Retailers, Hobbyists Urge Department To Reverse Its
Decision
The model rocket world is feeling
threatened by a DOT decision that model rocket motors do mot meet
the criteria for exclusion for shipment as explosives, which would
result in the termination of a special permit allowing their
shipment to hobby stores and elsewhere in the U.S. as "flammable
solids."
A letter from Estes, which is a leading manufacturer of the
small rocket motors, to its vendors calls for retailers and
hobbyists alike to contact the DOT and lobby for a reinstatement of
the special permit allowing their shipment under the "flammable
solid" designation. The Show Cause letter from the DOT indicates
that regardless of the outcome of testing on the motors, it was
proposing to terminate that permit, which has been in place since
1978 and covers rocket motors and igniters.
Estes points out that the rocket motors are shipped to more than
just hobby stores. They go to educators, youth group leaders, and
families for educational and recreational purposes. They say the
risk is exaggerated, and that the components will not ignite
spontaneously. They further contend that shipping the components as
"explosive" rather then "flammable solid" will cause more concern
among such groups a as school administrators and OSHA.
In a letter from Tower Hobbies which was e-mailed to ANN, the
company urges hobbyists of all stripes to assist in an effort to
reverse the DOT decision.
"The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has recently advised
that they propose to terminate a special permit under which model
rocket motors and igniters have been shipped for the last 33
years," the letter states. "If the permit is terminated model
rocket motors and igniters will no longer be able to be shipped as
"Flammable Solids" and will instead have to be shipped as
"Explosives."
"In 33 years there have been no incidents involved in the
shipping and transporting of model rocket motors and igniters.
"Hobbyists need your support. We believe that shipping model
rocket motors and igniters as "Explosives" would only cause
unnecessary concern for hobby shops, educators, youth group leaders
and families using model rockets for educational and recreational
purposes.
"If you believe as we do, please send an e-mail to
the Department of Transportation no later than October 10,
2011."
The e-mail should reference DOT-SP 7887.