Home >> Hobbies >> Aviation

Regulations on Toy Rockets

The construction and launching of model rockets is a hobby in which many adults and children take part. This hobby has caused injuries to rocket launchers and bystanders, as well as damage to buildings near launch sites. Because of these mishaps, the Federal Aviation Association created rules regarding rockets and how they should be built and launched. There are different rules for the different types of toy rockets that are available to hobbyists.

Model Rockets
- Model rockets, the smallest of toy rockets, should not be used with more than 143.5 grams of propellant. This is a requirement set in place by the FAA for safety of both the user and for the community in which the rocket will be launched. Also, this propellant should be a slow-burning type of propellant that is safe for both children and adults to use. The model rockets should be made of paper, wood, breakable plastic and have no large pieces of metal anywhere on the rocket. Additionally, the rocket should not weigh more than 453 grams when filled with propellant. Operators of the rockets should always operate the rocket in a safe manner that does not create hazards for other people, animals, property or aircraft.
Large Model Rockets
- Owners of larger model rockets should only use 125 grams of propellant to power their rockets. These rockets should be made from paper, wood or plastic and not weigh more than 1,500 grams when filled with propellant. Amateur rockets can be the most dangerous type of toy rocket to operate. These rockets should be launched only from private sites, be unguided and be suborbital in their nature. Amateur rockets cannot reach an altitude greater than 150 km above the surface of the Earth, nor can they cross into the territory of any foreign country. Human safety and national safety cannot be threatened. This means there shall be no persons close to the site of the launch, and that a rocket cannot interfere with aircraft traffic. Finally, no large model rockets may be launched within five miles of an airport.
High Power Rockets
- These rockets require certification and licensure to launch and fly. Only lightweight materials such as paper, wood, rubber, plastic or fiberglass can be used to construct the high-powered rocket. Commercially made rocket motors that have been approved by the FAA must be used, and cannot be tampered with in building the rocket. Rockets should only be ignited using an electrical launch system, with the factory installed electrical motor igniters. The igniter should have a safety switch, which turns to the off position after the rocket has been released. All launches should have a five second launch countdown, and no persons should be closer than .003 km to .3 km to the launch pad, depending on the size of rocket. Finally, no high-powered rockets should be launched at items or people. The launch site should be outdoors, clear of trees, power lines and buildings.
Homemade Toy Rocket
- Making a toy rocket can be both fun and economical. The rocket may not be as high powered as toy rockets bought in stores, but there are many fewer rules set forth on these type of rockets. Step-by-step instructions can be found in hobby stores, online and in books. These rockets are often made of paper or cardboard, and have no inherent dangers to people, animals or buildings. The only requirement set forth for these rockets is to avoid getting in the way of air traffic and to not use illegal or hazardous materials to make the rocket.

Aviation