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.

FMI: www.dot.gov, www.estesrockets.com