WASHINGTON, District of Columbia USA — On August 10, 2004, the presidents and vice-presidents of TRA and NAR met with Lew Raden, Assistant Director of the ATF's Office of Firearms Explosives and Arson and several other members of the agency. Our thanks to ATF legislative liaison Ross Arends and TRA/NAR legislative liaison John Kyte for their work in arranging this initial meeting.

Mr. Raden met with the NAR/TRA leadership to explore whether any new approaches or alternative regulatory approaches to the current LEUP-based system could be considered. The meeting was cordial but brief. Mr. Raden expressed willingness to open a more positive dialog with us, and to listen to proposals from us, but was careful to assert that he felt he had little ability to divert from procedures driven by existing statutes.

We regard the meeting as a potentially positive step, but we must caution members not to regard it as a breakthrough. The TRA and NAR Boards will work to submit some alternative ideas to the agency, but it is impossible to predict at this time how much consideration may be afforded to them.

ATF Hobby Rocket Motor "FAQ" Document
On August 9, BATFE posted a "Frequently Asked Questions" on hobby rocket motors to the BATFE website. We have referred this matter to our legal counsel, who is investigating further. Members should be advised that there have been no new developments with respect to our litigation with the ATF or to the ATF's NPRM 968, which remains uncompleted at this time. Our position is that ATF cannot legally apply weight criteria in the manner stated or implied in the FAQs without further court action or formal rulemaking.

Should any members encounter field enforcement issues related to this FAQ, you are advised to immediately contact either TRA or NAR president. We will update you as soon as we have completed our legal review or have additional information.

As always, we appreciate the comments, input and support of TRA and NAR members in this fight. And, as our case proceeds, we will continue to need your financial support to build on this victory. We urge you to make a donation to the Legal Defense Fund today, in whatever amount you possibly can contribute. Your support and generosity will be recognized and acknowledged, and you'll be able to say "I supported the fight for an unregulated sport rocket hobby."

When we have further developments, we'll report them here and in our publications, as soon as possible.

Mark Bundick, President
National Association of Rocketry

Ken Good, President
Tripoli Rocketry Association