top                              Questions & Answers 

        'Flying model rockets' come in various shapes, sizes and configurations. There are simple               model rockets, scale model rockets, multi stage rockets, rockets which are powered by more 
        than one motor (clusters), rocket boosted gliders, rocket boosted radio controlled gliders and         rotorocs- rockets recovered by helicopter type rotors.
       
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         What is the difference between a "model rocket", "advanced model rocket", "high power                rocket" or "experimental rocket"?
         The two regulations governing rocketry in New Zealand (The HSNO Regulations and the              Civil Aviation Rule Part 101), are normally concerned with the total rocket vehicle, that is ,
         the rocket airframe and motor combined.
         Generally speaking however, when rocketeers refer to a 'model rocket' or low power motor
         they are referring to rockets with no metal structural parts powered by commercially
         manufactured motors in the power ranges "A" to"D". A 'large' or 'advanced model rocket'                  motor means a rocket with no metal structural parts,powered by a commercially                              manufactered motor in the ranges "E" to "H".
       
         [ Note that Civil Aviation Rules define a 'large' model rocket as:
         
           A 'high power rocket' refers to a rocket with no metal structural parts powered by a                          commercially manufactured motor in the power ranges H to N. An amateur or rocket
           experimental rocket is anything that falls outside of the above catagories.

           All the above types of rocket are flown from a launch pad, use electrically ignited
           rocket motors (which are purchased separately from the rocket kit itself), and are designed
           to be recovered by various means, eg parachute, to enable them to be flown time and time            again.

           To fly a model rocket you require a launch pad, a launch controller to ignite the motors,                  flameproof recovery wadding and a selection of model rocket motors (which include                        igniters).
 
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           Where can I buy model rockets in New Zealand?
           Model rocket kits and model rocket motors are freely available in New Zealand from several
           hobby shops,with coverage in Dargaville, Whangarei, Auckland, Papakura, Hamilton,                      Cambridge, Palmerston North, Lower Hutt and Nelson. List of Retailers. If not available in
           your area, they can be purchased from AEROSPACE EDUCATION, Box 13 386 Onehunga
           Auckland, who market Quest, Aerotech, MRC, Estes and Public Missiles brands.
           Advanced model rocket motors (E to G) and High Power rocket motors (H to N) and                        catalogues are also available from AEROSPACE EDUCATION.

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            How old do I have to be to purchase a model rocket motor?
            Model Rocketry motors are recommended for ages 10 to adult with adult supervision
            recommended for ages 12 years and under. Advanced Rocketry motors are recommended
            for ages 16 to adult with adult supervision recommended under this age group. High                       Power rocketry motors are recommended for age groups 18 and over again with adult
            supervision recommended under this age limit.
            In New Zealand, however, at the present time, you must be at least 18 years old to                         purchase any type of rocket motor. In 1992 the New Zealand government agreed to
            reduce the purchasing age limit for motors in the ranges A to D to 14 years of age,
            however this legislation has yet to emerge.

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           What regulations currently govern the use of model and high power rocketry in
           New Zealand?
           Users of model rockets and large (advanced) model rockets must legally abide by
           the Model Rocket Safety Code (published with each rocket kit or motor pack).
           If flying above D power, a permit is required. This can be obtained from the Dept of Labour
           or arranged for you by Aerospace Education within 24 to 48 hours. Membership of the
           New Zealand Rocketry Association may be of some benefit to you in obtaining a permit.
           There are no Civil Aviation Restrictions on flying 'model rockets' however users of 'large',
           'high power' and experimental need to abide by Civil Aviation Rule Part 101.
           Briefly, these rules state:
           Large, High Power and Experimental Rockets
           You cannot operate these rockets above 400 ft AGL (AGL means "above ground level")
           within 8km of an aerodrome boundary, without the permission of the airport operator or
           Air Traffic Control.
           You cannot, without prior permission, launch into controlled airspace without authorisation
           from the Air Traffic Control unit responsible for that area.
          '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 (phone 0800 626 756, ask to speak to the supervisor).
           You cannot fly or drop an object from a rocket in a manner hazardous to aircraft, persons or
           property.
           You cannot fly when there is more than 4/8ths cloud coverage, or the horizontal visibility is
           less than 8km, or fly any rocket into any cloud.

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           to be continued.......