Explosives Regulations:
Pro-X reload kits contain ammonium perchlorate composite propellant
(APCP).
The BATFE considers this to be an explosive and has published
it as such on the List of Explosive Materials issued annually
in the Federal Register for many years.
The Tripoli Rocketry Association, the National Association of Rocketry and others are attempting to have the exact status of HPR rocket motors clarified through legal actions, as they have some disagreements with BATFE interpretations.
Cesaroni Technology Inc. STRONGLY RECOMMENDS those users of HPR Pro-X reload kits of H impulse class and higher obtain a Low Explosives User’s Permit (LEUP) from their local BATFE office. This ensures that there is no question as to the user’s legal right to possess and use the reloads in question at present or in the future.
At present, an April 2004 decision by Judge Reggie Walton, makes HPR rockets a “propellant actuated device” and thus exempt from many explosives regulations and procedures. The ruling can be viewed at the Tripoli website (www.tripoli.org).
Storage requirements are also somewhat in question, and will be settled once the legal proceedings between the rocketry associations and BATFE are complete. BATFE is of the opinion that Pro-X reload kits of class H and higher should be stored in a magazine that meets Type 4 standards, at a minimum.
The basis of Judge Walton’s decision was the BATFE did not follow proper procedures in having HPR motors classified differently. BATFE has promised that they will correct the procedural errors and HPR motors will eventually be subject to the full range of explosives laws and procedures.
Transport within the USA:
The transport of Pro-X reload kits in the USA is governed by the US Department of Transport (DOT). Pro-X reload kits are classified as explosives for transport, and thus shipments to dealers are subject to the provisions of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR 171-180).
The good news for consumers is that there is a personal use exemption in US law that exempts end users from the requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations for reloads that are for personal, non-commercial use and transported by such persons in their personal vehicles.
Import into the USA:
In order to import HPR motors into the USA you must have a permit
issued by the BATFE.
(22 CFR 555.108)
California Regulations:
The California State Fire Marshall (CSFM) must classify pro-X reload kits that are to be used in the State of California. All Pro-X products that are classified by the CSFM bear a logo of the California State Fire Marshall.
Airspace & FAA
Your local TRIPOLI or NAR prefecture can guide you through the local requirements for airspace to launch your rockets.