Before launching your rocket, there are some rules that determine where you can fly them. You should always consult the relevant rocketry safety codes which can be found by clicking here Rocket Safey Codes

With regards to CASA, these can generally be broken into three areas, Small Model Rockets, Model Rockets and High Power Rockets.

1. Small Model Rockets (Commonly known as Low Power Rocketry (LPR)) are rockets that weigh less than 500grams Gross Lift Off Weight (GLOW), carry less than 25grams of propellant and produce less than 20Newton-seconds(Ns) of impulse ('D' impulse motor).

These can be flown pretty much anywhere and to any height. These are great for smaller parks or fields. With all rockets, common sense should prevail and you should always consider your surrounding environment including (but not limited to), other people, buildings, trees or any other object.

2. Model Rockets (Commonly known as Mid Power Rocketry (MPR)) are rockets that weigh between >500g and 1500grams GLOW, carry less than 125grams total propellant (no more than 62.5grams per individual motor) and produce less than 320Ns of total impulse (less than 160Ns of impulse per individual motor) ('G' impulse motor).

If you are in controlled airspace, you are only allowed to fly these to 400feet (121.7metres) Above Ground Level (AGL). If you are outside of controlled airspace, you can fly these to any altitude below controlled airspace eg. if there is controlled airspace starting at 2,000feet (609.6metres), that will be your maximum ceiling. *Note: controlled airspace is generally quoted as Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL) and therefore you need to take into account the altitude of your launch site.

If you wish to fly into controlled airspace, you will require an instrument issued by CASA which has varying rules to abide by. The best thing to do when flying these rockets is join a local rocket club who should have the necessary instruments/permits in place.

3. High Power Rockets (Commonly known as High Power Rocketry (HPR)) are rockets that weigh >1500grams GLOW and/or have greater than 62.5grams in an individual motor and/or produce more than 160Ns in an individual motor ('H' impulse motor).

It does not matter how high you plan to fly, you must have an instrument in place to operate high power rockets. It is best to join and speak with your local club to discuss what size motors you can fly at their relevant launch sites.

 

The following information is from CASA's "New to model rockets? Get to know the rules" flyer.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 Part 101 sub parts A, B & H

Ph – 131 757

www.casa.gov.au

Help Available

For free advice, instruction, imformation and public liability insurance, contact your local rocket club and speak with an experienced flier.

Did you know?

Buying or building your model rocket and then enjoying the launch can be a relaxing and fun way to spend the day... but did you know that there are Australian Government rules that determine where and how you launch?

The basic rules

* Your small model rocket must weigh less than 500g, carry less than 25g propellant, produce less than 20 Newton-seconds of impulse and be made of balsa, wood, paper or plastics or a combination of those materials, but contain no metal as structural parts.

* Do not operate in a movement area or runway of an aerodrome, or the approach or departure path of an aerodrome without approval.

* Do not operate in a manner that is hazardous to persons, property or aircraft.

* When launching larger model rockets, refer to Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations'1998 (CASRS).

* Consider the benefits of approved rocket areas.

* Read the safety information available through clubs and associations.

* Your model rocket must be in compliance with the model rocket safety code.

Then consider:

* Speak with an experienced flier before you launch.

* Our environment and the people around you.

* Joining a local rocket club.