3...2...1... We Have... A Security Problem.

Seems in the rush to propel The Homeland Secruity Act from concept to reality, nobody realized it would literally cause model rocket enthusiasts to fizzle on the pad.

Model rocketeers say the law means shipping companies like UPS and FedEx have to stop all deliveries of model rockets. Otherwise, the shipping companies would have to get explosives permits for every single employee who comes in contact with a box of rocket motors. Security at shipping terminals would reportedly have to be beefed up as well. Our sources tell us the shippers believe it's too expensive to be comply with the new laws. Instead, they say, it's just simpler to stop shipping model rocket motors altogether.

You Can't Fly 'Em If They Won't Ship 'Em

Most small model rocket motors (up to an "F" size motor) and all larger sizes are shipped with UPS or FedEx. Since manufacturers and distributors won't be able to ship motors to stores and customers, the law has effectively clamped down model rocketry. What's a model rocket enthusiast to do? Throw the darned thing downrange?

Enthusiasts say they're almost certain Congress didn't intend to kill their hobby. They complain, however, that's the net effect.

Next week, Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) will introduce a bill that would make "technical corrections" to the Homeland Security Act. Specifically it would exempt model rocketry from being regulated by the tough standards of the Safe Explosives Act.

A Bane To Budding Engineers?

Model rocketry hobbiests say their niche is behind some of the greatest minds in science, starting with rocketing pioneer Robert Goddard. What, asks one enthusiast, will be the future of NASA if they can't find engineers?

FMI: www.space-rockets.com/congress.html