Model Rocketry Has Been Crippled By a New Federal Law!

The Homeland Secruity Act that was signed into law last year is about to go into effect. Since it was rushed through congress so fast, we didn't realize it, but it has inadvertently cut the legs out from under model rocketry. So if you ever want to fly a model rocket in the future, We beg your immediate help.

The new regulations in the law have caused shipping companies like UPS and FedEx to stop carrying model rockets. They would have to get explosive permits for every single employee that comes in contact with a box of rocket motors, as well as beefing up security at their shipping terminals. They feel that it is too cost prohibitive to be in compliance with the new laws. It is simpler to just stop shipping model rocket motors.

Most all 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 to customers, the law has effectively clamped down model rocketry. How will you be able to fly a model rocket if you can't get a rocket motor? We don't feel that congress intended to kill rocketry, but that will be the effect from the implementation of the law.

What can you do to help?

This week - 2/24/03, Senator Mike Enzi (Wyoming) will introduce into congress a bill that would make "technical corrections" to the Homeland Security Act. Specifically it would exempt model rocketry from being regulated to the tough standards of the Safe Explosives Act.

We need your time and effort. Specifically we ask that you to call your State's Senator to tell him to support the legislation from Senator Enzi.

We also need you to let everyone know to do the same thing. Please contact:

* Friends
* Teachers
* Boy scout leaders
* Civil Air Patrol Squadrons
* Anyone involved in Youth groups, and summer camps

If you have know anyone at NASA, anyone in the Military, or professors at universities, let them know that the one program that motivates millions of students is being killed. As you know model rocketry is a safe activity that inspires students to pursue careers in engineering and science. What will be the future of NASA if they can't find engineers?

Model Rocketry is the VERY FIRST step into Space. Don't let the Homeland Security Act kill this important teaching tool that motivates students to learn about space and science.

What else can you do?

If you ever have subscribed to a e-zine newsletter, please ask the person that publishes it to send out a urgent message asking for support of this important legislation.

If you know of anyone in the newspaper, radio, or television industries, let them know that this would make a great human interest news story.

We need to get this urgent message out to the nation as quickly as possible. The Homeland Security Act is being phased at this very minute, and rocket motors are not making it to customers. It may be just a matter of weeks that many model rocketry manufacturers will have to close their facilities because they can't get their products to customers. If you wait too long, it will be too late.

What to do right NOW?

Step 1: Get informed.

Go to the web site: http://www.space-rockets.com/congress.html

We are not a well organized, since most of the consequences of the Homeland Security Act are just now beginning to surface. It caught us all by surprise. So the web site may look a little bit rustic. But don't let that stop you from learning as much as possible.

Step 2: Check the web site daily for the "GO" signal.

The GO signal is the time to pick up the phone and call your State's Senator. Tell him to support the exemption for model rocketry that is being offered by Senator Enzi.

Step 3: While waiting for the GO signal, please let as many people know of the situation that concerns model rocketry. This is urgent.