Rules, Regulations & Safety Information

Here you will find links to many rules, regulations and legal documents pertaining to model rocketry and the items we sell. 

This page contains the basic information on flying model rockets.  For the most part if you follow the NAR safety code you will be fine. 

If you want to know more information, please look at the links on this page.

These safety codes are based on the National Fire Protection Association Codes listed below.

NAR Safety Code

NAR HPR Safety Code

Tripoli HPR Safety Code

Any object that goes in the air is under the jurisdiction of the FAA.  This includes model rockets, kites, airplanes, balloons, etc.  These are the official rules that you must follow in the United States.

14 CFR 101.1-.101.29 - FAA Notification, Limitations and Waivers

The basic purpose of the National Fire Protection Association Codes is to keep people safe.  Many of the local fire ordinances are based on these codes. These codes are also used to create the NAR & Tripoli rocketry safety codes.

You will need to register at the National Fire Protection Association to view the documents, but it is free. The viewer does not allow for printing or saving – you have to view it while logged into the site.

NFPA 1122: Code for Model Rocketry - Usage, storage and information for model rocket users (NAR safety code is based on this document.)

NFPA 1125: Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High Power Rocket Motors - Only need this for making your own rocket motors.

NFPA 1127: Code for High Power Rocketry - Usage, storage and information for High Power rocket users (NAR  & Tripoli safety codes is based on this document.)

 SDS (Safety Data Sheets) are required by OSHA for all chemical compounds.  They list the safety precautions and what to do in case of an accident.

Estes Motors
Estes Starters

Quest Motors
Quest Starters

Cesaroni Motors
Cesaroni Starters

Aerotech Motors
Aerotech Starters

React-A-Pack Epoxy

Fix-It Epoxy Clay

Lead Shot (Pemberton Kits)

RocketPoxy

Remember to check local regulations for the legality of launching rockets. When in doubt, contact a local rocket club.

Those in California need to pay close attention to the laws, because they are considerably stricter than in other locations.

California - Motors marked as "reloadable" are no longer classified by the California State Fire Marshal as "model rocket motors" in that state, and may be flown only under supervision of a California-licensed pyrotechnics operator. (Note: Most NAR clubs have such licensed operators at their launches in that state.)

These are the regulations that control the shipping of model and High Power rocket motors. 

16 CFR 1500.83 – Federal regulations concerning the shipping of rocket engines.  Gives an exemption for small packages, minor hazards and special circumstances.  It is this regulation that allows USPS to ship model rocket engines without a HAZMAT fee.  Other carriers can ship without a HAZMAT fee, but choose to charge a fee anyway.

49 CFR Subchapter C Hazardous Materials Regulations - Federal regulations regarding the shipment of High Power rocket motors (HAZMAT).  Describes packaging, handling and transportation. 

USPS (from Aerotech) - This is letter from USPS to AeroTech explaining the requirements for shipping model rocket motors (not High Power motors) through the Postal Service.  This also covers Quest & Estes motors.

16 CFR 1500.85 (8 & (9 - Consumer Product Safety Commission: Exemption from Classification as Banned Hazardous Substances. CPSC is concerned about keeping rocket propellant out of the hands of minors for their safety and the safety of others.  Motors that require assembly (because of loose propellant) cannot be sold to minors.  This is what requires Apogee Components and other vendors to confirm purchaser of reloads and loadables is older than 18.

BAFTE lawsuit - Lawsuit pertaining to the regulation of motors involving "ammonium perchlorate composite propellant (APCP)"