melsman
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Hello All,
******* EDIT UPDATE 5/7/08 **************
I decided to edit this original thread-starter to summarize the information I found on this "journey" to get my LEUP and my California Pyro III.
First of all, regarding the LEUP, it's not that difficult to do. It wasn't that big of a deal!
It costs $100 for the first three year permit, and a $50 renewal after that.
As you'll see (if you read further) that it took me two months to get my LEUP once I submitted the application.
You don't have to have an LEUP to fly high power, but it makes it a lot easier. If you don't have an LEUP, you'll have to fly under someone who has one. You won't be able to buy motors personally or store them. So you essentially become someone's (who has an LEUP) helper. Additionally, you'll need an LEUP to purchase and store Black Powder (unless you're an antique firearms user). And if you're going to use and test DD, you'll probably want BP.
The total cost was:
$100 for LEUP
$255 for Type IV magazine (from Merlin Missiles )
$35 for ink fingerprints
----
$390 Total for LEUP
There was a lot of confusion on Type IV magazines - construction, location, etc. Don't confuse a Type III with a Type IV. The Type IV has a significantly reduced specification and doesn't need to be lined with wood or lattice, etc. Just a "non-sparking" material. "Powder coating" qualifies.
Also, an indoor magazine does not have to adhere to the 75 ft rule. So an indoor magazine can be in a detached garage without any distance requirements (other than the no open flame rule). But an indoor magazine in an attached garage will require a variance. Jump through that hoop with your local fire authority before applying with the BATF. Chances are, if the local guys say, "OK", the BATF will do so also.
So, in retrospect, I'm glad I went through the process. Did I mention that it wasn't that big of a deal?
Continue reading... there's a lot of good information in this thread from helpful people such as "tfish". His article (https://www.lunar.org/docs/LUNARclips/v10/v10n1/leup.shtml) really helped me understand the process and get all of my ducks lined up.
As for state requirements, most states don't have a lot of extra stuff for HPR. But Kalifornia is not one of them. The "Pyrotechic Operator License - Rockets Class 3" is required in this state to use and launch HPR stuff. There's no provision for working under someone else's license. The law is fairly clear - If you load and/or launch a HP rocket and motor, you have to get a license. Period. And, IMHO, it's more of a PITA to get then the LEUP. Luckily, Von at CalOSFM is a nice lady. E-mailing her works much better than trying to call ([email protected]). She's kind of a one-woman shop up there so she's up to her eyeballs all of the time.
As for the Pyro III test, it was 50 T/F questions. Use the Lunarwiki study guide - especially Article 18 in the Chapter 6 section of the handbook and you'll have the test licked - no problem. Just don't mix TRA, NAR, or NFPA rules in there. And don't read anything into the questions. Remember, a steel leader on a parachute is considered a light gauge metal...
Did I mention that getting my LEUP was really not that big of a deal?
Now, back to the original thread starter... Originally, our hero (me) was considering getting a contingency storage LEUP. Let's watch what happens...
****************** End of Edit Update *******************
Well, I've decided that I want to pursue this hobby into the murky depths of High Power, and all of its associated red tape. The actual LEUP application process is not a big deal to me - I've had plenty of governmental form-filling experience and work within the government anyway. My question comes in the form of the "storage" aspect of the LEUP.
I don't plan on buying my motors from anyone other than dealers present at launches... at least not within the next year or so. Maybe I'll eventually get to the point where I buy hundreds of dollars of motors at a time, but I don't think that's going to happen soon. In the end, I'm not sure I want to spend $220 for storage right now - storage I may not use.
So, does anyone have experience getting a non-storage LEUP and then turning it into a "storage" LEUP at a later time?
Secondly, after reviewing the very little bit of info on a Type 4 magazine that I can find on this and other web sites, I'm leaning toward the job box conversion option ($100 cheaper to my door than the US Explosives "rocket box" - heck, that pays for my LEUP!). Has anyone had any trouble getting a converted job box to pass certification?
Thanks,
Ashley
******* EDIT UPDATE 5/7/08 **************
I decided to edit this original thread-starter to summarize the information I found on this "journey" to get my LEUP and my California Pyro III.
First of all, regarding the LEUP, it's not that difficult to do. It wasn't that big of a deal!
It costs $100 for the first three year permit, and a $50 renewal after that.
As you'll see (if you read further) that it took me two months to get my LEUP once I submitted the application.
You don't have to have an LEUP to fly high power, but it makes it a lot easier. If you don't have an LEUP, you'll have to fly under someone who has one. You won't be able to buy motors personally or store them. So you essentially become someone's (who has an LEUP) helper. Additionally, you'll need an LEUP to purchase and store Black Powder (unless you're an antique firearms user). And if you're going to use and test DD, you'll probably want BP.
The total cost was:
$100 for LEUP
$255 for Type IV magazine (from Merlin Missiles )
$35 for ink fingerprints
----
$390 Total for LEUP
There was a lot of confusion on Type IV magazines - construction, location, etc. Don't confuse a Type III with a Type IV. The Type IV has a significantly reduced specification and doesn't need to be lined with wood or lattice, etc. Just a "non-sparking" material. "Powder coating" qualifies.
Also, an indoor magazine does not have to adhere to the 75 ft rule. So an indoor magazine can be in a detached garage without any distance requirements (other than the no open flame rule). But an indoor magazine in an attached garage will require a variance. Jump through that hoop with your local fire authority before applying with the BATF. Chances are, if the local guys say, "OK", the BATF will do so also.
So, in retrospect, I'm glad I went through the process. Did I mention that it wasn't that big of a deal?
Continue reading... there's a lot of good information in this thread from helpful people such as "tfish". His article (https://www.lunar.org/docs/LUNARclips/v10/v10n1/leup.shtml) really helped me understand the process and get all of my ducks lined up.
As for state requirements, most states don't have a lot of extra stuff for HPR. But Kalifornia is not one of them. The "Pyrotechic Operator License - Rockets Class 3" is required in this state to use and launch HPR stuff. There's no provision for working under someone else's license. The law is fairly clear - If you load and/or launch a HP rocket and motor, you have to get a license. Period. And, IMHO, it's more of a PITA to get then the LEUP. Luckily, Von at CalOSFM is a nice lady. E-mailing her works much better than trying to call ([email protected]). She's kind of a one-woman shop up there so she's up to her eyeballs all of the time.
As for the Pyro III test, it was 50 T/F questions. Use the Lunarwiki study guide - especially Article 18 in the Chapter 6 section of the handbook and you'll have the test licked - no problem. Just don't mix TRA, NAR, or NFPA rules in there. And don't read anything into the questions. Remember, a steel leader on a parachute is considered a light gauge metal...
Did I mention that getting my LEUP was really not that big of a deal?
Now, back to the original thread starter... Originally, our hero (me) was considering getting a contingency storage LEUP. Let's watch what happens...
****************** End of Edit Update *******************
Well, I've decided that I want to pursue this hobby into the murky depths of High Power, and all of its associated red tape. The actual LEUP application process is not a big deal to me - I've had plenty of governmental form-filling experience and work within the government anyway. My question comes in the form of the "storage" aspect of the LEUP.
I don't plan on buying my motors from anyone other than dealers present at launches... at least not within the next year or so. Maybe I'll eventually get to the point where I buy hundreds of dollars of motors at a time, but I don't think that's going to happen soon. In the end, I'm not sure I want to spend $220 for storage right now - storage I may not use.
So, does anyone have experience getting a non-storage LEUP and then turning it into a "storage" LEUP at a later time?
Secondly, after reviewing the very little bit of info on a Type 4 magazine that I can find on this and other web sites, I'm leaning toward the job box conversion option ($100 cheaper to my door than the US Explosives "rocket box" - heck, that pays for my LEUP!). Has anyone had any trouble getting a converted job box to pass certification?
Thanks,
Ashley