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 Risk Management

Model Rockets (Unmanned and Other Things That Fly)

The following information does not apply to rockets that might be classified as fireworks. Fireworks should not be part of school activities.

In most cases, the safety of persons and the reliability of model rockets will be best served by use of pre-manufactured model rockets. Whether "home-made" or manufactured, model rockets and their use should comply with the following Codes and Standards:

  • National Fire Projection Assn. (NFPA) 1122
  • National Association of Rocketry Guidelines
  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Council Standards
  • 16 CFR 1500.85
  • Federal Aviation Administration Regulations
  • 14 CFR Ch. 1 Part 101

The launching of model rockets may not be governed by the FAA provided all the following conditions exist:

  • Device uses less than 4 ounces of prepellant
  • Device uses a slow burning propellant (as defined by FAA)
  • Device is made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic
  • Device weighs not more than 16 ounces
  • Operation of the rocket is in compliance with FAA Regulations 14 CFR 101 Subpart A 101.7

UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, the Basic Safety Guidelines (see below) must be followed.

If an attempt is made to construct a model rocket from "scratch", each step in the design and construction must follow accepted Codes, Standards, and Guidelines as determined by "The Authorities Having Jurisdiction".

Ref.: Basics of Model Rocketry by Author Douglas R. Pratt
Publisher - Kalmbach Books $8.95 - Library #621.4356

There was a time when birds, and other things that fly were free to roam the sky with little or no concern. BUT NOT TODAY!!

Model rockets have become a recreational activity enjoyed by all ages. Model rockets have also been added to various school classroom activities in support of a number of topics. The topics range from astronomy to crafts.

As the birds have discovered, the sky is not the safe place to roam that existed in the past. In fact, flying is almost as good a place to get "run over" as traveling on the ground. AND, things that fly often go a lot faster today than in years past.

Basic Safety Guidelines

Here are some basic safety guidelines for rockets, and other things that fly, to be followed when sending any object into the sky:

  • Conduct flying object activities:
    • Only between sunrise and sunset
    • Only when the flying object will remain at least 500 feet below any clouds
    • Only when winds are less than 20 mph
  • Operating flying objects must not create a hazard to persons or property.
  • The flying object must not fall, or release anything to fall, and create a hazard to persons or property.
  • Operations should not be attempted less than five miles from an airport without the permission of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Model (Unmanned) Rockets, Moored Balloons, Unmanned Free Balloons, and Kites all may fall under the jurisdiction of the FAA. No attempt should be made to send objects into the sky without a full and clear understanding of related hazards and possible authorities having jurisdiction over the "flight".

Source: Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc.
Colorado School Districts Self Insurance Pool (CSDSIP)

Pazihandsupwebsize2.jpg: Pazi's Tip: BE SAFE - BE INFORMED
AND ENJOY THE LAUNCHING OF MODEL ROCKETS