Rocket Safety is our primary concern...
We have included a few documents below that spell out the safety practices pertaining to model rocketry...
Model rocketry is recommended for ages 8 through Adult (or school year 5 and up), with Adult supervision for those under age 14. This code applys to rockets using motors in the power ranges Micromaxx through to 2 G's.
1. MATERIALS. My model rocket will be made of lightweight materials such as paper, wood, rubber, and plastic suitable for the power used and the performance of my model rocket. I will not use any metal for the nose cone, body, or fins of a model rocket.
2. MOTORS. I will use only commercially-made NAR certified model rocket motors in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. I will not alter the model rocket motor, its parts, or its ingredients in any way.
3. RECOVERY. I will always use a recovery system in my model rocket that will return it safely to the ground so it may be flown again. I will use only flame resistant bio-degradable recovery wadding if required by the design of my model rocket.
4. WEIGHT AND POWER LIMITS. My model rocket will weigh no more than 1,500 grams at lift-off and its rocket mo6tors will produce less than 320 Newton-Seconds of total impulse. My model rocket will weigh less than the motor manufacturers recommended maximum liftoff weight for the motors used, or I will use motors recommended by the manufacturer for my model rocket.
5. STABILITY. I will check the stability of my model rocket before its first flight, except when launching a model rocket of already proven stability.
6. PAYLOADS. My model rocket will never carry live animals except insects, or a payload that is intended to be flammable, explosive, or harmful.
7. LAUNCH AREA. I will launch my model rocket outdoors in a cleared area, free of tall trees, power lines, buildings, and dry brush and grass. My launch area will be at least as large as that recommended in the following table:
| MotorType |
MotorType Installed Total Impulse (Newton-Seconds) |
Minimum Site Dimensions (metres) |
| Micromaxx | 15 | |
| ½ A | 0.00 - 1.25 15 | 15 |
| A | 1.26 - 2.50 | 30 |
| B | 2.51 - 5.00 | 60 |
| C | 5.01 - 10.00 | 120 |
| D | 10.01 -20.00 | 150 |
| E | 20.01 - 40.00 | 300 |
| F | 40.01 - 80.00 | 300 |
| G | 80.01 - 160.00 | 300 |
| 2G'S | 160.01 - 320.00 | 450 |
8. LAUNCHER. I will launch my model rocket form a stable launch device that provides rigid guidance until the model rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. To prevent accidental eye injury, I will always place the launcher so the end of the rod is above eye level or I will cap the end of the rod when approaching it. I will cap or disassemble my launch rod when not in use and I will never store it in an upright position. My launcher will have a jet deflector device to prevent the motor exhaust from hitting the ground directly. I will always clear the area around my launch device of brown grass, dry weeds, or other easy-to-burn materials.
9. IGNITION SYSTEM. The system I use to launch my model rocket will be remotely controlled and electrically operated. It will contain a launching switch that will return to "Off" when released. The system will contain a removable safety interlock in series with the launch switch. All persons will remain at least 5 metres from the model rocket when I am igniting model rocket motors totalling 30 Newton-Seconds or less of total impulse and at least 9 metres from the model rocket when I am igniting model rocket motors totalling more than 30 Newton-Seconds of total impulse. I will use only electric igniters recommended by the motor manufacturer that will ignite the model rocket motors) within one second of actuation of the launching switch.
10. LAUNCH SAFETY. I will ensure that people in the launch area are aware of the pending model rocket launch and can see the model rocket's lift-off before I begin my audible five-second count down. I will not launch a model rocket so its flight path will carry it against a target. If my model rocket suffers a misfire, I will not allow anyone to approach it or the launcher until I have made certain the safety interlock has been removed or that the battery has been disconnected from the ignition system I will wait one minute after a misfire before allowing anyone to approach the launcher.
11. FLYING CONDITIONS. I will launch my model rocket only when the wind is less than 32 kilometres per hour. I will not launch my model rocket so it flies into clouds, near aircraft in flight, or in a manner that is hazardous to people or property.
12. PRE-LAUNCH TEST. When conducting research activities with unproven model rocket designs or methods I will, when possible, determine the reliability of my model rocket by pre-launch tests. I will conduct the launching of an unproven design in complete isolation from persons not participating in the actual launching.
13. LAUNCH ANGLE. My launch device will be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical. I will never use model rocket motors to propel any device horizontally.
14. RECOVERY HAZARDS. If a model rocket becomes entangled in a power line or other dangerous place, I will not attempt to recover it.
Anyone wishing to launch a rocket (other than an A to D powered 'model rocket' which complies with the Model Rocket Safety Code, or a 'large model rocket'), must raise a ‘NOTAM’ and, if flying into controlled airspace, obtain approval from Air Traffic Control prior to the launch. 'Controlled airspace' differs from location to location. To determine whether your launch will breach controlled airspace you need to either refer to an aeronautical map or contact the ATC supervisor in your area (see below).
'Model rockets', that is rockets powered by A through D power motors are exempt from CAA rule Part 101. Flyers must however follow the Model rocket Safety Code when launching.
A ’large rocket' (as defined in CAA Rule Part 101) means non-metallic airframe rockets powered by E to H motors, with a lift off weight of no more than 1.5kgs, a motor containing no more than 125g of propellant, and producing no more than 320 n-secs of power. Most Aerotech and the smaller Public Missiles rockets are defined as 'large rockets'.
A ’high power or experimental' rocket refers to anything that does not meet the definition other a ‘model rocket' or ‘large model rocket'.
NOTAM Procedure (applies to ‘high power or experimental’ rockets, but not 'large' rockets)
Send a fax to the NOTAM office - (03) 358 9192, or email - notam@airways.co.nz, stating:
Your name, address and telephone no.
Number of (high power) rockets to be launched
Estimated size, and weight (mass) of the rockets
Estimated highest altitude rockets will operate to
Location of the launch
Date, time and duration of the operation
Air Traffic Control (ATC) Authorisation (applies to 'large' and high power/experimental rockets)
Phone the Air Traffic Control Supervisor 0800 626 756 (ask to speak to the supervisor), no later than 2 days before the launch, confirming the location of your site, how many rockets you will be launching, time of launches, the name of the range safety officer (probably you) and your contact phone number (mobile preferred). Note ATC is not unreasonably allowed to withhold permission to launch.
In some cases, normally in the event of busy traffic, ATC may request you to phone again before 9.00am on the day of the launch, and (if further requested), 15 minutes before the actual launching. (ATC may also require that you phone them to indicate that the rocket is down).
Note that any insurance cover to New Zealand Rocketry Assn (NZRA) members does not apply to any launch, which is not a notified and authorised NZRA launch. This means that your launch either has to be on the NZRA calendar or you have sent notification in writing to the Association prior to the launch.
Please note also that approval for the use of official sites used by NZRA affiliated clubs, must be obtained from those clubs prior to the launch. This is important since it ensures procedures and courtesies agreed with the landowners by clubs are observed and good relationships with the owners are maintained.
If you have any queries on the above points, phone 9-624 3091 or email: info@light-pyro.co.nz
