Model Rocket Safety Code

  1. Construction - My model rocket will be made of lightweight materials such as paper, wood, plastic, and rubber without any metal as structural parts.

  2. Launch System - The system I use to launch my model rocket must be remotely controlled and electrically operated, and will contain a switch that will turn to "off" when released. I will use only electrical igniters that will ignite my rocket within one second of electrical actuation. I will remain at least five (5) metres away from the rocket that is being launched that has up to a total of thirty (30) Newton-Seconds impulse, and ten (10) metres for models over thirty (30) Newton-Seconds total impulse. My model rocket will be launched from a stable device that provides a rigid guidance until the model rocket has reached speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. To prevent accidental eye injury, I will always place the launcher so the end of the launcher is above eye level, or cap the end of it with my hand when approaching it. I will never place my head or body over the launching rod. When my launcher is not in use, I will always store it so the rod is not in an upright position.

  3. Stability - I will check the stability of my model rocket before their first flight, except when launching models already proven.

  4. Launch Safety - I will ensure that people in the launch area are aware of the pending model rocket launch with an audible count down of five (5) seconds. I will not let anyone approach a model rocket on a launcher until I have made sure that either the safety interlock key has been removed or the battery has been disconnected from my launcher. I will allow one minute after a misfire before allowing anyone to approach the launcher.

  5. Launch Area - My model rocket will always be launched from a cleared area, free of any easy to burn materials to a radial distance of two (2) metres, and will use only flame resistant recovery wadding in my rockets. In addition, I will contact the local fire officer during fire ban season if required.

    LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS

    Motor
    Type     		Minimum
    Site
    Dimensions
    (metres)
    1/4A & 1/2A 15 x 15
    A 30 x 30
    B 60 x 60
    C 120 x 120
    D 150 x 150
    E 300 x 300
    F 300 x 300
    G 300 x 300

  6. Jet Deflector - My launcher will have a jet deflector device to prevent the exhaust hitting the ground directly.

  7. Launch Targets and Angle - I will not launch rockets so their flight path will carry them against targets on the ground, and will never use an explosive warhead nor payload that is combustible and I will never carry live animals. My launching device will always be pointed within thirty (30) degrees of vertical. I will never use a model rocket motor to propel any device horizontally.

  8. Prelaunch Test - When conducting research activities with unproven designs or methods, I will, when possible, determine their reliability through prelaunch tests. I will conduct these tests in complete isolation.

  9. Recovery - I will always use a recovery system in my model rocket that will safely return them so they may be used again. I will conduct preflight test to assure the recovery system functions properly before launching the rocket. I will use only flame resistant wadding if required.

  10. Flying Conditions - I will not launch my model rocket in high winds over 30Kmh, near buildings, power lines, tall trees, low flying aircraft, or under any condition that may be dangerous to buildings or people. I will never attempt to recover a rocket from a power line or other such dangerous place. The launcher will not be closer than one-half the radius of the minimum launch site dimensions for the rocket motor that is being used. I will not fly my model rocket into clouds or fly at night.

  11. Loaded Model Rockets - I will never store or leave a loaded model rocket unattended. I will always keep a loaded model rocket on a launcher or firmly restrained. I will never point a loaded model rocket or its rocket nozzle at anyone, nor allow anyone to be in the flight path of a model rocket during flight preparations.

  12. Operations - I will not launch my model rocket near any active airport or aerodrome zones or in any manner that could create a hazard to low flying aircraft. I will observe and listen for aircraft just prior to any impending launch. I will follow Civil Air Regulations or any superceding regulations.
    WARNING: Large penalties apply for non-compliance!

  13. Age - Persons under the age of eighteen (18) years, shall be supervised by a responsible adult who is competent in the launching of model rockets and has been fully acquainted with the necessary safety requirements, and regulations of local authority, State and Federal pertaining to the use of model rockets.

  14. Motors - I will use only preloaded factory made model rocket motors or reload kits in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. I will not change in any way a motor nor attempt to reload single use motors.

  15. Weight Limits - My model rocket will not weigh more than the 500 grams for Level 1 and 1500 grams for Level 2 at liftoff including the weight of the motor/s.

  16. Total Combination Power Limits
        Level 1 - New Users     - 80 Newton-Seconds
        Level 2 - Experienced - 320 Newton-Seconds

  17. Clubs - A club is defined as a group of ten (10) persons or more. If there is to be a large number of model rockets to be launched from a site to extreme heights, I will contact the nearest CASA District Flying Officer seven (7) days prior to the organised launching to allow local air traffic to be warned.

    I WILL ABIDE BY THE ABOVE ROCKET SAFETY CODE AND ACKNOWLEDGE MY RESPONSIBILITY.

    
Signature  ...................................................Date       /       /               DOB         /      /Name .........................................................

Address.......................................................

.............................................. P.C. ..........

Parent/Guardians Signature ..............................
	(if under 16 years of age)


Send a copy of this filled out form with your membership to: -

Hi Flyte Club Inc.
PO Box 179, Greenacres, SA, 5086

Membership Forms available by writing to the above address
Or at hiflyte@chariot.net.au