I've seen this kind of statement several times, including in some "quarantine launch" threads where I didn't want to question others' decisions. But this was really bugging me, since I have studied a lot for my NAR L2 exam. APPARENTLY, NOT ENOUGH!
If I understand correctly, any rocket <1500 g total weight AND <125 g propellant weight is FAA Class 1 and can be flown without an FAA waiver if >5 nm from the nearest airport. This Class 1 definition includes model rockets AND high power rockets per NFPA 112. NFPA 112 "model rocket" has the FAA Class 1 restrictions but also adds <80 N-sec avg. thrust, <160 N-sec total thrust (single motor) or <320 N-sec total thrust (multiple motors, and sparkies.
So, please tell me whether I've finally got this:
- No FAA waiver (Class 1), not high power: 1499 g rocket on G80T
- No FAA waiver (Class 1), but high power: 1499 g rocket on G72DM (63 g propellant, but sparky)
- No FAA waiver (Class 1), but high power: 1499 g rocket on H115DM (113 g propellant, but sparky w/ 172 N-sec impulse)
- FAA waiver required (Class 2): any rocket on H178DM (177 g propellant)
- FAA waiver required (Class 2): any rocket >125 g propellant (two thirds of AT "H"s and all of "I"s)
- FAA waiver required (Class 2): any rocket >1500 g total weight
I just didn't realize that "H" launches could be legally flown, ever, without an FAA waiver. I thought #2 was the only "gray area" between FAA and NFPA regs, but now I know #3 is also legal. Ya learn somethin' new every day!