Do I Need a License for Horizontal Thrust Rocket Tests?

AI Thread Summary
In discussions regarding rocket testing, particularly horizontal thrust tests, the necessity of licenses is contingent upon local laws and regulations. For rockets within a specific power range, licensing is required, even if they are not launched vertically. The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) specifies that model rockets, typically under one pound and using motors up to an F power, are subject to restrictions, including a prohibition on horizontal launches. Rockets exceeding these specifications are classified as amateur rockets and require prior approval from aviation authorities, such as the FAA, for launches in designated areas. The FAA regulates model rocketry and commercial space flight, and relevant regulations can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations. Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone planning to conduct thrust tests or launches.
Jason White
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If your rocket is of a certain power range you need a certain license. My question is of you need these license's if you are only doing horizontal thrusts tests and never actually launching it vertically into the air?
 
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Jason White said:
If your rocket is of a certain power range you need a certain license. My question is of you need these license's if you are only doing horizontal thrusts tests and never actually launching it vertically into the air?
I would think this question can only be answered by someone with a knowledge of your local laws and regulations.
 
SteamKing said:
I would think this question can only be answered by someone with a knowledge of your local laws and regulations.
Well i was hoping someone would be in NAR, but the president of NAR already answered my question.
 
Jason White said:
If your rocket is of a certain power range you need a certain license. My question is of you need these license's if you are only doing horizontal thrusts tests and never actually launching it vertically into the air?
Years ago I was into model rocketry, and a NAR member. IRRC, a model rocket is under one pound and uses only up to an F motor. Horizontal launch is not permitted in NAR.

Rockets over one pound or with greater than F power are considered amateur rockets and must have launches permitted in advance by aviation authorities, and launched only in designated areas, IRRC.

Local laws and regulations have progressively restricted model rocketry from schoolyards and playgrounds in my city, but it is still allowed in outlying areas.
 
Dotini said:
Years ago I was into model rocketry, and a NAR member. IRRC, a model rocket is under one pound and uses only up to an F motor. Horizontal launch is not permitted in NAR.

Rockets over one pound or with greater than F power are considered amateur rockets and must have launches permitted in advance by aviation authorities, and launched only in designated areas, IRRC.

Local laws and regulations have progressively restricted model rocketry from schoolyards and playgrounds in my city, but it is still allowed in outlying areas.
Interesting. This wouldn't be a rocket just a rocket engine tested in a laboratory. for thrust measurements. No horizontal launch is being done as long as you mean launch as letting it move. I'm not with the NAR i just called them because i figured they would know.

Is it difficult to get launches permitted by aviation authorities. I'm assuming you're referring to the FAA?
 
Jason White said:
Interesting. This wouldn't be a rocket just a rocket engine tested in a laboratory. for thrust measurements. No horizontal launch is being done as long as you mean launch as letting it move. I'm not with the NAR i just called them because i figured they would know.

Is it difficult to get launches permitted by aviation authorities. I'm assuming you're referring to the FAA?

In the US, the FAA is the regulating authority for such matters. The regulatory areas of interest for model rocketry, commercial space flight, etc. are discussed here:

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/AIR/air3101.html

The Code of Federal Regulations is published annually and can be found here:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR

Only you know all the details of what you plan to do with this rocket motor, so good luck wading thru this material.
 
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SteamKing said:
In the US, the FAA is the regulating authority for such matters. The regulatory areas of interest for model rocketry, commercial space flight, etc. are discussed here:

https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/AIR/air3101.html

The Code of Federal Regulations is published annually and can be found here:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionCfr.action?collectionCode=CFR

Only you know all the details of what you plan to do with this rocket motor, so good luck wading thru this material.
Thanks for the help!
 
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