Safety Codes

The NAR Promotes Rocketry Safety Codes

The hobby’s excellent safety record is solidly rooted in a successful Safety Code program. The NAR Safety Codes are made up of about a dozen simple, common-sense rules and guidelines, and are included with every kit, engine, and catalog sold in the US. General sport rocketry is distinct from “amateur rocketry,” which is generally recognized as anything involving design and manufacture of non-commercial motors and propellants, or rockets whose construction is not in conformance with the NAR Safety Codes.

The NAR created and maintains three Rocket Safety Codes:

The Model Rocket Safety Code (Online) (PDF Version)
The High Power Rocket Safety Code (Online) (PDF Version)
The Radio Control Rocket Glider Safety Code (Online)

Each code was developed with input from sport rocket flyers, industry experts, professional engineers, scientists and public safety officials. In many cases, extensive experimental testing and analysis was done to enhance previous code versions. The NAR constantly reviews its Safety Codes for adjustment due to changes in technology and public policy. In 2005 the NAR did a comprehensive study of rocket range safety and produced a detailed analysis of the causes and corrections for safety issues. The report from this study became the basis for significant updates to the NAR High Power Safety Code. The study’s recommendations on “best practices” for setting up and running a range safely have been summarized in a training briefing for use by NAR groups and in an article describing best practices to use in setting up and running a safe rocket range.