Rocketry News!
For those of you who have been reading for a long time, or have read my archives, I am what is known as a "born again rocketeer." This is someone who enjoyed flying model rockets as a child, then moved on to other things, before returning to model rocketry with their children, discovering the many changes and expansions of the hobby. Today, flights are routine with motors thousands of time more powerful than the rocket motors we used as children. Electronics are now an integral part of the hobby, from GPS transmitters to dual stage deployment and live video downlinks so we get to see what it's like being in our rockets.
But back in the 70's, the BATF declared Ammonium Perchlorate an explosive. They didn't hold public review, they didn't even run tests. They just said one day, AP is under their control and subject to BATF regulations.
In the 80's, rocketry discovered Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant, used in High Power Rocketry. It's the same stuff used in the Solid Rocket Boosters for the Space Shuttle.
Since then, rocketeers have suffered under the onerous load of red tape necessary to store and use APCP. You needed a Low Explosives User Permit, have to keep records like a gun dealer, and store their rocket motors in boxes meant to hold explosives. They had to store their red metal, wood lined boxes in either outbuildings or within garages in a certain way. They were subject to arbitrary and unannounced inspections of their layout and records.
Well, that all changed today. After seven years of work, a Federal judge has declared that BATFE has no jurisdiction over APCP. Now comes hopefully the self-regulation that other hobbies enjoy.