STANDARD DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS | Spec No | SI-5 |
| Rev. Date | 03/13/03 |
SUBJECT: Model Rocket Guidelines | Eff. Date | 11/24/98 |
| Approved By | ________ |
The requirements contained in this Standard apply to the use of model rockets within the municipalities served by the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
Definitions
Model Rocket: any toy or educational device which weighs not more than 500 grams, including the engine and any payload, that is propelled by model rocket engines.
Model Rocket Engine: commercially manufactured, non-reusable rocket propulsion device which is constructed of a nonmetallic casing and solid propellant, wherein all of the ingredients are self-contained so as not to require mixing or handling by the user and which have design and construction characteristics determined by the State Fire Marshal to provide a reasonable degree of safety to the user. For the purpose of this Standard, model rocket engines shall not contain more than 62.5 grams of propellant.
Authorization:
*No model rocket user shall launch any model rocket from any site without first securing authorization from the Fire Department.
*It shall be the responsibility of the model rocket user to secure permission of the owner of private lands when such land is approved to be used to launch model rockets.
*Model rocket launch permits will be issued for group educational purposes only. Single user (those not affiliated with a group educational curriculum) will not be issued a permit.
*Permits shall not be issued for any model rocket launches within designated Hazardous Hillside Areas.
Supervision:
The permittee shall be responsible for the safety of all other spectators and other persons connected with launching of model rockets.
Launch Site:
*Shall be located outdoors in a cleared area, free of tall trees, power lines, buildings, and dry brush or grass as approved by the Fire Department.
*Model rocket shall be launched from the center of the launch site.
*Launch site diameter shall be as per the following table and based on motor type.
Equivalent Motor Type | Minimum Site (ft) Dia. |
1/4-A & 1/2-A | 50 |
A | 100 |
B | 200 |
C | 400 |
D | 500 |
E & F | 1000 |
Approved Locations:
(within the jurisdiction of the Santa Clara County Fire Department)
Morgan Hill, Los Gatos, Cupertino and Saratoga: allowed for school sponsored, educational programs at approved school sites and/or under the supervision of permitted model rocket clubs at approved sites. Discharging of model rockets are prohibited within city/town parks.
City of Campbell: permits issued for discharging of size A and B motors and allowed only at John D. Morgan and the Campbell Community Center and for school sponsored, educational programs at approved school sites.
Monte Sereno: Prohibited
Los Altos and Los Altos Hills: Prohibited.
Unincorporated Areas: Contact County Fire Marshal's Office (408.299.3805)
Launch Site Safety:
Model rocket shall be launched from a stable launch device that provides rigid guidance until it has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path.
To prevent accidental eye injury, the launcher shall be placed so the end of the rod is above eye level, or the end shall be capped when approaching it.
Launcher shall have blast deflector devices to prevent the motor exhaust from hitting the ground directly. Area adjacent to launch device shall be cleared of dry grass or combustibles.
Launching system shall be remotely controlled and electrically operated and have a launching switch that will return to "off" position.
All persons shall remain 30 feet from launching device and be provided with an audible 5-second countdown pending launch.
Misfires shall not be approached until minimum of one-minute time has elapsed.
Launches shall be discontinued when winds exceed 20 mph.
Launch angles shall be within 30 degrees of vertical.
Launches shall only occur during daylight hours.
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