Distance from airports

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MIFFRocket

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Hey all. Hope this isn’t a dumb question, but what is the general rule on how far away from airports should you be launching rockets from? The best place around me has a small airport in the area and I just don’t want to be breaking any rules. The place isn’t in any usual flight paths either. The closest I’d be to any airport property would be 3/4 to half a mile away. Please excuse me for my ignorance if this is a dumb question. Thanks!!
 
I sometimes fly a kite or quadcopter at work, right next to a county airport.

Every time I've called it in they've needed me to explain it a couple of times, became surprised about the small object / short duration, then told me to go ahead.

YMMV.
 
what is the general rule on how far away from airports should you be launching rockets from?
There is nothing in FAR 101 AFAIK about proximity to airports for Class 1 Model Rockets. However, you have to not launch rockets near aircraft. I don't think you can be too cautious about this, as one report of a rocket seen from an aircraft could easily attract unwanted attention from the FAA and there is enough weasel-wording in FAR 101 ("The FAA may specify additional operating limitations necessary to ensure that air traffic is not adversely affected, and public safety is not jeopardized") for them to do pretty much anything they want.
 
We typically launch at a school which is about 15 miles north of John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA. However, it is in the area where planes typically turn to make their final approach for landing. It is not unusual to see airliners fly between 1000-2000 feet (by my reckoning) above the school. I always have my son let me know if there is an approaching plane before launching - and nothing greater than a D motor. Just use common sense. Wouldn't want the FBI, ATF, or FAA coming after a couple of hobbyists enjoying a weekend launch.
 
I was under the impression that if it was Class 1 there was no notification requirement at all.
 
I was under the impression that if it was Class 1 there was no notification requirement at all.
There isn't. If you read the whole thread you will note that post #2 was mistaken.

Now, if you call the local airport and ask, they may well decide they need to be notified, but there is nothing in FAR 101 as far as I can tell that requires it. IANAL.
 
There isn't. If you read the whole thread you will note that post #2 was mistaken.

Now, if you call the local airport and ask, they may well decide they need to be notified, but there is nothing in FAR 101 as far as I can tell that requires it. IANAL.

That’s correct.
There used to be a notification requirement, but it has been gone a long time, along with differentiation between model rockets (<= 1#) and large model rockets (1# > 3.3#).
 
Rockets and planes can actually get along ...
 

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