Rocketry Planet

Unless some idiot is trying to make evil with homemade APCP, I frankly don't care about about an amateur fireworks stupidhead. Don't get me wrong. PGI, the Pyrotechnics Guild International is a group with pyrotechnic hobbyists who practice the art in the safest fashion possible. Wished I could attend their yearly show. You don't hear about someone getting into trouble that often from that group.

The idiots who simply don't know squat about safety and slap something together out of "BP, model rocket motors, sparklers, caps (they still make those?) gasoline or whatever" does not constitute a pyrotechnician in my book.

God bless the pyrotechnics folks 'cause I love a great display, (Anytime of the year for that matter)

I really don't care to see reporting of fireworks accidents on RP, even if a few Estes motors were part of the conflagration.

I personally think it is relevant - mainly due to the rocket motors that were supposedly part of this "superfirework". This kind of event can lead the overprotective to jump in and try to futher regulate model rocket motors and strangle the hobby's ability to appeal to the youth of the country by making it too hard to obtain motors to even try the hobby out.

Additionally - reporting these failures helps remind the memebers of our hobby how dangerous these materials are and how important it is to use them as intended and not to treat them with contempt.

However... I do appreciate your speaking up for what you believe and appreciate that you took the time to put in your 2 cents.

Kurt,

I agree with your assessment, although I don't necessarily think this is a "fireworks" related issue. I think it is the result of an amateur at work and needs to be established as such.. But like UncleVanya so willingly put out, it is necessary to keep the hobby public informed so they can be aware and not be blindsided by attempts to legislate us out of the hobby.

Thank you for participating here on Rocketry Planet. Your opinion is valuable and is appreciated.

Happy Independence Day, Kurt!
Personally, I agree with you; I hate seeing this kind of story. Unfortunately, this is what's being reported in the media that the great majority of Americans read or watch. You're right; this does not involve a rocketry activity. You're also right that this does not involve responsible fireworks handling. Unfortunately, there are a whole host of people, including some who influence CPSC and ATF, who cannot or do not distinguish between those of us who do rocketry, PGI, and those who injure themselves irresponsibly like this man did. For that reason, I want (perhaps even need) to know about stories like this, so when somebody says "Did you hear about that guy who injured himself with model rocket motors?" I can say, "Yeah, but you didn't hear the true story. This is what happened and it really had nothing to do with rocket motors and everything to do with Darwinian evolution."
Kurt, what would you think if Darrell set aside an area where stories like this would be available for us, but without being on the "front page" of RP?

That is sort of what's happening now by posting them on the Newsdesk, but they do still show up on the lower part of the homepage. My fear would be that someone who needed to know what was going on their backyard wouldn't be able to find them if they were "hidden". There are a lot of active rocketry people in the Bellingham, Washinton area, and they need to know so they can defend the hobby to ordinary people who might see it there and ask them, "Hey, don't you do model rockets? Did you see this?" I am always willing to do whatever is necessary to facilitate the hobby in the best light, but I don't want people to be in the dark either.

Thoughts?

For what it's worth, I don't have a problem with that kind of story. I think it's good to establish that the things we use thousands of times yearly safely can be dangerous when used contrary to the way they were intended to be used. Calling this guy an "amateur" is giving him more credit than he deserves.

I agree!!! Just another dumb a$$. Bet he won't make another one ever!!!

I can imagine Bubba, cigarette dangling from his lip and saying "Oh crap! I fergot the ****ing fuse! Lucille, git me the ****ing drill!

Yes, this is relevant.

Model Rocketry was born of the same problem. The brilliant solution was the availability of certified commercial model rocket motors. This sharply reduced the number of similar accidents. Over the years, I've seen more states and localities ban or restrict the sale, use, and possession or storage of fireworks. It is not surprising that people are resorting to making their own, and having unfortunate accidents. I do find it odd that a man has not learned the hard lesson until age 58. I would hope that lawmakers an regulators would learn from the success of model rocketry and repeal or loosen more of the fireworks restrictions. Although I feel the cost of model rocket motors has become prohibitive, I know that some DIY fireworks fools buy or steal model rocket motors just for the BP that they contain, and that is not good for our sport.

I live in a restrictive city that does not allow possession or storage of fireworks. I know that the NFPA rules are being rewritten to accommodate the larger redefinition of model rocket motors and LEUP free nonexplosive APCP HPR motors. I just hope that they are written in away that continues to trump laws and regulations restricting fireworks.

On a tangential note, I used to enjoy visiting a fireworks shop or two while traveling to rocket launches in or through less restrictive states. I liked to get a quick general assessment of the industry; what is new or different. I also looked for model rocket sized sky rockets and tried to gauge the relative cost of certified model rocket motors with near equivalent fireworks motors. I have not done this for many years and I would appreciate comments from any one who has done some relevant comparison pricing.

Alan

Alan,

FWIW, people have been making their own fireworks for many years, long before CPSC was even thought of, or before the hobby became quite so restricted. I'd venture there are as many amateur pyros as rocketeers, and the accident rate is very low considering the nature of the hobby - and it's not like rocketeers haven't had their share of dumbass accidents.....

I don't include yahoos in that comment about 'accident rate'. Like the moron who was opening fireworks with a Dremel here in VT. Not surprisingly, he blew himself up. Some folks attempt a tribute to Darwin and *just* miss....

I make my own fireworks because I can, it's challenging, and durn pretty. There are safety rules that you must follow religiously - cleanliness, chemical storage, exposure limits, anti-static precautions, non-sparking tools, proper work area, proper clothing, and an adequate understanding of the compounds with which you work. Following these rules reduces (NOT removes) the risk of an accident or incident.

Kind of like rocketry - follow the safety rules and the possibility of an incident is reduced.

So far as reporting it on RP - I say go for it. The moron did use rocket motors and the authorities might pull that out in future 'hassles'. If they do, we need to be able to declare BS as appropriate. Interestingly I didn't see this reported on any of the pyro boards I visit....

Kevin O