I belong to the NAR (National Association of Rocketry).

There is a lot of regulation of rocketry. In order to launch high-power rockets,
you must be certified by NAR or TRA. I have NAR certification.

All launches are conducted under a waiver from the FAA per FAR101.

To buy the larger rocket motors, you need a low explosives user permit (LEUP)
from the ATF. LEUP holders must have an approved magazine for storage,
and are inspected twice a year by a field agent. In order to obtain an LEUP,
you must undergo a background check & be fingerprinted.

I'll bet there would be few people involved in RC under this amount
of regulation.

The name LDRS (large, dangerous rocket ships) is a poor in-joke.
Despite the apparent dangerous appearance, there has never been
a fatality at a sanctioned launch. The only claims ever made for
insurance are for dings to cars. The actual safety record is FAR better
than RC.

The Popular science article is slightly misleading in that no explosions
are intentional. Explosions only occur if the combustion chamber overpressurizes
and ruptures, which is rare with commercial motors. It happens more
often with EX (experimental), but that's why they are classified
experimental. Note that NAR does not support EX, only TRA.
Also note that the propellant per-se is not explosive in and of
itself, which is a major source of contention regarding the
need for an explosives permit, and the subject of ongoing
litigation in the courts.


As stated above, bowling balls are tethered to the rocket and
returned to earth by parachute. No free-fall. Having any
portion of a rocket return to earth without a recovery
device is a major violation of the safety code.
I drive to another state to launch my rockets in the middle
of an abandoned air force base. This is a far cry from your
typical RC flying field.