NEW ZEALAND ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION
Operations Code For
HIGH POWER ROCKETS
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Commercial
Manufacturer.Any
individual, firm,
partnership, joint venture, corporation, or other business entity engaged as a
licensed business in research, development, production, preparation, testing,
maintenance, or supply of rockets, rocket motors, rocket propellant chemicals,
rocket propellant,
delay or ejection, or rocket components or parts.
Complex High
Power Rocket. A
high power rocket that is multistaged or propelled by a cluster of rocket
motors intended for simultaneous ignition at launch or in the air.
High Power
Rocket.
A rocket vehicle:
(a) That is
propelled by a single rocket motor having a total impulse of more than 320
newton-seconds
(b) That weighs more
than 1500 g (53 oz), or
(c) That contains a
recovery device for returning it safely to the ground so it can be flown again.
(d) That is made of
paper, wood, fiberglass, or plastic with the minimum amount of metallic parts
necessary for airframe integrity dependent upon the installed total impulse,
and whose primary use is for purposes of education, recreation, and sporting activities.
High Power Rocket
Motor. A
rocket motor that has more than 320 newton-seconds of total impulse and that
otherwise meets the other requirements set forth in this code.
Hybrid Rocket
Motor. A
rocket motor in which the fuel is in a different physical state (solid, liquid,
or gaseous) than the oxidizer and that derives its force or thrust from the
combination thereof.
Installed Total
Impulse. The
sum of the total impulses of all rocket motors installed in a rocket and
intended to be ignited during the launching and flight of that rocket.
Labeled. Equipment or materials to
which has been attached a label, symbols, or other identifying mark of an
organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and
concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of
production of labeled equipment or materials and by whose labeling the
manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in
a specified manner.
Launching Area. An area designated by the Range
Safety Officer in which high power rockets are placed on a launching device and
ignited.
Launch Site. An area
used for high power rocket activities that includes: prepping area(s),
launching area(s), recovery area(s), spectator area(s), and parking area(s).
Liquid Propellant
Rocket Motor. A
rocket motor that contains a fuel and an oxidizer in liquid form or in a
combined monopropellant liquid form as a single chemical and that derives is
force or thrust from the combustion thereof.
1-1.1 This code
shall apply to the design, construction, limitation of propellant mass and
power, and reliability of all high power rocker motors and motor components
produced commercially for sale to or use by the certified user for education,
recreation and sporting competition.
1-1.2 This code also
shall apply to the design and construction of high power rocket vehicles
propelled by the high power rocket motors specified in 1-1.1.
1-1.3 This code also
shall apply to the conduct of launch operations of high power rocket vehicles
specified in 1-1.2.
1-1.4 This code
shall not apply to the design, construction, production, manufacture,
fabrication, maintenance, launching, flight, test, operation, use, or activity
in connection with a high power rocket motor when carried out or engaged in by
(a) The government
of New Zealand;
(b) Any local
government authority;
(c) Any college or
university; or
(d) Any individual,
firm, partnership, joint venture, corporation, or other business entity
engaged, as a licensed for profit business, in research, development,
production, testing, maintenance, or supply of high power rockets, high power
rocket motors, high power rocket propellant chemicals, or high power rocket
components or parts for ultimate sale to qualified users in conformance with
this code, or in connection with contracts with local and federal governments
or with commercial space transportation vehicle contractors or operating firms.
1-1.5 This code
shall not apply to the design, construction, fabrication, production,
manufacture, maintenance, launching, flight, test, operation, or use of
rocket-propelled model aircraft that sustain their mass against the force of
gravity by aerodynamic lifting surfaces during the entire duration of their
flight in the air. However, this code shall apply to rocket motors and motor
reload components used in such devices.
1-1.6 This code
shall not apply to model or toy rockets propelled by pressurized liquid rocket
motors less than 250 ml (8.45 fl. oz.) of water.
1-1.7 This code shall
not apply to model rockets whose power and weight do not exceed the limits
established in the Model
Rocketry Safety Code; fireworks rockets, skyrockets, and rockets with sticks Outdoor
Display Fireworks or other types of rockets not covered by this code.
2.
Requirements for High Power Rocket Construction and Operation
2-1
User Qualifications. A person shall operate or fly a high power rocket only if that
person is a member of the NZRA.
2-2 Operating Clearances. A person shall fly a high power rocket
only in compliance with:
(a) This code;
(b) CAA Rule
Part 101, and other laws, bye-laws, rules, regulations, statutes, and
ordinances applicable in New Zealand.
2-3Preflight Inspection. A person shall fly a high power rocket
only if it has been inspected and approved for operation immediately prior to
flight by the Range Safety Officer (RSO). The Range Safety Officer shall
confirm the rocket's compliance with the applicable provisions of this code and
be confident that the rocket will fly in a safe manner.
2-4 High Power Rocket Motors and Components.
2-4.1 A person shall
use only commercially manufactured certified high power rocket motors or motor
reloading kits or components.
2-4.2 No person
shall dismantle, reload, or alter a single use high power rocket motor. No
person shall alter the components of a reloadable high power rocket motor or
use the contents of a reloadable rocket motor reloading kit for a purpose other
than those specified by the manufacturer in the rocket motor or reloading kit
instructions.
2-5 Rocket Construction. A high power rocket shall be
constructed in such a manner and with suitable materials to withstand the
operating stresses and retain structural integrity under conditions expected or
known to be encountered in flight.
2-6Rocket
Airframe Materials. A high power rocket vehicle intended to be propelled by one or
more high power rocket motors shall be constructed using lightweight materials
such as paper, wood, rubber, plastic, fiberglass, or, when necessary ductile
metal so that the rocket conforms to the other requirements of this code.
2-7 Stability. A person intending to operate a high power rocket shall
determine its stability before flight. This person shall provide documentation
of the location of the center of pressure and the center of gravity of the high
power rocket to the Range Safety Officer if the Range Safety Officer requests
same.
2-8.1 A person
intending to operate at high power rocket will ensure that it weighs less than
the rocket motor manufacturer's recommended maximum liftoff weight for the
rocket motor(s) used for the flight. This person shall present documented proof
of compliance with this requirement if the Range Safety Officer during
preflight inspection requests it.
2-8.2 A person shall
not install in a high power rocket a rocket motor or combination of rocket
motors that will produce more than 40,960 newton-seconds of total impulse (4.45
newtons equals 1.0 Ib.).
2-9.1 A person shall
fly a high power rocket only if it contains a recovery system that will return
all parts of it safely to the ground so it can be flown again.
2-9.2 A person
preparing the high power rocket for flight shall install only flame-resistant
recovery wadding if wadding is necessary by the design of the rocket.
2-9.3 A person shall
not attempt to catch a high power rocket as it approaches the ground.
2-9.4 A person shall
not attempt to retrieve a high power rocket from a place that is hazardous to
people. The person flying the rocket shall attempt as soon as practicable to
notify the utility company or other appropriate authority if the high power
rocket becomes entangled in a power line when descending.
2-10.1 A person
shall not install or incorporate in a high power rocket a payload that is
intended to be flammable or explosive or to cause harm.
2-10.2 A person
shall not fly a vertebrate animal in a high power rocket.
2-11.1 A person operating
a high power rocket shall launch it from a stable device that provides rigid
guidance until the rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight
path.
2-11.2 The person
launching the high power rocket shall ensure that the launcher incorporates a
blast deflector device if necessary to prevent the rocket motor exhaust from
impinging directly on flammable materials.
2-11.3 A launching
device shall not be used to launch a high power rocket at an angle more than
twenty degrees (20") from vertical.
2-11.4 A person
operating a high power rocket shall place the end of the launch rod or rail
above eye level or cap it to prevent accidental eye injury. A person shall
store a launch rod or rail so it is capped, cased, or left in a condition where
it cannot cause injury.
2-12.1 A person
launching a high power rocket shall use an ignition system that is remotely
controlled, is electrically operated, and contains a launching switch that will
return to "off' when released.
2-12.2 The ignition
system shall contain a removable safety interlock device in series with the
launch switch.
2-12.3 The launch
system and igniter combination shall be designed, installed, and operated so
the liftoff of the rocket shall occur within three seconds of actuation of the
launch system. If the rocket is propelled by a cluster of rocket motors
designed to be ignited simultaneously, the person operating the rocket shall
install an ignition scheme that has either been previously tested or has a demonstrated
capability of igniting all rocket motors intended for launch ignition within
one second following ignition system activation.
2-12.4 A person
shall install an ignition device in a high power rocket motor at the launcher
or within the area designated by the Range Safety Officer. The rocket shall be
pointed in a safe direction during and after installation of the ignition
device.
2-12.5 No firing
circuits shall be armed with the rocket in other than a launching position.
2-13.1 A person
shall launch a high power rocket only in an outdoor area where tall trees,
power lines, and buildings will not present a hazard, in the opinion of the
safety monitor, to the safe flight operation of a high power rocket.
2-13.2 A person shall
not locate a launcher closer to the edge of the launch site than one-half the
minimum launch site dimension stated in Table 2-13.
Table 2-13 Launch Site Dimensions
|
INSTALLED TOTAL IMPULSE(N-SEC) |
EQUIVALENT |
MINIMUM SITE |
EQUIV, |
|
160.01 - 320.00 |
H |
457 |
0.5 |
|
320.01 - 640.00 |
I |
914 |
0.9 |
|
640.01 - 1280.00 |
J |
1609 |
1.6 |
|
1280.01 -2560.00 |
K |
1609 |
1.6 |
|
2560.01 - 5120.00 |
L |
3219 |
3.2 |
|
5120.01 -10240.00 |
M |
4828 |
4.8 |
|
10,240.01 - 20480.00 |
N |
6437 |
6.4 |
|
20,480.01 -40960.00 |
0 |
8047 |
8.0 |
Note
1: For a circular area, the minimum launch site dimension is the diameter in
metres; for a rectangular area, it is the shortest side in metres.
2-13.3
The flying field (launch site) shall be at least as large as that stated in
Table 2-13.
2-13.4
As an alternative to the launch site dimensions, the size of the launch site
shall be established as no less than one-half the maximum altitude expected,
calculated, simulated, or granted (by the authority having jurisdiction) for
the particular flight in question. In no case shall the minimum launch site
dimension be less than 450 m.
2-13.5
In no case shall the minimum site dimension be less than one-half the estimated
maximum altitude of the high power rocket.
2-14.1
The launch site shall contain no occupied buildings or public highways on which
traffic flow exceeds ten (10) vehicles per hour.
2-14.2
The person launching a high power rocket shall ensure that the ground for a
radius of 3 m around the launcher is clear of brown grass, dry weeds, or other
easy-to-burn materials that could be ignited during launch by the exhaust of
the rocket motor.
2-14.3
The person intending to launch a high power rocket shall locate the launcher
more than 457 m from any occupied building or public highway on which traffic
flow exceeds ten (10) vehicles per hour.
2-15.1
No person shall be closer to the launch of a high power rocket than the person
actually launching the rocket and those authorized by the safety monitor.
2-15.2
All spectators shall remain within an area determined by the Range Safety
Officer and shall remain behind the Range Safety Officer and the person
launching the rocket.
2-15.3
A person shall not be closer to the launch of a high power rocket than the
applicable minimum safe distance set forth
in
Table 2-15.
Table 2-15 Safe Distances
|
INSTALLED TOTAL IMPULSE(N-SEC) |
EQUIVALENT |
MINIMUM SAFE |
MINIMUM SAFE DISTANCES |
|
160.01 - 320.00 |
H |
15 |
30 |
|
320.01 - 640.00 |
I |
50 |
61 |
|
640.01 - 1,280.00 |
J |
50 |
61 |
|
1,280.01 - 2,560.00 |
K |
61 |
91 |
|
2,560.01 - 5,120.00 |
L |
91 |
152 |
|
5120.01 - 10,240.00 |
M |
152 |
305 |
|
10,240.01 - 20,480.00 |
N |
305 |
457 |
|
20,480.01 - 40,960.00 |
0 |
457 |
610 |
A
"complex" high power rocket is one that is multistaged or propelled
by a cluster of motors.
2-15.4 No one will
be permitted in the launch area between the LCO table and the launch pads
except vehicle crew (members) for prepping purposes. Crew photographers, or
event photographers, permitted in the launch area will maintain a distance of
25m from the launch pad.
2-16.1 A person
shall not ignite and launch a high power rocket horizontally, at a target, or
so the rocket's flight path goes into clouds or beyond the boundaries of the
flying field (launch site).
2-16.2 A person
shall not launch a high power rocket if the surface wind at the launcher is
more than twenty 32km/hr.
2-16-3 A person
shall not operate a high power rocket in a manner that is hazardous to
aircraft.
2-17.1 A person shall
launch a high power rocket only with the immediate knowledge, permission, and
attention of the Range Safety Officer.
2-17.2 All persons
in the launching, prepping, spectator, and parking areas during a countdown and
launch shall be standing and facing the launcher if requested to do so by the
Range Safety Officer.
Exception: Those
individuals that have mobility restrictions.
2-17.3 The person
launching a high power rocket shall precede the launch with a five-second
countdown audible throughout the launching, spectator, and parking areas. The
person launching the rocket, the Range Safety Officer, or other flying site
operating personnel shall give this countdown.
2-17.4 No person
shall approach a high power rocket that has misfired until the safety interlock
has been removed or the battery has been disconnected from the ignition system,
one minute has passed, and the Range Safety Officer has given permission for
only a single person to approach the misfired rocket to inspect it.
3-1 The following
activities shall be prohibited by this code:
(a) The use of a
high power rocket motor for the primary purpose of producing a spectacular
display of color, light, sound, or any combination thereof.
Exception No. l:
7his prohibition shall not he construed as prohibiting the public demonstration
of high power rockets as defined herein and as authorised according to
regulations.
Exception No. 2:
This prohibition
shall not be construed as prohibiting the use of chemical additives to the
propellant to produce a brightly coloured exhaust flare or dense colored smoke
to aid in following or tracking the rocket in flight.
(b) The use of a
high power rocket or high power rocket motor as a weapon against a target.
(c) Tampering with a
high power rocket motor, motor reloading kit, or module in any manner or degree
that is contrary to the purpose for which said high power rocket motor or motor
reloading kit is designed and intended to be used.
(d) The sale,
offering for sale, exposing for sale, or otherwise making available a rocket
motor or motor reloading kit that does not comply with the requirements herein
and has not been authorised according to regulations.
Exception No. l:
7his prohibition shall not be construed as prohibiting the transfer of rocket
motors or motor reloading kits to a certifying authority for the purpose of
authorisation.
Exception No. 2:
7his prohibition shall not be construed as prohibiting the transfer, sale,
offering for sale, exposing for sale, or otherwise making available authorised
model rocket motors, or motor reloading modules.
(e) The operation,
discharge, or activation of a high power rocket contrary to the provisions of
Civil Aviation regulations.
(f) The manufacture,
production, fabrication, operation, maintenance, launch, flight, test,
discharge, or other experimentation with high power rockets, high power rocket
motors, or motor reloading kits, or pyrotechnic modules that have not been
authorised including, but not limited to old propellant rocket motors, hybrid
rocket motors, liquid propellant rocket motors, steam rocket motors, and rocket
propellant chemicals for solid, liquid, and hybrid rocket Motors including
monopropellants.
Exception: This prohibition
shall not be construed as prohibiting the evaluation and authorisation of new,
high power rocket motor technology for a recognized national user organization
or an authority having jurisdiction provided that all other requirements of
this code are complied with and all activities are in accordance with
applicable national and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
(g) The sale,
offering for sale, exposing for sale, making, or using of fuse, wick, or other
ignition devices intended to be activated by a hand-held flame for the purpose
of starting or igniting a high power rocket motor.
(h) Affixing to a
high power rocket motor or motor reloading kit a statement of compliance with
the regulations or statement of authorisation, or statements in writing in
advertising or on the package that authorisation according to Chapter 4 has
been obtained when such authorisation has not been obtained, has been
withdrawn, or has been denied.
(i) Reloading any
expendable, disposable solid propellant high power rocket motor with any
material once said motor has been operated; or reloading any reloadable, non
expendable solid propellant high power rocket motor with any material or by any
means not specifically provided or recommended by the manufacturer.
(j) Selling or
conveying a high power rocket motor or motor reloading kit to any person
contrary to any national and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
(k) Possession,
storage, or use of a high power rocket motor or motor reloading kit by any person
contrary to any national and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
(1) The storage of
high power rocket motors, motor reloading kits, or modules contrary to the
provisions of the HSNO regulations.
(m) Persons
participating in the prepping or launching of high power rockets, including
spectators in the prepping areas, that have consumed alcohol, narcotics,
medication, or drugs that could affect judgment, movement, or stability.
(j) The transporting
of high power rocket motors, motor reloading kits, or modules contrary to the
provisions of LTSA regulations.