The October 3, 1994 Federal Register contained the final FAA Part 101 rule.

The Text of the Rule

"2. Section 101.22 is added to read as follows:

S101.22 Special provisions for large model rockets

Persons operating model rockets that use not more than 125 grams of propellant; that are made of paper, wood, or breakable plastic; that contain no substantial metal parts, and that weigh not more than 1,500 grams, including the propellant, need not comply with S101.23 (b), (c), (g) and (h), provided:

(a) that the person complies with all provisions of S101.25; and

(b) The operation is not conducted within 5 miles of an airport runway or other landing area unless the information required in S101.25 is also provided to the manager of that airport.

3. Section 101.25 is amended by revision the introductory text and paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (d) to read as follows:

S 101.25 Notice requirements:

No person may operate an unmanned rocket unless that person gives the following information to the FAA ATC facility nearest to the place of intended operation no less than 24 hours prior to and no more than 48 hours prior to beginning the operation:

(a) the names and address of the operators; except when there are multiple participants at a single event, the name and address of the person so designated as the event launch coordinator, whose duties include the coordination of the required launch data estimates and coordinating the launch event;

(b) the estimated number of rockets to be operated;

(c) the estimated size and estimated weight of each rocket; and

(d) the estimated highest altitude or flight level to which each rocket will be operated."

The rule took effect November 2, 1994.

Obtaining the Full Text of the Rulemaking

You can read the FAA's full analysis of letters sent in, and the full rationale of the ruling by obtaining a copy of the October 3, 1994 Federal Register. Call the Federal Information Center at 800-366-2998 to see where you might find a copy. Many regional libraries serve as government document repositories, you can ask your local librarian for assistance, or look in your phone book under US Government for the Government Printing Office.

Summary of the Rule:

Rules for rockets with 113 or less grams of propellant and less than 453 grams liftoff weight remains unchanged.

If you wish to operate 1-3.3 lb. models or models with between 113-125 grams of propellant, you must:

(a) notify the Air Traffic Control facility over your airspace with

- either the names and addresses of the rocket owners or a launch coordinator who can get the required information to the FAA, and

- the ESTIMATED number, size, weight and expected altitudes of the rockets to be flown.

(b) if your launch site is within 5 miles of an airport, you must provide the same information to the airport manager

(c) requests must be made between 48 and 24 hours prior to the launch; letter, fax or phone constituted acceptable notification to the ATC.