When I was a kid I built a rocket that flew on 4 E9 motors. I flew it at a bunch of launches, some HPR, some not, before I got my Jr. L1. Only after a few years did I realize that I'd been exceeding the propellant mass limit for Class 1 rockets the entire time.
DON'T FEEL TO BAD ABOUT IT!!
After expressing my dissent in this thread about the current classification of what is HPR and MPR, I've been doing some research on when and why weight was involved in determining what is a MPR and HPR flight. Looks like weight was always involved. So with the new classifications we gained 1 thing, MPR flights and a few HPR flights no longer need to notify ATC, which for MPR nobody most likely never did anyway. I never knew there was a 16oz. limit at one time requiring ATC notification if over.
When I became a BAR (41 years old) 27 years ago as well as some of my friends we were stuck in MPR for years due to ATF regulations and if asked if we did what is outlined in red below we would have to take the 5th. I'd like to know who really did that!
1
'Large Model Rockets' is a term used in the FAA FAR 101 regulations. It
refers to NAR/NFPA model rockets that are between 454 and 1500 grams
(1 to 3.3 pounds) total liftoff weight or contains more than 113 grams
but less than 125 grams of total fuel.
A. FAA Regulations:
* Rockets containing less than 113 grams of total fuel and weigh
less and one (1) pound do not require any type of FAA notification
and are not restricted by the FAA except where they pose a threat
to aircraft.
*
FAA "large model rockets" (see the definition in #1, above)
require that the nearest Air Traffic Control center (ATC) be
notified of the launch between 24 and 48 hours prior to the
launch. This is notification and not permission. In the U.S., try
calling 1-800-WX-BRIEF to get the number of the ATC center nearest
you.
* FAA High power rockets (weighing more than 3.3 pounds, containing
HPR motors, or containing a total of more than 125 grams of
fuel) require a formal waiver be approved by the FAA and activated
prior to the launch. Refer to the full r.m.r FAQ (dated 1 Oct 94
or later) for more complete details.
* NOTE THAT THE FAA DOES NOT PLACE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON FUEL-PER-
MOTOR OTHER THAN THE TOTAL LIMIT OF FUEL. HOWEVER, MOTORS WITH
MORE THAN 62.5 GRAMS OF FUEL ARE HIGH POWER ROCKET MOTORS AND
REQUIRE HIGH POWER CERTIFICATION TO FLY. This does allow HPR
certified flyers to conduct low-end HPR launches (with up to about
240NS composite motors) without having to obtain a waiver.
* Remember that HPR waivers, ATC notification and high power
certification are all separate issues and must all be properly
followed.
Safety code in 1997 Estes catalog note #4 Then RH bottom of page. Wonder why that was side lined/ not included with #4. I never seen it.