Laws Pertaining to Model Rocketry
In the United States model rocketry is regulated by the following agencies and organizations:
U.S. Department of Transportation
Rocket engines are classified for shipping and transport.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Model rocket engines complying with certain requirements have been exempted from classification as a banned hazardous substance. Engines and/or their packaging have specific labeling and instruction requirements.
Federal Aviation Agency
Has exempted model rockets weighing 16 oz. (453g) with engine(s) or using less than 4 oz. (113g) of propellant from regulation.
National Fire Protection Association
Developed and adopted ANSI/NFPA 1122 Code for Model Rocketry setting standards for the safety of the activity of model rocketry. To purchase a copy of NFPA 1122 write or call:
NFPA
One Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
1-800-344-3555
In addition, many states have adopted their own model rocketry laws and regulations.
States with additional legal regulatory requirements are:
California (effective July 1992)
- To purchase 1/4A through D engines, you must be 14 years of age or older.
- To purchase E or larger engines, you must be 18 years of age or older.
- Children as young as 12 may participate in an educational model rocketry program with adult supervision.
- Launch sites must be approved by the local fire marshal.
- The California State Fire Marshal’s seal must be on all approved model rocket engines. Do not purchase engines without the seal.
- State of California regulations can be obtained from: Chief Ron Coleman
CDF/Office of the State Fire Marshal
Fire Engineering, FW Program
P.O. Box 944246
Sacramento, CA 94244-2460
New Jersey (effective July 9, 1992)
- To purchase 1/4A through C engines, you must be 14 years of age or older.
- To purchase D or larger engines, you must be 18 years of age or older.
- Children as young as 12 may participate in an educational model rocketry program with adult supervision.
- To obtain a copy of the State of New Jersey Model Rocket Statutes 21:1C-1 through 21:1C-6, write to: State of New Jersey
Department of Labor
John Fitch Plaza
Trenton, NJ 08625
Rhode Island
- To purchase 1/4A through C engines, you must be 14 years of age or older and have a parent’s or guardian’s permission.
- To purchase D or larger engines, you must be 18 years of age or older.
- To use model rocket engines, you must obtain written or verbal permission from local fire authorities to use a specific launch site.
- To obtain permits and/or a copy of the State of Rhode Island Model Rocketry Regulations Section 23.28-29, Laws of the State of Rhode Island, write to: Rhode Island State Fire Marshal
24 Conway Ave., Bldg. 42
Quonset Point - Davisville Industrial Park North
Kingstown, RI 02852
c/o Stan Davies, Chief of Technical Services
Canada
In Canada, all model rocketry is governed by Transport Canada through the Canadian Aeronautical Regulations, Sections 101.07 Subsection 1 and 602.43 through .45. No licenses or permits are required to participate in model rocketry. Motors are regulated by the Explosives Regulatory Division, of Natural Resources Canada through the Explosives Act. One must be at least 12 years of age to purchase and use model rocket engines without adult supervision. The Canadian Model Rocketry Safety Code should be followed. Care must be taken when flying anywhere there is air traffic, such as near airports.
The current version of the Control of Model Rocketry in Canada can be ordered for free online at the publications page at:
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/explosif
For more information on Canadian Model Rocketry contact:
Canadian Launch Safety Office
P.O. Box 8550
344 Edmonton Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 0P6
Phone (204) 984-7243/7286
Fax (204) 983-2005
Email: clso@tc.gc.ca
For more information about model rocketry motors in Canada, contact:
Natural Resources Canada - Explosives Regulatory Division
580 Booth Street, 10th Floor
Ottawa (ON) K1A 0E4
Tel: 613-948-5200
Fax: 613-948-5195
ERDmms@nrcan.gc.ca
The Canadian Association of Rocketry is the national organization of modelers and rocketry clubs in Canada. The CAR deals with all levels of hobby rocketry from model up to High Power. The organization acts as legislative advisors to the Canadian government as well as organizing many launches and competitions. The association also has liability insurance for its members. You can contact CAR headquarters at:
Canadian Association of Rocketry
12332, 89 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5B 3W8
Email: vemc@planet.eon.net
The Canadian Model Rocketry Safety Code is on their web site at http://www.promotek.com/car/index.htm