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- Jan 7, 2019
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I respectfully disagree. The reason we need rules, regulations and laws is because there is a sizable percentage of human beings that are neither decent nor courteous. If everyone followed the golden rule no rules, regulations or laws would be needed. It's just the reality of things.I don't think Drones are a good example.
Drones can be bought by anyone, and flown by anyone (and usually soon after the batteries are charged!). The main "regulations" issue was from a bunch of wahoos who fly them where they shouldn't: Airports, over military bases, over prisons, etc.. And the fact many think of them as a 'toy'.. Grand-ma can buy one for her grand son (and who happens to be the local thug, for whatever reason), so he flies it as he sees fit, disregarding any sense of decency or courtesy.
It doesn't matter that anyone can buy a drone vs. a HP rocket and fly it. The reality of drones is that they can be dangerous if used improperly. The reality of HP rockets is that they can be dangerous if used improperly. It all comes down to safety. NAR and then Tripoli were there at the beginnings of HP Rocketry, so were able to manage the growth, with difficulty. The ATF lawsuit case is the key example. When the feds get it in their minds to get in your way it's hard to counter. NAR and Tripoli took a big financial risk in fighting the ATF in court. The facts won at the end of the day, but it was never a sure thing. One or two bad instances of rocketry mishaps could draw the Feds attention again. I do trust that Tripoli and NAR will get it right at the end of the day (regarding HEI), but caution and vigilance are a constant requirement.
As regards this entire thread, no one is doubting the value HEI would provide, we're simply seeking answers to reasonable questions. Getting snarky, cock-sure responses is annoying at best, insulting at worst. Assuming HEI gets approved and certified, I'll make a sizable wager (case of beer, winners choice) that they would still need to be assembled at an away cell. That means the the average L2 flyer that flies JKL single stage rockets won't likely be a buyer, especially if they already have an investment in AT, Loki or Cesaroni hardware. That would require Carber Energetics SU motors to be cheaper than reloads, which would be a tall order, unless they don't care about profits. If that's the case then we all ought to be worried that such a business model could drive existing motor vendors over a bankruptcy cliff.
This is then, likely, a niche market for multi-stage air-starts (single stage clustered air-starts are quite manageable with existing components within existing rules and regs). That's a small subset of the flying community, which makes me wonder how the motors can be made cheaply without volume sales. Would love to see the business plan and profitability forecast based on sales volume.