In the UK, for model rocketry, there are no laws preventing model
rocket launches (unless you launch from private land without
permission - this is trespass). There are also no aviation laws
preventing flight of model rocketry apart from the obvious case
of not launching a model rocket within 5 miles of an airfield or
airport.
There are however, some local byelaws in some parts of the UK,
which either restrict or ban the launching of model rockets. This is
similar to the case of radio controlled model aircraft which are also
subject to similar restrictions.
The basic rule of thumb, is not to launch in or near a built up
area such as a town or city, for obvious reasons. As long as this is
adhered to then any potential problems should be minimised.
What is less well known however, is that there is a limited amount
(albeit a large limited amount) of rocket motors, or limited size
of rocket motors which can be stored. These are governed by the 1875
Explosives Act, and the 1883 Amendment to this Act (There are also
more recent acts as well). For most UK
rocketeers, who fly on Estes model rocket motors, this is not a
problem and motors of up to D-class (and even up to G-class) have
not posed a problem (You would need about 100 D-class motors before
it became a problem !).
However, for High Power Rocketry enthusiasts,
storage of larger motors often entails application to the local
police, since some UK police forces require that larger model
rocket motors are stored in a secure fireproof safe as a safety
measure. The process is to contact the local constabulary, and ask for
their advice as to storage and safety requirements. This may or may
not entail a certification process, depending on the local police
force's interpretation of the matter.
It must be emphasised that there is no problem in the majority of
cases, and even in situations where secure storage is required, as
long as you follow the guidelines, then again, there will be no
problem.
Under the conditions of the 1875 Explosives Act, the 1883 Amendment,
and later Prevention of Terrorism acts, it is an offence to
manufacture your own solid fuel rocket motors, since these are classed
as an explosive. This is also an issue for the Health and Safety
Executive too. This act does not affect model rocketry enthusiasts
who buy commercially available motors however, only those few people
who want to construct their own solid fuel motors.
Whilst there are no legal guidelines laid down by the UK Civil
Aviation Authority (CAA). In the case of the larger rockets, or those which are designed for
very high altitude, it is also advisable to contact the nearest
airport Air Traffic Control, to notify them that you are launching
rockets. They can then decide whether they need to issue a NOTAM to
pilots in the area.
Whilst some members of the rocket community in the UK launch large
rockets (e.g. AspireSpace, STAAR Research, M.A.R.S. and Steve
Bennett), it must be remembered, that they do so from private land.
Groups such as AspireSpace, STAAR Research and M.A.R.S. are in any
case, ultra safety conscious.
The most detailed set of safety guidelines available in the
UK are the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) safety
guidelines, supplied with Estes model rockets. They are applicable to
rocketry enthusiasts anywhere, and should be adhered to.
This web page merely outlines current information on rocketry in
the UK. The accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed. Please
refer to the appropriate legal guidelines, or the local constabulary
if you want a comprehensive explanation of the current state of
affairs.
Whilst every effort has been made as to the validity of this
information, STAAR Research cannot accept any responsibility for
matters arising from the information content of this web page. It
represents our view of the legal situation of rocketry in the UK.
STAAR Research - The Scottish Rocket Programme
The legal position of UK Rocketry
Copyright, STAAR Research, 1995-1999.