National Association of Rocketry Model Rocketry Safety Code (Effective 10/91)

1. Materials - My model rocket will be made of lightweight materials such as paper, wood, rubber, or plastic suitable for the power used and the performance of the rocket. I will not use metal for the nose cone, body, or fins of a model rocket.

2. Motors/Engines - I will use only commercially made NAR certified model rocket engines in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. I will not alter the engine, its parts, or its ingredients in any way.

3. Recovery - I will always use a recovery system in my model rocket that will return it safely to the ground so it may be flown again. I will use flame retardant recovery wadding if required.

4. Weight and Power limits - My model rocket will weigh no more than 1500 grams (53 oz.) at lift-off and its engines will produce no more that 320 Newton-seconds of total impulse. My model rocket will weigh no more than the engine manufacturer's recommended maximum lift-off weight for the engines used, or I will use engines recommended by the manufacturer for the rocket.

5. Stability - I will check the stability of my model rocket before its first flight, except when launching a model of already proven stability.

6. Payloads - Except for insects, my rocket will never carry live animals or a payload that is intended to be flammable, explosive, or harmful.

7. Launch site - I will launch my rocket outdoors in a clear area, free of tall trees, power lines, building, and dry brush or grass. My launch site will be at least as large as required by the largest engine type used.

8. Launcher - I will launch my rocket from a stable launching device that provide rigid guidance until the rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. To prevent eye injury, I will always place the launcher so that the end of the rod is above eye level or I will cap the end when approaching it. I will cap or disassemble the rod when not in use and will never store it in an upright position. My launcher will always have a jet deflector device to prevent the engine exhaust from hitting the ground directly. I will always clear the area around my launch device of dry grass an other easy- to-burn materials.

9. Ignition system - The system I use to launch my rocket will be remotely controlled and electrically operated. It will employ a launch switch that will return to "off" when released. The system will contain a removable safety interlock in series with the launch system. All persons will remain at least 15 feet from the rocket while I am igniting. I will use only electrical igniters recommended by the engine manufacturer that will ignite a rocket engine within one second of activation on the launch switch.

10. Launch safety - I will ensure that people in the launch area are aware of the pending rocket lift-off before I begin my audible five second count-down. I will not launch a model rocket using it as a weapon. If my rocket suffers a misfire, I will not allow anyone to approach it or the launcher until I have made certain that the safety interlock has been removed or that the battery has been disconnected from the ignition system. I will wait one minute after a misfire before allowing anyone to approach the launcher.

11. Flying conditions - I will launch my rocket only when the wind is less than 20 mph. I will not launch my rocket so it flies into clouds, near aircraft in flight, or in a manner that is hazardous to people or property.

12. Pre-launch test - When conducting research activities with unproved designs or methods I will, when possible, determine the reliability of my model rocket by pre-launch testing. I will conduct testing of an unproved design in complete isolation from persons not participating in the launch,

13. Launch angle - My launch device will be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical. I will never use rocket engines to propel any device horizontally.

14. Recovery hazards - If a model rocket becomes entangled in a power line or other dangerous place, I will not attempt to retrieve it.

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