- Materials. I
will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of
my rocket.
- Motors. I will use only certified,
commercially-made model rocket motors, and will not tamper with these motors
or use them for any purposes except those recommended by the manufacturer.
- Ignition System. I will launch my rockets
with an electrical launch system and electrical motor igniters. My launch
system will have a safety interlock in series with the launch switch, and
will use a launch switch that returns to the "off" position when
released.
- Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I
press the button of my electrical launch system, I will remove the
launcher's safety interlock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60
seconds after the last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the
rocket.
- Launch Safety. I will use a countdown before
launch, and will ensure that everyone is paying attention and is a safe
distance of at least 15 feet away when I launch rockets with D motors or
smaller, and 30 feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain about
the safety or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the stability
before flight and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing
them away to a safe distance.
- Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a
launch rod, tower, or rail that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the
vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up, and I will use
a blast deflector to prevent the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To
prevent accidental eye injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the
launch rod is above eye level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not
in use.
- Size. My model rocket will not weigh more
than 1,500 grams (53 ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more than 125
grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total
impulse. If my model rocket weighs more than one pound (453 grams) at
liftoff or has more than four ounces (113 grams) of propellant, I will check
and comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations before flying.
- Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at
targets, into clouds, or near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or
explosive payload in my rocket.
- Launch Site. I will launch my rocket
outdoors, in an open area at least as large as shown in the accompanying
table, and in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20
miles per hour. I will ensure that there is no dry grass close to the launch
pad, and that the launch site does not present risk of grass fires.
- Recovery System. I will use a recovery system
such as a streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns safely and
undamaged and can be flown again, and I will use only flame-resistant or
fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.
- Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to
recover my rocket from power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.
LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS
| Installed Total Impulse (N-sec) |
Equivalent Motor Type |
Minimum Site Dimensions (ft.) |
| 0.00--1.25 |
1/4A, 1/2A |
50 |
| 1.26--2.50 |
A |
100 |
| 2.51--5.00 |
B |
200 |
| 5.01--10.00 |
C |
400 |
| 10.01--20.00 |
D |
500 |
| 20.01--40.00 |
E |
1,000 |
| 40.01--80.00 |
F |
1,000 |
| 80.01--160.00 |
G |
1,000 |
| 160.01--320.00 |
Two Gs |
1,500 |
