The National Association of Rocketry has adopted a safety code which is now generally recognized across the nation. You should print out this page, sign your name at the bottom of it, and carry it with you whenever you launch your rockets. Rocket engines are explosive devices, and an unstable rocket makes a dangerous projectile. Please read and follow these guidelines:
My model rockets will be made of lightweight materials such as paper, wood, rubber, and plastic, without any metal as structural parts.
I will use only pre-loaded factory made NAR Certified model rocket engines in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. I will not alter or dismantle model rocket engines or their ingredients in any way or attempt to reload these engines.
I will always use a recovery system in my rockets that will return them safely to the ground so that they may be flown again. I will use only flame resistant recovery wadding in my rockets.
My model Rocket will weigh no more than 1500 grams (53 oz.) at lift off, and the engines will contain a total of no more than 125 grams (4.4 oz.) of propellant. My model rockets will weigh no more than the engine manufacturer's recommended maximum lift off weight for the engines used or will use the engines recommended by the manufacturer for my rocket.
I will check the stability of my model rockets before their first flight, except when launching models of already proven stability.
My model rockets will never carry live animals or payloads that are intended to be flammable or explosive.
I will launch my model rockets outdoors in a cleared area, free of tall trees, power lines, and buildings. I will ensure that people in the vicinity are aware of the pending rocket launch and are in a position to see the rocket's lift off before I begin my audible 5 second countdown.
I will launch my model rockets from a rod or ather device which provides rigid guidance until the rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. To prevent accidental eye injury, I will always place the launcher so that the end of the rod is above eye level or will cap the end of the launch rod when approaching it. I will cap or disassemble my launch rod when not in use and will never store it in an upright position. The launch device will have a jet deflector to prevent the engine exhaust from hitting the ground directly. I will always clear the area around my launch device of brown grass, dry weeds, and other easy to burn materials.
The system I use to launch my model rockets will be remotely controlled and electrically operated, and will contain a launching switch that will return to "off" when released. The system will contain a removeable safety interlock in series with this firing switch. When launching, all persons must remain at least 15 feet away from any model rocket when igniting engines totalling 30 N-sce of totral impulse or less, and at least 30 feet when igniting engines totalling more than 30 N-sec total impulse. I will use only electrical igniters which will ignite my rocket engine within one second of actuation of the launching switch.
I will not let anyone approach a model rocket on a launcher until I have made sure that the safety interlock has been removed or the battery has been disconnected from the launcher. In the event of a misfire, I will wait one minute before allowing anyone to approach the launcher.
I will launch my model rocket only when the wind is less than 20 miles per hour, and under conditions where the model will not fly into clouds, fly near aircraft in flight, or be hazardous to people or property.
When conducting research activities with unproven designs or methods, I will, when possible, determine their reliability through pre-launch tests. I will conduct launchings of unproven designs in complete isolation from persons not participating in the actual launching.
I will not launch rockets so their flight path will carry them against targets. My launch device will be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical. I will never use model rocket engines to propel any device horizontally.
If a model rocket becomes entangled in a power line or other dangerous place, I will not attempt to retrieve it.