National Association of Rocketry
Model Rocket Safety Code
1. Materials:
I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for
the nose, body, and fins of my rocket.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Launch Site:
II 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.
10. 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.
11. Recovery Safety:
I will not attempt to recover my
rocket from power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous
places
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
1000
40.01--80.00
F
1000
80.01--160.00
G
1000
160.01--320.00
Two Gs
1500
National Association of Rocketry
Launch Site Dimensions
Remember
only you
can prevent
Safety
Hazards!
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