23-15.1 Model Rockets
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<![CDATA[CHAPTER 23-15.1MODEL ROCKETS23-15.1-01. Purpose. It is hereby declared to be the purpose of the legislative assemblyto establish standards for model rockets and model rocket launch sites for the protection of<br>individuals involved in and exposed to the launching of model rockets.23-15.1-02. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context or subject matterotherwise requires:1."Model rocket engine" means a commercially manufactured, nonreusable rocket<br>propulsion device constructed of a nonmetallic casing and solid propellant wherein<br>all of the ingredients are self-contained so as not to require mixing or handling by the<br>user.The propellant charge may not exceed two and two-tenths ounces [62.37grams] per engine. Such engine may not be considered fireworks as defined by<br>section 23-15-01.2."Model rockets" means nonprofessional rockets which are propelled by approved<br>commercially manufactured solid propellant engines and not considered fireworks as<br>defined by section 23-15-01.3."One newton" equals three and six-tenths ounces [102.06 grams] or .225 pound<br>[102.06 grams].4."User" includes an individual, partnership, firm, company, association, corporation,<br>or limited liability company.23-15.1-03. Model rocket standards. Model rocket design and construction standardsmust comply with the following:1.The model rocket engine must be a commercially manufactured propellant device<br>and may not contain more than two and two-tenths ounces [62.37 grams] of<br>propelling charge and must produce less than eighty newton-seconds of total<br>impulse with a thrust duration of not less than one-half second.2.When more than one rocket engine is used, the total propelling charge may not<br>exceed four and five-tenths ounces [127.57 grams].3.The model rocket engine used must display on the casing:a.Total propulsive power category.b.Time delay.c.Average thrust in newtons.4.The rocket must be constructed of paper, plastic, rubber, or wood, except that minor<br>components such as screw eyes and motor mounts may be of light gauge metal<br>material.5.The rocket must include within its construction an effective means for returning the<br>rocket safely to the ground without causing injury to persons or property.6.The entire weight of the finished rocket with any payload may not exceed one and<br>one-tenths pounds [498.95 grams].7.The model rocket may not contain any type of explosive or pyrotechnic warhead.Page No. 123-15.1-04. Launch site standards. Sites used as model rocket launch sites mustcomply with the following:1.No person other than the user and individuals assisting the user may be permitted<br>within fifteen feet [4.57 meters] of the launching device when engines of an "A", "B",<br>or "C" category are used or within thirty feet [9.14 meters] of the launching device<br>when engines of "D", "E", or "F" category are used.2.When required by the fire authority, lines or barriers must be provided to restrain<br>spectators from encroaching upon the clearance requirements of this section.3.No model rocket user may fire any model rocket engine from any site without first<br>securing authorization, either verbal or written, to conduct this activity from the fire<br>official having the responsibility of the prevention and suppression of fire in the areas<br>where the model rocket is to be used nor without securing authorization, either<br>written or verbal, of the owner of the land intended to be used for the launch of the<br>model rocket.4.The launch site should consist of a firing area and a recovery area. The firing area<br>should be considered that area surrounding the launching devices contained within a<br>radius of ten feet [3.05 meters] outward from the location of the launching devices.<br>The recovery area should include the firing area and must be determined to be the<br>minimum area necessary to retrieve the launched rocket based on the estimated<br>height achieved by the model rocket having a total weight fired with a specific type of<br>engine. The following table may be used to determine the size of the recovery area<br>necessary:MODEL ROCKET LAUNCH SITE STANDARDSMaximum total<br>weight in ouncesLongest time delayEngine typesMinimumof rocket within seconds permittedall timedimensionengine and anyfor maximum totaldelaysin feetpayloadweight1/4A-1/2A5032A10043B20062C40063D500133E1,00017.664F1,00017.664If the recovery area is circular, the minimum dimension in feet referred to in the table<br>relates to diameter of the area. If the recovery area is rectangular or square, the<br>minimum dimension in feet referred to in the table refers to the length of the shortest<br>side.5.The launching site and recovery area should be located in areas that are not<br>susceptible to fire, such as grain fields, forest lands, heavy brush, or other areas<br>deemed dangerous by the fire authority. The site should be located at least two<br>hundred feet [60.96 meters] from any buildings or structures unless approved by the<br>property owner. The site may not contain any high voltage lines or be within five<br>hundred feet [152.4 meters] of the nearest road or highway.6.The launch rod may not be tilted more than thirty degrees from a vertical angle.7.No launching site or recovery area may be located within five miles [8.05 kilometers]<br>of any airport, unless written permission is first obtained from the appropriate airport<br>authority or other agency responsible for operation of the airport.23-15.1-05. Storage and sale.Page No. 21.No model rocket engines may be stored, sold, or offered for sale at retail unless<br>such model rocket engine has been classified into one of the standardized engine<br>codes listed in the chart in this section and unless such code is marked upon the<br>model rocket engine.2.No model rocket engine will be sold, given, or delivered to any person under ten<br>years of age. Model rocket engines bearing the standardized engine coding 1/4A,<br>1/2A, A, B, C, or D may be purchased by any persons who are ten years of age or<br>older. Model rocket engines bearing the standardized engine coding E or F may be<br>purchased only by persons who are fourteen years of age or over.23-15.1-06. Accident reporting. In the event of an accident involving damage to eitherpersons or property by a model rocket or by a model rocket engine, it is the responsibility of the<br>investigating authority to immediately notify the state fire marshal or local fire control authorities<br>that such accident has occurred. If local fire control authorities are notified, they shall notify the<br>fire marshal as soon as practicable.23-15.1-07. Penalty. Any person who violates any provision of this chapter is guilty of aninfraction.Page No. 3Document Outlinechapter 23-15.1 model rockets]]>