(Revised February, 2001)
- 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 poundseconds)
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 flameresistant
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
For more information about joining the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) please visit http://www.nar.org.
To download the NAR membership form please click on: http://www.nar.org/cabinet/membership.pdf.