Material contained in The Model Rocketeer is Copyright © 1995 by the National Association of Rocketry. Permission is hereby granted for non-commercial reproduction, with proper credit, solely for purposes that will further the aims and objectives of the NAR. Editor: Mark Johnson Telephone: (316) 733-4804 3532 S. 154th St. E. Wichita, KS 67232-9425 E-mail: CompuServe: 76670,1775 Internet: 76670.1775@compuserve.com Publisher: National Association of Rocketry P.O. Box 177 Telephone: (800) 262-4872 Altoona, WI 54720 On Compliance, Part II by Mark "Bunny" Bundick, NAR President Quite a number of you responded to my recent Model Rocketeer article on BATF compliance. As I mentioned to you in that article, the situation continues to change. While my intent in writing you on that complex, confusing but important subject was to make things clear, perhaps I was a bit premature in sending out the information I had at the time. I believe things have changed now to clear the air and to actually improve the environment for your sport rocket flying, so I'll outline recent regulatory changes for you again in this issue of the Model Rocketeer. A. Engines Over 80 Newton Seconds Many of you were particularly concerned about the following item that appeared to require a Low Explosive Users Permit (LEUP) 3. AP reload modules which are less than 62.5 grams each but where the total assembled motor propellant weight is greater than or equal to 62.5 grams and total impulse of this assembled reloadable motor is more than 80 Newton seconds; BATF regulations attempted to reference Department of Transportation (DOT) rules. However, DOT regulations had changed to conform to UN Standards. Those standards eliminated the reference to the "Toy Propellant Device" classification for shipping. BATF thus was left to reference the only agency that had defined a model rocket motor. That agency was the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and their definition limited motors to 80 Newton seconds, an F class motor. When DOT realized the Toy Propellant Device classification had been deleted, their solution was the creation of new domestic shipping classifications called "Model Rocket Motors." This occurred late December 1994. The NAR, HPRMADA, and TRA presented a proposal to the BATF suggesting they use the revised DOT definitions, instead of CPSC. BATF has agreed to this change. What does this mean for HPR oriented NAR members? Any motors, single use or reloadable, with no more than 62.5g of propellant are exempt from BATF regulations requiring storage and LEUP's. The reference to total impulse has been dropped, and most G class motors are exempt. G class motors with over 62.5g of propellant are not exempt however, and LEUP and storage requirements must be met for any motors with more than 62.5 grams of propellant. B. Reloadable Motors What about other reloadable sport rocket motors whose individual propellant grains are not more than 62.5 grams, but whose total propellant mass when assembled is over 62.5 grams? (Some examples include the Aerotech I284, H123, and I161.) No permits are required to purchase, transport or fly such a reload kit in any state in the country. However, if a sport rocket flyer transports an ASSEMBLED reload, as described above, across a state line,regardless of the their state of residence, a LEUP is required. Why? When assembled, BATF considers the device an assembled rocket motor with more than 62.5 grams of propellant. Such motors are NOT exempt from ATF regulations. If the flyer disassembles a reload, as described above, before transporting the disassembled reload across a state line, the device is no longer considered a rocket motor of more than 62.5 grams propellant weight, and BATF regulations do not apply. I would caution flyers to consult the manufacturer's instructions when disassembling reloadable motors to insure you follow their directions and that the motor can be reassembled correctly for proper operation. C. Home Storage of HPR Motors BATF has given us written materials concerning "Indoor Storage of Explosives." This letter was written primarily for the "mom and pop" gun shops who may store regulated items in a shop located on the first floor of a building while their residence was located on the second floor. At the Huntsville NFPA meeting, BATF agreed that their policies regarding such gun shops would also be applied to sport rocketry users. Consumers can store up to 50 pounds of propellant weight of regulated materials in a Type 3 or 4 indoor magazine in an attached garage with one hour rated firewalls. These magazines are described in NFPA Code 495 "Explosives Materials Code." Indoor magazines must be painted red, and the top must bear the words "EXPLOSIVES - KEEP FIRE AWAY" in white letters at least 3 inches (78 MM) high. There can be no direct in home storage. While NFPA 1127 does specify the requirements as set forth in this agreement, it is the letter itself that has authority. If any local ATF agent questions any consumer regarding this policy, please call Mike Platt with the agent's name and office location. Mike is coordinating BATF liaison activities for the NAR, HPRMADA, and TRA. Also, please note that an indoor magazine is NOT required to meet the table of distances specified for larger storage magazines. Summary Again, my sincere apologies for any confusion my articles on this complex subject might be causing NAR members in the field. If you have further questions particularly about the ongoing work with BATF, I urge you to contact Mike Platt as he is coordinating our efforts. I appreciate your patience and persistence, and look forward to seeing more of your HPR models in the upcoming summer and fall flying season. NAR Top Ten Competitors as of 6/1/95 A Division: Name NAR # Sec Points CF Vicki Bernatchez 44543 308 6792 9 Tracy Woebkenberg 59263 519 5184 6 Troy Leveron 56973 Ind 3975 6 Mike Filler 57690 139 3936 6 Michael Bernatchez 62045 308 2436 9 Kathleen McCoy 53731 139 1518 3 Alex Wahl 59130 Ind 1314 3 Melissa McDermott 60494 308 1212 6 Josh Shapiro 55157 473 1178 3 Dan Krofcheck 59064 205 982 5 B Division: Name NAR # Sec Points CF Krista Brown 62024 519 5004 6 Andrew Miller 51617 139 4844 6 Tom Spalding 55031 519 3336 6 Shaun Smith 46440 205 2956 5 Ryan Coleman 59361 113 1897 6 Kevin J. Gormley 54797 205 1850 5 Jennifer Lyon 39258 139 894 3 C Division: Name NAR # Sec Points CF Mike Borman 33032 519 5292 6 Chad Ring 50652 519 4206 6 Gary Moore 22690 308 3756 6 Larry Rice 33323 113 3520 6 Mark Skokan 61660 308 3078 6 Glenn Feveryear 24931 503 3019 7 Bob Bernatchez 29996 308 2937 9 Richard Freed 24586 473 2372 6 Frank Hunt 36424 523 2106 3 Ed LaCroix 11248 Ind 1944 3 Team Division: Name NAR # Sec Points CF Guns 'n' Rockets T100 519 4938 6 Los Cohetedores T255 139 4612 6 Why Us? T109 519 4356 6 Jeckyl & Hyde T001 365 3180 6 Snowball's Chance T700 205 2184 5 J-P-K T200 205 1749 3 8-Ball Racing T053 139 1732 3 Hot Tamales Pend 517 1638 3 International Rescue T136 136 1576 2 Team Demolition T711 Ind 1572 3 NAR Sections Section Name Sec Points CF Launch Crue 519 31437 6 DARS 308 26433 9 NARHAMS 139 21503 6 NOVAAR 205 20029 5 CSAR 113 10216 6 MARS (NY) 136 8240 5 UROC 523 6471 3 HUVARS 463 5613 3 DART 317 4743 3 NASA/Houston 365 4458 6 NAR Contest Points compiled by Matt Steele, NAR National Contest Board Chairman. Information provided for The Model Rocketeer by Jeff Vincent, NAR Northeast Regional Contest Board Chairman. 1995-1996 US Model Rocket Sporting Code Revisions The NAR Contest & Records Committee’s Rules Change Subcommittee has announced the following rules changes effective July 1, 1995, for the 1995-96 Contest Year. These changes are made as a result of the vote by the membership in April/May 1995. Voting results for all proposals are at the conclusion of the list of changes. CHANGE THE SCHEDULE OF TOTAL WEIGHTING FACTORS AS FOLLOWS: 6.6 TYPE Total WF Section Meet .................................40 Local Meet ...................................40 Open Meet ....................................60 Regional Meet ................................80 - ADD THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH TO THE END OF THE SECTION: 6.9 All competition results shall be compiled and reported by the Regional Contest Board Chairmen at least quarterly. The National Contest Board Chairman shall compile and report current standings in the Official Journal of the NAR at least once in the last quarter of the Contest Year. 6.12 - DELETE THE ENTIRE SECTION. - REPLACE THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING: 17.7 Setting New Records Contest Directors and Regional Contest Board Chairman will examine the results of all flights flown in NAR Competition to determine if they meet the requirements for a new performance record under the provisions of Section 17. If the performance is a new performance record the pertenant data shall be forwarded to the NAR Records Subcommittee for automatic inclusion as a new United States Model Rocket Performance Record. No action is required on the part of the modeler. 17.8 - DELETE THE SECTIONS ENTIRELY. 17.9 17.10 17.11 - RENUMBER SECTION TO 17.8. - REPLACE THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING: 20.5 Super-Roc Altitude Competition shall be scored as follows: the length in centimeters of the model, as measured from the tip of the nose cone to the end of the motor nozzle, up to the maximum length for that category shall be awarded as static points. No additional points are awarded for any length beyond the maximum. The altitude of the model in meters, as tracked and reduced,shall be awarded as flight points. The static points and flight points thus obtained shall be multiplied to determine the score.The contestant receiving the highest score shall be declared the winner. - REPLACE THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING: 28.4 Super-Roc Duration Competition shall be scored as follows: the length in centimeters of the model, as measured from the tip of the nose cone to the end of the motor nozzle, up to the maximum length for the category, shall be awarded as static points. No additional points are awarded for any length beyond the maximum. The achieved duration of the model in seconds shall be awarded as flight points. The static points and flight points thus obtained shall be multiplied to determine the total points for each flight. The contestant achieving the highest score is the winner. - REPLACE THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH THE FOLLOWING: 38 SPACE SYSTEMS COMPETITION 38.1 Space Systems Competition comprises a single event open to any entry that closely resembles an existing or historical guided missile, rocket vehicle, or space vehicle; simulates in-flight performance of the prototype vehicle; and optionally includes a launcher. The purpose of this competition is to duplicate in miniature the full-scale operation of a sounding rocket or space vehicle and its launch complex. Operation simulations may include, but are not limited to: Egg Loft Competition simulating astronauts or cosmonauts, Precision Predicted altitude achieving the scale altitude of the prototype, Precision Predicted Duration achieving the flight duration of the prototype, Spot Landing Competition simulating planned recovery, clustering, staging, and deployments. 38.2 The model rocket and its flight must comply with the rules of Sport Scale competition (Rule 37) and shall be judged for static scale qualities according to the rules for Sport Scale Competition (Rule 37.12). 38.3 Each entry may be accompanied by it's own launcher which shall closely resemble the launcher of the prototype. If such a launcher is entered, it shall be judged for scale qualities at the same time and in the same manner as the model. 38.4 All entries (including launchers if entered) shall be judged before flight for static points. 38.5 Each entry shall make a safe, stable flight. If the entry does not make a safe, stable flight, it shall be disqualified. 38.6 Static and Flight points shall be awarded according to the following schedule: 38.6.1 Static: 80 points. Each model shall be judged for static scale qualities according to the rules for Sport Scale Competition (Rule 37.12). The model's static score shall be one tenth (1/10) the Sport Scale static score. 38.6.2 Flight Simulation: 200 points. Each model can be made to simulate the prototype vehicle's operation in any safe manner. The modeler must provide documentation that the feature being simulated is representative of the prototype's operation. Before flight, the modeler must provide a written flight plan listing those simulations to be attempted. Flight points may be awarded from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 100 points from any single simulation according to the following schedule: (a) Egg Loft: 25 points per egg. Up to one egg per astronaut/cosmonaut. If any egg is cracked, the flight shall be disqualified. (b) Predicted Altitude: 50 points minus the score accumulated by Precision Predicted Altitude (Rule 21.6). Prediction must be actual or scale prototype altitude. (c) Predicted Duration: 50 points minus the score accumulated by Precision Predicted Duration (Rule 33.6). Prediction must be actual or scale prototype duration. (d) Spot Landing: 50 points minus the score accumulated by Spot Landing (Rule 40.6). (e) Multi-stage: 50 points per stage after 1st stage. (f) Cluster: 20 points per motor, -20 points per misfire. (g) Deployment: 50 points per simulated action. (h) Data transmission/Photo/Instrumentation: 50 points. (i) Launch from scale launch complex: 50 points. The launch complex shall be awarded points for accuracy, complexity, and craftsmanship. (j) Other simulations of rocket or launcher operations approved by the flight judges or the Contest Director: 50 points each. 38.7 Space Systems Competition shall be scored as follows: the points awarded to the entry in Static judging shall be added to the points awarded to the entry in Flight Simulation. The contestant receiving the highest score is the winner. 39.6 - REPLACE THE ENTIRE SECTION WITH THE WORDING FROM RULE 37.13. TYPOGRAPHICAL FIXES - REPLACE THE LAST SENTENCE IN THE PARAGRAPH WITH THE FOLLOWING TO FIX AN ERROR DUE TO INCREASING THE WEIGHTING FACTORS. 15.12 The weighting factor for the event shall be increased by 4 (four) in this case. MISCELLANEOUS CORRECTIONS - RELABEL THE FOLLOWING HEADINGS FOR CLARITY: 14 ALTITUDE - GENERAL 15 DURATION - GENERAL 16 CRAFTSMANSHIP - GENERAL Results of 1995 Contest Board Rules Revision Ballot Asterisked items passed and are included in the 1995 changes. Refer to the April 1995 Model Rocketeer for full text of the revision proposals. RCP # For Against No Vote 500230-01 72* 30 2 PASSED 500140-00 68* 30 6 PASSED 500210-01 85* 14 5 PASSED 500150-01 94* 9 1 PASSED 500191-00 61 41* 2 FAILED 500090-01 32 64* 8 FAILED 500130-01 76* 21 6 PASSED 500040-01 69* 28 7 PASSED 500110-03 90* 10 4 PASSED 500070-01 75* 23 6 PASSED Notes: Total Ballots Cast: 104. The two failed proposals were: 500191-00 Events determined by 2 or more scores may be awarded on one score if unable to finish the event. 500090-01 Determine individual and team National Champions based entirely on NARAM points. Proposal 500230-01 regarding compliance with applicable laws and limits was passed, but implementation has been delayed pending review by NAR legal counsel. Launch Windows Your Calendar of Upcoming Rocketry Happenings Events held by any NAR Section or NAR member may be listed in Launch Windows. Send your submissions to the Model Rocketeer Editor. National Events: Date: September 23-24 Meet Name: 1996 US Spacemodeling Team Flyoffs Location: AMA National Flying Site, Muncie, IN Contest Events: S1B (B Alt), S3A (A PD), S4B (B BG), S5C (C Scale Alt), S6A (A SD), and S8E (E RC RG) Sponsor: Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Contact: Dave O'Bryan, 1312 Gresham Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904-1436 Notes: Selection event for the 1996 World Championships. 12 of the 21 positions selected will be partially funded by AMA. AMA membership and FAI stamp required. Special Events: Date: August 13 Location: Soldridge, England Sponsor: SERFS (Southern England Rocket Flyers) Contact: John Harvey, 11 Edgehill Road, Southampton SO2 2AH England, UK or call +44 1703 552 517 from the US. NAR Sanctioned Competitions: Northeast Region Date: August 27 Location: Wattsburg, PA Meet Name: Explorer IV Class of Event: Not specified Contest Events: To be announced Sponsor: Blastoff, NAR 543 Contact: Jerry Tustin, 8929 Page Rd., Wattsburg, PA 18442, (814) 739-2893 Southland Region Date: August 26-27 Location: Manassas, VA Meet Name: MARS-19 Class of Event: Regional Contest Events: 1/2A PD, B RG, C ELA, A HD, A SD Sponsor: NOVAAR, NAR 205 Contact: Trip Barber, 9306 Brian Run Lane, Springfield, VA 22153 (703)866-4710 or e-mail 73121.75@compuserve.com Southwest Region Date: August 5 Event: Hot Shots Location: Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX Class of Event: Open Contest Events: RD, 1/2A HD, C PD, C BG, SSL, E SD, E ELD Sponsor: NASA-Houston, NAR 365 Contact: Sam N. Saenz, 5718 5th Street, Katy, Texas 77493-1916 Notes: You must contact the Contest Director for a JSC Gate Pass! Pacific Region Date: August 20 Event: LUNAR Regional Location: Livermore, CA Class of Event: Regional Events: A Alt, B SD, C ELA, SpSc, A FW (Unofficial) Sponsor: LUNAR, NAR 534 Contact: Jack Hagerty, (510) 455-1143 e-mail jack@rml.com. Sport Launches Northeast Region: Date: August 6 & 20 Location: Hatfield, PA Sponsor: PARA, NAR 520 Contact: Steve Decker, P.O. Box 833, Morrisville, PA 19067 (215) 321-7181 Date: August 13 & 27 Location: Wattsburg, PA Sponsor: Blastoff, NAR 543 Contact: Jerry Tustin, 8929 Page Rd, Wattsburg PA 18442. (814) 739-2893 Date: August 19 Event: A2Z Rocket Day Launch Location: Hartfield, MA Sponsor: CMASS, NAR 464 Contact: C.D. Tavares, 339 Crawford St., Northboro, MA 01532 or email cdt@rocket.sw.stratus.com Date: August 20 Location: Prospect, PA Sponsor: PSC, NAR 473 Contact: Richard Freed, 179 Bank St., Northeast, PA 16428 (814) 725-4173 Date: August 26 Location: Raritan, NJ Sponsor: GSSS, NAR 439 Contact: GSSS Hotline - 908-658-9417, or send email to t.apke@att.com Notes: 80 N-sec/1 lb limits. Fun contest: Drag Race. Southland Region: Date: August 20 Location: Byron, GA (I-75 and GA Hwy 96) Sponsor: GAMMA, NAR 494 Contact: Keith English, 4045-A Napier Av., Macon, GA 31204 l (212) 477-2229. Notes: Up to J motors welcome! Mid-America Region: Date: August 12 Location: Champaign, IL Sponsor: CIA, NAR 527 Contact: Jonathan Sivier, 5 The Summit, Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 359-8225 FAA Waiver: 3250 AGL (H motors/10 lbs max) Date: August 13 Location: Lake Afton Park, Goddard, Kansas Sponsor: KOSMO, NAR 427 Contact: Mark Johnson, 3532 S. 154th St. E., Wichita, KS 67232, call (316) 733-4804 or e-mail 76670.1775@compuserve.com. Date: August 19 Location: St. Louis, MO Sponsor: St. Louis Rocket Club Contact: Tom McAtee, (314) 895-4482 / m219487@SL1001.mdc.com; or Bruce Weidner, (314) 227-7999. Date: August 12 Location: Fort Wayne, IN Sponsor: SCAM, NAR 282 Contact: Bob Hart, 3903 Castell Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46835, (219) 486-4815. Date: August 20 Location: Lisle, IL Sponsor: NIRA, NAR 117 Contact: Bob Kaplow, (708) 428-1181 e-mail kaplowro@hccompare.com Bob Wiersbe, (708) 690-5442 or e-mail hrbob@ixstar.ih.att.com. Date: August 26 Location: Rantoul, IL Sponsor: CIA, NAR 527 Contact: Jonathan Sivier, 5 The Summit, Champaign, IL 61820 (217) 359-8225 FAA Waiver: 6500 MSL. K motor limit. Southland Region: Date: August 5 & 19 Location: Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX Sponsor: NASA-Houston, NAR 365 Contact: Ed Tindell, e-mail 72647.3116@compuserve.com FAA Waiver: Yes Pacific Region: Date: August 6, 12 & 27 Location: Mile Square Park, Anaheim, CA Sponsor: SCRA, NAR 430 Contact: Martin Bowitz, (714) 529-1598. Notes: Maximum motor size: D, ceiling 2000' Date: August 12 Location: Mesa, AZ Sponsor: SSS, NAR 506 Contact: Wally Etzel, 2863 E. Leonora, Mesa, AZ 85213 (602) 924-5820 Notes: Launch hours 8:00 AM - Noon Date: August 20 Location: Honolulu, HI Sponsor: Sky Performance, NAR 542 Contact: Helen Rapozo, helen@pulua.hcc.hawaii.edu, (808) 944-3162. Notes: Special event: B Kiss Lofting