 46, Jan. 3, 1964; Amdt. 101-3, 35 FR 8213, May 26, 1970]
-
- Sec. 101.3 Waivers.
-
- No person may conduct operations that require a deviation from this part
- except under a certificate of waiver issued by the Administrator.
-
- [Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6721, June 29, 1963]
-
- Sec. 101.5 Operations in prohibited or restricted areas.
-
- No person may operate a moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or unmanned
- free balloon in a prohibited or restricted area unless he has permission
- from the using or controlling agency, as appropriate.
-
- [Amdt. 101-1, 29 FR 46, Jan. 3, 1964]
-
- Sec. 101.7 Hazardous operations.
-
- (a) No person may operate any moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or
- unmanned free balloon in a manner that creates a hazard to other
- persons, or their property.
- (b) No person operating any moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or
- unmanned free balloon may allow an object to be dropped therefrom,
- if such action creates a hazard to other persons or their property.
-
- (Sec. 6(c), Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1655(c)))
-
- [Doc. No. 12800, Amdt. 101-4, 39 FR 22252, June 21, 1974]
-
-
- --------------- FAR 101, Subpart C--Unmanned Rockets ------------------
-
- Source: Docket No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29, 1963, unless otherwise noted.
-
- Sec. 101.21 Applicability.
-
- This subpart applies to the operation of unmanned rockets. However, a
- person operating an unmanned rocket within a restricted area must comply only
- with Sec. 101.23(g) and with additional limitations imposed by the using or
- controlling agency, as appropriate.
-
-
- Sec. 101.22 Special provisions for large model rockets.
-
- Persons operating model rockets that use not more than 125 grams of
- propellant; that are made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic; that contain
- no substantial metal parts, and that weigh not more than 1,500 grams,
- including the propellant, need not comply with Sec. 101.23 (b), (c), (g), and
- (h), provided:
- (a) That person complies with all provisions of Sec. 101.25; and
- (b) The operation is not conducted within 5 miles of an airport runway or
- other landing area unless the information required in Sec. 101.25
- is also provided to the manager of that airport.
-
- [Amdt. 101-6, 59 FR 50393, Oct. 3, 1994]
-
- Sec. 101.23 Operating limitations.
-
- No person may operate an unmanned rocket--
- (a) In a manner that creates a collision hazard with other aircraft;
- (b) In controlled airspace;
- (c) Within five miles of the boundary of any airport;
- (d) At any altitude where clouds or obscuring phenomena of more than five-
- tenths coverage prevails;
- (e) At any altitude where the horizontal visibility is less than five
- miles;
- (f) Into any cloud;
- (g) Within 1,500 feet of any person or property that is not associated with
- the operations; or
- (h) Between sunset and sunrise.
-
- (Sec. 6(c), Department of Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 1655(c)))
-
- [Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29, 1963, as amended by Amdt. 101-4,
- 39 FR 22252, June 21, 1974]
-
-
- Sec. 101.25 Notice requirements.
-
- No person may operate an unmanned rocket unless that person gives the
- following information to the FAA ATC facility nearest to the place of
- intended operation no less than 24 hours prior to and no more than 48 hours
- prior to beginning the operation:
- (a) The names and addresses of the operators; except when there are
- multiple participants at a single event, the name and address of
- the person so designated as the event launch coordinator, whose
- duties include coordination of the required launch data estimates
- and coordinating the launch event;
- (b) The estimated number of rockets to be operated;
- (c) The estimated size and the estimated weight of each rocket; and
- (d) The estimated highest altitude or flight level to which each rocket
- will be operated.
- (e) The location of the operation.
- (f) The date, time, and duration of the operation.
- (g) Any other pertinent information requested by the ATC facility.
-
- [Doc. No. 1580, 28 FR 6722, June 29, 1963, as amended by Amdt. 101-6, 59 FR
- 50393, Oct. 3, 1994]
-
-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.7 OK. I want to fly some high power rockets. How do I get an FAA waiver?
-
- A downloadable, printable copy of
- Form 7711-2, Application for Certificate of Waiver, is available at:
-
- http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/Waiver.htm
-
- From: jsvrc@edison.rc.rit.edu (J A Stephen Viggiano)
- I'd like to share with those interested what is involved in applying for
- an FAA Waiver. It's not a particularly difficult procedure, and the
- FAA personnel I have dealt with are courteous, professional, and
- helpful. Don't be scared of the bureaucratic red tape, there isn't a
- whole lot of it.
-
- You can get the forms from the Flight Standards District Office (the "Fizz-
- Doe") at any airport with air traffic control. Phone the tower and ask
- for Flight Standards. Tell them you're interested in launching rockets,
- and need an Application for Waiver, FAA Form 7711-2. They should know what
- you want. While you've got them on the phone, ask for the address of the
- Regional office. You will probably have to file your application with them,
- so it will help to know where it has to go!
-
- Now, you take a field trip. Get in your car, and drive to the airport. Not
- the passenger terminal, the part where all the private general aviation
- planes are parked. There should be a place there for pilots to pay for
- fuel, buy toothbrushes and other sundry items, including section maps.
- Ask them for the map which includes your launch site. If you're not near
- a section boundary, it should be the same map which includes the airport.
- (It will also be the most popular map there, and they may be out of
- stock.)-: We're covered by the Detroit section map, for example. Never
- mind that it's a few states away, and New York is closer, that's just
- the way they carve things up. It costs about $3, and it's fun to look at
- and try to decipher.
-
- Locate your launch site on the section map. Are there any airports
- within 5 miles? If so, you'll need a waiver of Section 101.23(c), which
- addresses your proximity to an airport, in addition to waiver of Section
- 101.23(b), which covers controlled airspace. You type these section
- numbers on line 4 of the application. Lines 1, 2, and 3 are your name,
- address, telephone number, and all that David Copperfield crap, as
- Salinger called it.
-
- Line 5 asks for a detailed description of what you want to do. I usually
- put something like the following:
-
- Normal operations of Model and High Impulse Rockets
- weighing more than 16 ounces (but less than 80 ounces)
- in accordance with the National Association of Rocketry
- Safety Codes (please see attached).
-
- Line 6 asks for the location. If you've got the latitude and longitude
- to the second, use them. Otherwise, you can refer to a copy of the portion
- section map, like this:
-
- On the grounds of and directly above the National Warplane
- Museum, Geneseo, NY (please see attached portion of Detroit
- section map).
-
- You can then copy that portion of the section map, circle the launch site
- in red or some other color, and write the legend, "Area of Proposed
- Operations." (Remember, these folks talk in Bureaucratese.)
-
- In either case, this is the line on which you request altitude. Again,
- in FAA patois, "No operation under this waiver will exceed 5000 feet AGL"
- are the magic words which have worked for us (along with "please" and
- "thank you"). If you can read the altitude of the terrain on the section
- map, you can add this to the requested altitude above ground level to
- arrive at the altitude above Mean Sea Level (MSL), which might be
- appreciated by the person processing your application.
-
- On Line 7 you give your starting and ending dates and times, and any
- rain dates. It's not necessary (nor is it desirable) to use Zulu
- (Greenwich Mean) Time, but these folks use that "hundred hour" jazz
- that Colonel Blake on M*A*S*H hated so much. Make sure to indicate
- what time zone you're referencing, for example "1030 EDT".
-
- Lines 8 through 14 pertain to airshows and the like, so just put an
- "N/A" or two there to let them know these areas aren't blank because of
- an omission. You sign on Line 15, and have an opportunity to say a
- little something about how you're going to be running things. I usually
- write in the following, under "Remarks":
-
- All operations will be conducted in accordance with the NAR
- Safety Codes and shall be under the control of an experienced
- Range Safety / Launch Control Officer. A spotter will watch
- for aircraft entering the operations area, and will temporarily
- suspend operations in this contingency.
-
- Make three copies. Keep one for yourself, send your original and two of
- the copies to the Regional Office. Attach three copies of both Safety
- Codes, because the Model Rocket Safety Code covers rockets which will
- be under the terms of the waiver. Also attach three copies of the
- germane portion of the section map, if that's how you're indicating
- where you are going to fly. Include a short letter of transmittal.
-
- After having some scares about the last two applications I sent in,
- next time I plan to include a receipt postcard. I'm going to put my
- address on the address side, and on the other side it will say:
-
- Received _________________ (date) an Application for
- Certificate of Waiver or Authorization, FAA Form
- 7711-2, at this office. For further information,
- please contact ___________________ (name) at
- _________________ (telephone number, extension).
-
- Bureaucrats see these things all the time, and they know what to do with
- them.
-
- Mail off this packet to the FAA Regional Office, to the attention of
- Flight Standards (I think!). You need to apply at least 30 days (the form
- says 45 days, so be sure) in advance. If you don't hear back from them
- in two or three weeks, give them a call. We had to do this twice; once the
- form was lost, and another time it was just in the "in" basket.
-
- If all goes according to plan, you should get back your application, all
- the other stuff you sent (talk about carrying coals to Newcastle!), and
- the Magic Certificate of Waiver! There will be a few strings attached.
- You should be instructed to inform the nearest ATC, and possibly an
- Automated Flight Information Service, a certain time before you start,
- in order to "activate" your waiver. You'll probably be instructed to
- contact them when you're done, too. Usually these things are not a big
- deal, but sometimes you get a person who doesn't know why you're
- bothering them. Just tell them that you're carrying out instructions
- from the Regional Office to give a Notice to Airmen, pursuant to the
- terms of your Certificate of Waiver. A little official-sounding talk
- will make them feel right at home.
-
- Of course, you have to make sure all fliers are familiar with the terms
- and conditions of your waiver, because it's your butt that's on the
- line, too. It is a standing MARS policy that the waiver certificate
- and application are available for inspection by all fliers.
-
- After the launch, I usually send a letter to the person who sent me
- the Certificate of Waiver, thanking them for their help, and letting
- them know we had a safe and enjoyable time. It helps grease the skids
- for the next waiver you want, besides being common courtesy.
-
- It's not hard to obtain a waiver if you make your application in a
- professional manner, and conduct your activities likewise. There's no
- fee, but there is some effort involved. Finally, keep in mind that the
- people working on your application are people, and as such they
- respond to being treated courteously and professionally. I hope you
- find the process relatively simple and painless.
-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.8 Is high power rocketry legal in every state, if the proper forms are
- obtained?
-
- No. Even with an FAA waiver, HPR is NOT legal in every state. Check
- with your local fire marshal for requirements/restrictions in your area.
- The NAR and Tripoli are actively working to get state restrictions on
- model and HPR removed.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.9 Where do I find out the proper way to use HPR rockets and motors? I'm
- familiar with the NAR Model Rocketry Sporting Code. Is there an HPR
- equivalent?
-
- Both the NAR and Tripoli have HPR safety codes. The two organizations
- are working together to produce a consistent safety code to be presented
- to the NFPA. These codes specify minimum launch field sizes, minimum
- distance to keep from launchers, etc. The NAR High Power Rocket
- Safety Code has been published in Sport Rocketry, and is on their web site.
- The Tripoli safety code is published in their Members handbook, which is
- sent to all new Tripoli members.
- EVERYONE WANTING TO GET INVOLVED IN HPR IS STRONGLY URGED TO JOIN ONE OR
- BOTH OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS. There are legal restrictions to buying
- high power motors. Only certified members of 'legally qualified'
- organizations may purchase them. If you want to fly high power you need
- to be a member of either the NAR or Tripoli.
-
- The High Power Safety Codes for both the NAR and Tripoli are based on the
- NFPA 1127 guidelines. Both organizations recognize the others safety
- code, motor certifications, and HPR user certifications.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.10 What are some good kits to build when first getting into high power
- rocketry (assuming I have all of the basic model rocketry skills)?
-
- Popular rec.models.rockets vote:
- LOC Graduator
-
- From: cdt@pdp.sw.stratus.com (C. D. Tavares)
- AAA Penn. Crude
-
- From: kaplowro@hccompare.com (Bob Kaplow)
- - Avoid any kit with plastic fins or internal parts.
- - Avoid phenolic tubes, thick cardboard tubes are more familiar
- and easy to work with
- - For Large Model Rockets, try a LOC Graduator or Rocket R&D/THOY
- Hornet
- - For a High Power rocket try a LOC IV or EZI-65, or a Rocket R&D/THOY
- Falcon
-
- From: JCook@Epoch.C (Jim Cook):
- LOC kits are a good introduction into high power - they are strong
- (banging it several times for emphasis on the table).
-
- From: buzzman@netcom.com (Buzz McDermott)
- If you have never flown anything bigger than an Estes or FSI D
- motor, I would recommend building one or more E-G kits before
- tackling H power and up. When you go for your NAR or TRA
- certification, choose a rocket where G and H motors are the low
- end or mid-range power options. Going with a rocket where your
- chosen motor is at the high end or above the rockets recommended
- power range is more likely to fail by over-stressing the design.
- Bigger, slower high power rockets are less stressed and more likely to
- succeed. In the case of NAR certification, this gets you a rocket
- good for multiple certification levels. I like the following (any
- are good NAR or TRA certification rockets):
- LOC Mini Magg, 38mm mount (G-I motors)
- LOC EZI-65, 54mm mount (G-I motors)
- THOY (Rocket R&D) Falcon, 54mm mount (H-J motors)
-
- From: mike_forman@cjnetworks.com (Mike Forman)
- I bought, built, flew and certified on a PML Io. Very nice kit. I
- glassed the tube, and would bet it's as close to bulletproof as you
- could get and still be legal to fly as a hpr. I posted a review of
- the Io here, and you could probably go to dejanews' archive and
- retrieve it. Great rocket, great flights, easy to build.
-
- From: marku@netins.net (Mark U.)
- My favorite 4 in. rocket is the THOY/R&D Falcon. In stock configure it
- easyily will handle H-J and if beefed up a K is not out of the question.
- My second choice would be a PML Quasar this will fly nicely on a H-I
- motors.
-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.11 When is a Federal Low Explosives Permit required?
-
- NOTE: As of 1997, the BATF will be formally clarifying their
- interpretation of what high power rocket motors require a Federal
- Low Explosives Users Permit (LEUP). At the time that this is written
- (Jan. 9, 1997) it appears that reloadable motor propellant segments
- less than 62.5 grams in mass will require a LEUP if their intended use
- is to assemble a motor that has more than 62.5 grams of propellant.
- Furthermore, LEUP fees may be raised. At the time of this writing, these
- changes are not yet in effect. The National Association of Rocketry and
- Tripoli Rocketry Association are working together to see what can be done
- to protect the interests of high power rocketry enthusiasts, and will
- be keeping their members informed of the latest developments.
-
- The following are excerpts from a joint communique issued by the
- High Power Rocket Manufacturers and Dealers Association and the Tripoli
- Rocketry Association to the high-power rocket community on 25 April 1994.
- It was posted to CompuServe by Michael Platt, president of the HPRMDA.
-
- ----
- [Based on informal clarification from the BATF, it is our belief that:]
-
- (a) single-use model rocket motors containing no more than 62.5 grams of
- propellant are exempt from Federal licensing and storage requirements;
-
- (b) reloadable rocket motor products are also exempt from Federal licensing
- and storage requirements, provided that the mass of each propellant grain
- is no more than 62.5 grams, and has received a DOT shipping designation
- as Explosive 1.4, but may not be made available to children;
-
- (c) any single-use motor containing propellant mass greater than 62.5 grams,
- or any reloadable rocket motor product containing a propellant grain
- which weighs more than 62.5 grams, is subject to Federal licensing and
- storage requirements.
-
- Users (e.g. consumers, flyers) of high-power rocket motors and reload kits
- as described in item (c) above, are subject to Federal, and possibly state
- and local, permit requirements for the purchase and storage of explosives.
- On the Federal level, this involves obtaining an explosive user permit from
- BATF, at a cost of $20 for the first year, and $10 for each subsequent
- three-year period. An important exception to the Federal requirement for a
- user permit is if the user were to purchase a motor or reload kit in his
- state of residence as defined by BATF, and either (a) use the motor or
- reload kit at the site of purchase (e.g. a launch), or (b) transport it to
- an approved storage facility located within the boundaries of said state.
-
- Everyone--manufacturers, dealers (distributors), users--who stores (as
- defined by the BATF) a high-power rocket motor or reload kit as described
- in item (c) above is subject to Federal, and possibly state and local,
- requirements for the storage of explosives. All storage of a high-power
- rocket motor or reload kit must be in accordance with Federal explosive
- storage requirements, even if a Federal license/permit is not required for
- purchase. There are no exceptions to this rule.
- -----
-
-
- A document with questions and answers about the BATF and rocketry is
- available at the sunsite archive:
-
- http://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/archives/rec.models.rockets/BATF/batfqa.txt
-
- Instructions for filling out a LEUP are available on the Rocket Science
- web site:
-
- http://www.scsn.net/users/rockets/LEUP_consumer.html
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.12 How do I get an LEUP? Are there any requirements?
-
- The following is an excerpt from the June 1994 'Tripoli Report'. Since
- this deals with Federal Law and not Tripoli rules, I do not believe that
- there is any violation of Tripoli by-laws in doing this.
-
- Q: How would a person qualify for a Federal user's permit?
- A: The chief, firearms and explosives licensing center, will approve a
- properly completed application if the applicant:
-
- 1) Is 21 years of age or older,
- 2) Is not a person to whom distribution of an affected high-power
- rocket commodity is prohibited under the Act (Federal law),
- 3) Has not willfully violated any provisions of the Act,
- 4) Has not knowingly withheld any information or has not made any false
- or fictitious statement intended or likely to deceive concerning the
- application,
- 5) Has storage for the class (low explosive) of an affected high-power
- rocket commodity, as described on the application, unless he establishes
- that his operations to be conducted will not require the storage of an
- affected high-power rocket commodity.
- 6) Is familiar with and understands all published state laws and local
- ordinances relating to affected high-power rocket communications
- in which he intends to conduct operations.
- ATF Form 5400.13/5400.16 must be filed to obtain a permit.
-
- From: buzzman@netcom.com (Buzz McDermott)
- You may obtain a users permit with or without a storage magazine. If
- your primary reason for the permit is to be able to buy HPR motors
- at out of state launches, then you don't need a home storage magazine.
- If you do have a home storage magazine, remember to keep the proper
- records for all motors added to and removed from the magazine.
-
- Michael Platt has indicated willingness to help anyone who has any
- questions regarding the proper filling out of the permits. He may
- be reached at 70233.255@CompuServe.COM.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.13 How is thermalite affected by the ATF regulatory enforcement?
-
- From: 70233.255@CompuServe.COM (Michael Platt )
- Thermalite is a brand name for igniter cord. Purchase and storage of
- igniter cord is regulated by BATF. Purchase and/or storage of igniter
- cord, IN ANY QUANTITY, requires an explosive license and an approved
- storage facility, i.e. an explosive magazine. This includes thermalite
- in any length, including the one inch lengths commonly included with
- motors produced by various manufacturers. The only exception to this
- would be the purchase by a user for immediate use in the state where
- he/she resides.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.14 How can I get the Orange Book (explaining the ATF explosive laws
- and regulations) and the proper LEUP forms?
-
- Call you regional BATF office and ask for the Orange Book and an
- application for a Federal Low Explosives Users Permit. Remember that you
- want a Users permit (there are several other types of permits). The
- regional office will mail these to you at no charge. The documentation
- you receive will indicate where the filled in forms and payment should
- be remitted.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- 10.15 Just what is a 'hybrid' rocket motor? Who makes them?
-
- From: kevinr5053@aol.com (Kevin Reed)
- A hybrid motor as sold for model rocketry uses a solid fuel grain and a
- liquid oxidizer -- in the case of commercial model motors, nitrous oxide.
- A composite motor uses a solid oxidizer -- ammonium perchlorate -- mixed
- with a rubber binder/fuel to make a unified solid grain.
-
- I can't think of any 24mm hybrids on the market; the smallest, I think,
- has an "I" rating and fits into a 54mm mount.
-
- There are two companies currently manufacturing them commercially,
- Aerotech and Hypertek. One system loads the oxidizer tank before loading
- the motor in the rocket, while the other fills the tank after the rocket
- is in launch position.
-
- Hybrids have a couple of advantages over composites: one is that there is
- virtually no fire hazard transporting or storing the motor: without the
- oxidizer in direct contact with it, the fuel grain is almost inert. It is
- also not covered by the same DOT shipping restrictions, because the tanks
- are DOT certified and the fuel grain poses no environmental or fire
- hazard.
-
- [Editor's note: The Jan 1996 issue of High Power Rocketry magazine has an
- excellent article comparing the Hypertek and Aerotech hybrid systems.]
- ---------------------------------------
- Copyright (c) 1996 Wolfram von Kiparski, editor.
- Refer to Part 00 for the full copyright notice.
-
-
-