Archive-name: model-rockets/international
Rec-models-rockets-archive-name: rockets-faq/part13
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: 1996 August 3
URL: http://dtm-corp.com/~sven/rockets/rmrfaq.toc.html


INTERNATIONAL ROCKETRY

The majority of the r.m.r FAQ is oriented towards consumer rocketry in
the United States. This part of the FAQ is for rocketry in other parts 
of the world. These sections will be expanded as information is received.
---------------------------------------
13.1   Rocketry in Australia

    This portion of the FAQ was prepared and submitted by Rob Masters,
    rdm@perv.metapro.DIALix.oz.au. Rob asked that the usual disclaimers to 
    use this information at your own risk, etc., be passed on to the readers
    of this FAQ. Corrections should be sent to Rob, who will see that they 
    are incorporated and passed on the the FAQ editor.
---------------------------------------
13.1.1   What rules apply to model rocketry in Australia?

      The C.A.A. RULE (Paraphrased from regulation 295): 
      No model may be flown over 300' without a waiver from the
      CAA. Only matters relating to airsafety shall be considered in
      granting a waiver. Further, you may not launch at all within
      5km of an aerodrome (airfield or airport). Also, some states
      have explicit age restrictions (ie Queensland - Minimum age 18yo),
      and fire restrictions (Qld again, must have local fire marshall
      approval). You should also respect fire bans as a matter of
      safety, courtesy and good public relations.

      Other than this, you should follow the standard _model_ 
      rocketry rules of the NAR, and note that only engines up to
      "D" class are available.
 ---------------------------------------
13.1.2.  What are good sources of model rocketry kits/wg's/parts, etc?

      To date, all model rocketry components are imported through
      DAWN TRADING, who the distribute to the local retailers. Note
      that because of their policies, it is not possible to buy 
      individual components for kits in Australia. The Designer's 
      Special component set is, however, available. Currently only
      Estes and MRC kits are imported. Local retailers are most R/C
      retailers and some gaming shops.
---------------------------------------
13.1.3   Are there any regular rocket contests, launches, clubs, etc?

      There is at least one national-level body now in Australia. It
      covers both model rocket and HPR levels. The body is :
   
      Australian Rocketry Association 
      PO Box 102
      Morphett Vale
      South Australia
      5162
   
      EMAIL: dsclarke@nexus.edu.au
   
      Membership is $25 per annum, and an additional $10 per annum per
      additional family member. Minimum age is 8yo and membership includes
      insurance, a quarterly newsletter, ID card, and guide book.
      Sport Rocketry is available through them at $40 (surface) or $92 (air)
      per annum. 

      The association is also working with the CAA, state governments and
      the AFPA to standardise regulations and to obtain better flying
      conditions.

      Also, there is at least one model aircraft club that welcomes, but does not
      cover, model rocket launches. For the scale modellers, there is also an 
      active Astronautical Society, who can provide a lot of information, 
      and are well worth joining if you are interested in the world of the 
      "big stuff" as well.
---------------------------------------
13.1.4  Info on amateur groups/activities (such as AusRoc) in the Australia.

      As has been covered in news stories, there is a University-based team
      who are working on an amateur rocket (AusRoc), who have so far had
      two spectacular failures, and one partial success.
      For more on the AusRoc project, contact The Australian Space Research
      Institute. If you would like to join the Australian Space Research 
      Institute write to:
    
       ASRI Ltd.
       PO Box 184
       Ryde NSW 2112
       Australia
     
      The annual fee is AUS$25 for students and pensioners and AUS$100 for 
      normal membership. If you live overseas write for membership costs. 
      All member  funds are used to support ASRI programs. Membership allows
      you to:
          * Vote at meetings
          * Stand for election to the ASRI board of directors
          * Receive of all ASRI newsletters and journals
          * Provide payloads for Sighter (83 mm) and Zuni (127 mm) rockets

---------------------------------------
13.2   Rocketry in Canada

3. Regs: HPR is class H-O.  G's now available.  HPR launch sites require
certification by Transport Canada.  HPR certification done by CAR.

This section is still under construction and currently has no Canadian editor
responsible for its contents. Most of the information contained in this 
section was obtained from the CAR World Wide Web page and several issues
of 'High Power Rocketry' magazine.
---------------------------------------
13.2.1  Are there any national organizations to which I can join in Canada?
      What services do they offer?

    Canadian Association of Rocketry (CAR)   Canadian equivalent to N.A.R.
    c/o Garth Illerbrun                      - High power certification 
    5927-18th Ave. N.E.                        (required for H power and up)
    Calgary, Alberta                         - Dues: $30/year CDN
    AB T1Y 1N9                               - $1M liability insurance for 
    Canada                                     rocketry activities included
    email:                                   - Yearly national sport launch
      quixote@cadvision.com                    (Sullivan Lake)
    WWW: http://www.rmc.ca/~rea/car.htm
    
    
    Calgary Rocketry Association (CRA)
       fansonb@cadvision.com (Brian Fanson, current CRA president)
---------------------------------------
13.2.2  What kinds of rockets (model and/or high power) are legal to fly in 
        Canada?

    At the present time, A-G powered model rockets, with launch weights up to
    one pound, are legal to fly in most parts of Canada. H powered rockets and
    up, as well as rockets weighing more than one pound at liftoff, are considered 
    'High Power.' HPR launch sites require certification by Transport Canada. 
    HPR certification is done by CAR.
---------------------------------------
13.2.3  Are there any High Power launches in Canada?

    There is an annual high power launch in Canada. It is the 'Sullivan Lake
    High Power' launch.  There will be others since HPR is now legal, but
    regulated, in Canada.
    For more information on this launch contact Garth Illerbrun
    <quixote@cadvision.com> at the CAR address.
---------------------------------------
13.2.4  What kinds of rocket motors are available for purchase in Canada?

    All of the Estes A-D black powder rocket motor line and the Aerotech 
    single-use, composite motors from D through G are now available for 
    purchase.
---------------------------------------
13.2.5  Are there any Canadian mail order houses where I can purchase model 
        rocket kits, motors and supplies?

    Ralph's Hobby Shop              Advertises Estes, MRC and LOC, as well
    668 Kingston Road                as modeling and ignition supplies
    Toronto, ONT
    Canada M4E 1R4
    (416) 690-4204
    email: ralphs.hobby@sympatico.ca
    
    La Maison de L'Astronomie       Offers rocketry supplies from Estes,
    7974 St-Hubert                   Aerotech, Flight Systems, LOC, Rocketman,
    Montreal, QUE                    Public Missiles, Adept, and more
    Canada H2R 2P3                   Kits, motors, videos, books - everything
    (514) 279-0063                   contact for catalogs and price lists

    Suborbital Technologies          Estes, Aerotech, NCR, Launch Pad
    c/o Brian Fanson                 rocketry kits, motors, supplies
    179 Midlawn Close S.E.
    Calgary, Alberta
    Canada  T2X 1A7
    (403) 256-7293
    email: fansonb@cadvision.com   

---------------------------------------

13.3  Rocketry in the United Kingdom

    
      http://www.gbnet.net/orgs/staar
      http://www.gbnet.net/orgs/seds
---------------------------------------
13.3.1  Is model rocketry legal in the UK? 

    As far as we can tell,  there are no laws in the UK which *directly* govern 
    model rocketry in the UK.  For the time being, with model rocketry only in 
    its infancy (10yrs or so) there is little need for unnecessary regulation 
    so long as model rocketeers follow 'commonsense guidelines'.
---------------------------------------
13.3.2  What size model rockets can be flown?

    Again, as far as we can tell, there are no rules which define maximum sizes, 
    weights, total impulses etc. Most model rockets that can be bought from model 
    shops will take a maximum of 3 D-Class Estes motors, either clustered or 
    multistaged. There appears not to be an equivalent of an FAA Waiver for 
    launching rockets greater than a defined maximum.  However, all of the HPR 
    enthusiasts I know do contact the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) if they 
    wish to launch over approximately 3000ft.
---------------------------------------
13.3.3  What model rockets are available?

    The complete Estes range of kits and motors are available (not Estes E15). 
    The Estes range is imported/distributed by Ripmax Ltd (See addresses below).
    Recently, a range of 'Launch Pad' kits has been made available by mail order
    from a company called Advanced Rocket Components (See addresses below).  
    These will fly on Estes D and Aerotech E15/E30 engines. I do not know of any
    other source of rocketry components in the UK.
---------------------------------------
13.3.4  What types of engines are available?

    Estes engines are the only commercially available brand of model rocketry
    motors available in the UK.  All sizes from 1/2A to D are available.
    The price can vary quite wildly from one store to another.  Typical 
    prices in London are about GBP4.00 for 3 C/D Class. (Prices can vary from 
    3 to 5 GBP!)

    Larger motors such as Aerotech etc.. are not available.
---------------------------------------
13.3.5  Where can I buy model rockets?

    In general, it is the smaller independent model shops that sell model 
    rocketry supplies, however, larger chains such as Beatties and Hamleys 
    have been known to stock them.  A number of 'kite and juggling' shops also 
    sell Estes products too - quite interesting!  (See address list below).
---------------------------------------
13.3.6  Are there any events/competitions?

    There is only one event that I have come across, which is the "International
    Rocket Weekend", which is held near Largs, Scotland.  This is run by 
    STAAR Research (See addresses below) and is held on the August Bank Holiday
    every year (Note that Scotland does not have a Public Holiday, only England 
    and Wales!).

    There are no formal rules and regulations like the NAR, Tripoli etc.
    The basic rules and events are laid out beforehand, but often change to suit
    the interests of those attending.  The event is aimed at promoting model 
    rocketry in the UK,  and often has a number of beginners.  There are also 
    many 'open/experimental' sessions for the more experienced.

    The most important thing is that everyone enjoys themselves.
---------------------------------------
13.3.7  Are there any clubs?

    The following is the list of clubs/organisations that I have come across.
    [I will try to establish full contact details ASAP]

    - STAAR Research, Ayrshire.  
        Refer to WWW Page:-   http://www.gbnet.net/orgs/staar/

    - Southern England Rocket Flyers (SERFS), Southampton.

    - Middlesex Advanced Rocketry Society (MARS), Middlesex. (HPR Group)

    - London Area Rocket Flyers Society - contact John Lister <john@listers.demon.co.uk>

    - Beatties of London Model Rocketry Club.
    
    - Essex, Hornchurch - contact Peter Barrett (101540.3142@compuserve.com)

---------------------------------------
13.3.8 What are addresses of some of the shops that carry model rocketry?

    RIPMAX Ltd.            Tel.   0181-804 8272
    Ripmax Corner          Fax.   0181-804 1217
    Green St.
    Enfield
    EN3 7SJ

    Chart Hobbies          Tel.   01903 773170   (On Estes Catalogue back page)
    Chart House            Fax.   01903 782152
    Station Road
    East Preston
    West Sussex
    Littlehampton 
    BN16 3AG

    Hamleys                Tel.
    Regent St.             Fax.
    London

    The Kite Store
    Neal St.
    Covent Garden
    London

    Advanced Rocket Components      Tel.   0151-928 4874
    7 Sandy Road
    Seaforth
    Liverpool
    Merseyside
    L21 3TN
---------------------------------------
13.3.9  What are some of the rocket clubs in the U.K., and do they have any 
        problems getting permission to fly their rockets?

    From: rosborne@cadence.com (Richard Osborne)
      Well groups like AspireSpace (http://www.gbnet.net/orgs/aspire/) and 
      MARS (Middlesex Amateur Rocketry Society) in Southern England fly 
      vehicles up to K power without problem. They do always inform the 
      CAA first, to ensure a NOTAM is issued, but apart from that, there 
      never seems to be any problem, even with the police. Maybe certain
      areas of the UK are more touchy about model rocketry than others. 

      I don`t think STAAR Research (http://www.gbnet.net/orgs/staar/) has 
      any problems with their numerous HPR launches in Scotland either. 

      I don`t know about the other UK group called SERFS.
---------------------------------------

13.4  Rocketry in South Africa

    This section is still under construction. The following hobby shop address
    has been submitted to the FAQ.

    Rocketeers                                 Model rocketry and high power
    Box 7032                                    kits, engines, and supplies
    Roodeport
    SOUTH AFRICA 1715
    011 27 11 475 0880

    There is a web page for the South Africa Amateur Rocket Club (SAMROC)
    organization. This web page may be viewed at:

       http://samroc.lonnet.co.za/

    This looks to be a pretty complete web page, explaining the state of
    hobby rocketry in S.A., listing addresses of rocketry suppliers in the
    country, and giving amail addresses for further information. There are
    also pictures from SAMROC launches and a launch schedule.
---------------------------------------

13.5   Rocketry in New Zealand

      This portion of the FAQ was prepared and submitted by Lindsay Gordon,
      (lindsay.gordon@stonebow.otago.ac.nz). The usual disclaimers to use this
      information at your own risk, etc., apply to this section of the FAQ.
      Corrections should be sent to Lindsay, who will see that they are 
      incorporated and passed on to the FAQ editor.

13.5.1   What rules apply to model rocketry in New Zealand?


       Model rocketry is regulated by NPRM 95-3.  The relevant excerpts from 
       NPRM relating to the operation of rockets within New Zealand are written
       in PART 101, UNMANNED AIRCRAFT, GYROGLIDERS, AND PARASAILS.  They are 
       described as follows:


       ECONOMIC ANALYSIS

       There are no requirements administered by the Civil Aviation
       Authority (CAA) at present that relate to the operation of rockets.
       The requirements specified in this rule part are not expected to
       introduce any additional costs as they are already applied in
       practice. Large model rockets currently operate under the Model
       Rocketry Safety Code approved by the National Association of Rocketry.
       Rockets not included within this category have notification and
       operational requirements placed on them to ensure that they do not
       pose a significant risk toaircraft. There have not been any recorded
       incidents involving model rockets.

       LEGAL ANALYSIS

       Rockets are not currently covered by Civil Aviation Legislation.


       SUBPART A - GENERAL

       101.3    DEFINITIONS

       Large model rocket means a rocket that -

             (1) uses not more than 125g of propellant; and
             (2) produces between 20 and 320 Newton seconds of total
                 impulse; and
             (3) uses a slow-burning propellant; and
             (4) is made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic; and
             (5) has no substantial metal parts; and
             (6) has a gross mass, including propellant, not exceeding
                 1.5 kg."

       Model Rocketry Safety Code means the official Model Rocketry Safety
       Code of the National Association of Rocketry and the Model Rocket
       Manufacturers Association, effective October 1991.

       Rocket means an unmanned vehicle propelled by a system that contains
       all the ingredients needed to form its own jet other than -

            (1) an aerial firework; or
            (2) a model rocket as defined in the Explosives Regulations 1959:

       101.5    REGISTRATION

       A person lawfully entitled to the possession for 28 days or more of a
       ..., rocket, ... is not required to comply with the requirements of
       Part 47.

       101.7    PROHIBITED, RESTRICTED, AND DANGER AREAS

       (a) No person shall operate a ..., rocket, ... within a prohibited
           area designated under Part 73 unless that person has express
           permission in writing from the Minister to do so.

       (b) No person shall operate a ..., rocket, ... within a restricted
           area designated under Part 73 unless that person has approval of
           the controlling authority specified for the area to do so.

       (c) {Does not apply to rockets}

       [Until Part 73 comes into force, prohibited, restricted, and danger
       areas are prescribed in Civil Aviation Safety Order Nr.1]

       101.9    LOW FLYING AREAS

       A person shall not operate a ..., rocket, ... within a designated
       low flying area prescribed under Part 73.

       101.11   CONTROLLED AIRSPACE

       A person shall not operate a ..., rocket, ... in controlled airspace
       without prior authorisation from the ATC unit responsible for that
       airspace.

       101.13   HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS

       A person shall not operate a ..., rocket, ... in a manner that creates
       a hazard to aircraft or to persons or property.

       101.15   DROPPING OF ARTICLES

       A person operating a ..., rocket, ... shall not allow any object to be
       dropped in flight if such action creates a hazard to other persons or
       property.

       101.17   EXEMPTIONS

       The Director may exempt a person from any requirement in this Part in
       accordance with Part 11.


       SUBPART D - ROCKETS


       101.151  APPLICABILITY

       This Subpart prescribes rules governing the operation of rockets.

       101.153  LARGE MODEL ROCKETS

       A person shall not operate a large model rocket except in accordance
       with the Model Rocketry Safety Code.

       101.155  AERODROMES

       (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a person shall not operate a
           rocket on or within 8 km of an aerodrome boundary.

       (b) A person may operate a large model rocket within 8 km of an
           aerodrome boundary providing -

            (1) at uncontrolled aerodromes, it is operated in accordance with
                an agreement with the aerodrome operator; and

            (2) at a controlled aerodrome, it is operated in accordance with
                an authorisation from ATC; and

            (3) it is not operated on or over any active aircraft movement
                area of an aerodrome; and

            (4) it is not operated on or over any active runway strip area.

       101.157  METEOROLOGICAL LIMITATIONS

       (a) A person shall not operate a rocket at any altitude where -

            (1) there are clouds or obscuring phenomena of more than
                four-eighths coverage; and

            (2) the horizontal visibility is less than 8 km.

       (b) A person shall not operate a rocket into cloud.

       101.159  NIGHT OPERATIONS

       Except for a large model rocket, a person shall not operate a rocket
       at night.

       101.161  CONGESTED AREAS

       Except for a large model rocket, a person shall not operate a rocket
       over a congested area of a city town or settlement or over an open-air
       assembly of persons.

       101.163  PRE-LAUNCH NOTICE

       Except for a large model rocket, a person shall not launch a rocket
       unless they provide the following information to the New Zealand NOTAM
       office at least 24 hours befeore the operation:

            (1) their name, address and telephone number, or

            (2) where there are multiple participants at a single event, the
                name, address and telephone number of the person whose duties
                include coordination of the launch data estimates required by
                paragraphs (3), (4) and (5) of this rule, and who is
                coordinating the launch event:

            (3) the estimated number of rokets to be operated:

            (4) the estimated size and estimated weight of each rocket:

            (5) the estimated highest altitude or flight level to which each
                rocket will be operated:

            (6) the location of the operation:

            (7) the date, time, and duration of the operation: and

       any other relevant information requested by the person to whom
       notification is given.

      NOTE:
      Problems have arisen with the interpretation of this NPRM in that 
      the launch of a model rocket of less than 20 Ns would have to be 
      notified. An absurd situation! Thankfully Mary Roberts, Estes Industries,
      has supplied a substantial submission to the CAA that would bring 
      the NPRM into line with US rules.  Hopefully this will be accepted.

13.5.2. Miscellaneous Rules

       Permits are required for engines of greater than 20 Newton seconds
       ('D'). These can be obtained from your local Occupational Safety &
       Health office.

       You must be over 16 years of age to purchase engines. When purchasing
       engines the retailer must supply you with a copy of the NAR Model
       Rocketry Safety Code, which you are supposed to sign (!).

       All Estes and Aerotech engines through to M are legal in New Zealand.
       Other manufacturers engine products are not, at this time.

       At present there are no user certification requirements similar to those
       applied in the US for high power motors greater than 'F'.

       Suppliers are required to keep an explosives register in which they
       enter the name of the purchaser, etc.

       Permission must be obtained from the owners before any area can be
       used for rocket launches.


13.5.3   What are good sources of model rocketry kits/wg's/parts, etc?


       Aerospace Education                      Model rocketry and high power
       Box 13-368 Onehunga                      kits, engines, and supplies
       Auckland
       NEW ZEALAND
       Ph. 64 9 624 3091

       Model Boat Supplies                      Model rocketry kits, engines,
       38 Ottawa Road                           and supplies
       Christchurch 6
       NEW ZEALAND
       Ph. 64 3 388 9262

       Southern Rocketry                        Model rocketry and high power
       3 Oregon Street                          kits, engines, and supplies
       Ocean Grove
       Dunedin
       NEW ZEALAND
       email: lindsay.gordon@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

       Southern Rocketry publishes a 12 page quarterly magazine, available by
       subscription only ($12.00), and a monthly newsletter (available
       through South Island retailers.

       NOTE: Southern Rocketry provides a mail order service for hobbyists
             who live outside the Otago/Southland and Christchurch areas.

       Woodmancy's Hobbycraft                   Model rocketry kits, engines,
       PO Box 5421                              and supplies
       Dunedin
       NEW ZEALAND
       Ph./Fax 64 3 477 8882

13.5.4   Are there any regular rocket contests, launches, clubs, etc?

       A number of clubs exist or are forming within New Zealand. Known
       clubs and associations are:

       Christchurch:      Occasional launches from Hagley Park
                          Contact Model Boat Supplies (listed in 15.5.3) for
                          more details

       Invercargill:      Word has it that a club is being formed, but no
                          other details are available.

       NAR-NZ:            This now defunct body was formed sometime in 199?,
                          but due to administrative problems, it soon folded.

       NZ Aerospace Club: Started in 199? by Gerry Munden, NZ Aerospace is
                          the largest model rocketry club in New Zealand

                          Box 13-368 Onehunga
                          Auckland
                          New Zealand
                          Ph. 64 9 624 3091
                          WWW:  http://www.creative.co.nz/index/lyle/hpr.htm

       Otago Model Rocketry Association - Dunedin:

                          c/o 3 Oregon Street
                          Ocean Grove
                          Dunedin
                          New Zealand
                          email: lindsay.gordon@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

                          OMRA was formed in 1993 by a small group of
                          enthusiastic rocketeers. OMRA has its own permanent
                          launch site in Ocean Grove.

                          Supply problems from mid-1995, and recent price
                          increasess from NZ's (then) only supplier caused
                          difficulties for the club however, a new supplier
                          has changed this situation.

                          OMRA published its own newsletter, Blast Off!, from
                          May - Dec 1994, and was to be continued in 1995
                          within a joint effort between OMRA and Aerospace
                          Education NZ. This venture collapsed with the
                          publication of the combined first issue.

                          Apart from the permanent launch site at Ocean
                          Grove, a number of parks around the Dunedin area
                          are available for rocketry. They are:

                          Brighton Domain, Brighton
                          Forrester Park, North East Valley
                          Hancock Park, off John Wilson Drive, St. Kilda
                          Kettle Park, off Victoria Rd., St. Kilda
                          Memorial Park, Mosgiel
                          Montecillo Park, off Eglington Rd., Maryhill
                          Opoho Park, off Lovelock Ave., Opoho
                          Sunnyvale Sportsground, Sunnyvale/Fairfield

                          Of these, Memorial Park, Montecillo Park, Hancock
                          Park, and Sunnyvale Sportsground are the best sites
                          to use

                          The Dunedin City Council has decreed that:

                          "Rocket launching is not allowed on the above areas
                           while sports are being played." (Quite obvious,
                           really!)

--------------------------------------- 

13.6  Rocketry in Germany

This section is still under construction.

---------------------------------------
Copyright (c) 1996 Wolfram von Kiparski, editor. 
Refer to Part 00 for the full copyright notice.


