I have been reading different views on weather Canadians can legally fly
rockets in the U.S. from both 'rmr' and the 'rocketry forum'. Most believe
that it is next to impossible to do this, but I have found that this is very
far from the truth.
When I was applying for my LEUP, I asked my BATF Interviewer what could be
done to help my friends from Canada. She explained to me that Canadians who
participate in gun shooting events here in the U.S. use a relief of
disability to be able to bring their own guns and ammo into the U.S. to
participate. She explained to me that she wasn't sure if this could be used
for rocketry events, but she would find out.
Here is a copy of the letter she sent back to me concerning my questions:
Copy of letter from BATF Agent
Enclosed is some information that I was able to obtain in reference to your
question on Canadians coming into the United States to launch model rockets.
I spoke to legal counsel and she said that a Canadian would need a permit to
possess here in the U.S. but an alien is considered prohibited. Therefore,
he would need to request a relief of disability. The Safe Explosives Act
regulations do not address aliens coming into the U.S. for an onsite launch
for recreational use, or an organized club launch, etc. I have attached the
information I was able to come up with. I would recommend you attach a
letter to the application for relief of disability stating specifically what
he wants to do. (e.g. come to the U.S. and purchase on site, launch on site,
and return home or bring into the U.S., for an organized, controlled launch
and launch and leave, etc.) Also I would mention in your letter that this is
an annual organized club launch regulated by the FAA, county, state, local,
etc. if that is the case or whatever the specific details.
This link to the ATF website should help those who would like to pursue this
option. https://www.atf.gov/explarson/safexpact/applicforrestoration.html
It list other links to samples of forms and accompanying letters one should
use when applying for this. This should be used along with applying for a
persons LEUP as well. One should note that if you want to bring in your own
motors to fly with, you will need to apply for storage as well. Otherwise
just apply for a "buy and fly" permit.
Although I do have copies of some of the forms, all of you would be better
off if you asked for these forms by following the links I just gave you.
Also, I told this to my friend Murry Lampert, and I'm sure that he has done
something along these lines himself.
I hope this helps all of you who want to come to the U.S. and participate in
some of our launches. (LDRS 23, future NYPOWER's, BALLS and any other big
launches for example.)
Mike Dutch
rockets in the U.S. from both 'rmr' and the 'rocketry forum'. Most believe
that it is next to impossible to do this, but I have found that this is very
far from the truth.
When I was applying for my LEUP, I asked my BATF Interviewer what could be
done to help my friends from Canada. She explained to me that Canadians who
participate in gun shooting events here in the U.S. use a relief of
disability to be able to bring their own guns and ammo into the U.S. to
participate. She explained to me that she wasn't sure if this could be used
for rocketry events, but she would find out.
Here is a copy of the letter she sent back to me concerning my questions:
Copy of letter from BATF Agent
Enclosed is some information that I was able to obtain in reference to your
question on Canadians coming into the United States to launch model rockets.
I spoke to legal counsel and she said that a Canadian would need a permit to
possess here in the U.S. but an alien is considered prohibited. Therefore,
he would need to request a relief of disability. The Safe Explosives Act
regulations do not address aliens coming into the U.S. for an onsite launch
for recreational use, or an organized club launch, etc. I have attached the
information I was able to come up with. I would recommend you attach a
letter to the application for relief of disability stating specifically what
he wants to do. (e.g. come to the U.S. and purchase on site, launch on site,
and return home or bring into the U.S., for an organized, controlled launch
and launch and leave, etc.) Also I would mention in your letter that this is
an annual organized club launch regulated by the FAA, county, state, local,
etc. if that is the case or whatever the specific details.
This link to the ATF website should help those who would like to pursue this
option. https://www.atf.gov/explarson/safexpact/applicforrestoration.html
It list other links to samples of forms and accompanying letters one should
use when applying for this. This should be used along with applying for a
persons LEUP as well. One should note that if you want to bring in your own
motors to fly with, you will need to apply for storage as well. Otherwise
just apply for a "buy and fly" permit.
Although I do have copies of some of the forms, all of you would be better
off if you asked for these forms by following the links I just gave you.
Also, I told this to my friend Murry Lampert, and I'm sure that he has done
something along these lines himself.
I hope this helps all of you who want to come to the U.S. and participate in
some of our launches. (LDRS 23, future NYPOWER's, BALLS and any other big
launches for example.)
Mike Dutch
