ALTOONA, Wisconsin USA -- I have received additional information from FAA HQ in Washington, DC regarding current operational procedures for rocket flights conducted under FAR Part 101. Specifically, I have confirmed that:

1. Model rocket flying (rockets using less than 4 oz propellant and weighing less than 1 lb.) remain unaffected by the current national airspace emergency.
2. Operations under the "large model rocket" notification provisions of FAR Part 101 (rockets using 4.4 ounces of propellant and weighing between 1 lb. and 3.3 lbs.) have been restored. NAR members and sections wishing to launch rockets under those provisions should use the same process they did prior to the events of September 11, 2001. Please work closely with your local FAA officials in restoring your large model rocket notifications.
3. Rocket operations requiring a waiver application (rockets containing more than 4.4 ounces of propellant and/or weighing more than 3.3 lbs) will be reviewed and approved on a selective basis by FAA offices. No waiver applications are likely to be approved in airspace affected by temporary FAA flight restrictions, particularly for launches in the Washington, DC and New York City airspace. NAR members should be reminded that, historically, any application for waivered launches under Part 101 was subject to denial by the FAA. Again, please be patient in working with your local FAA contacts.

Our country has experienced a tremendous tragedy. Historically, the NAR has had a productive relationship with the FAA. We need to remember that our FAA partners are struggling to meet multiple new demands placed on them by these events. I have pledged the NAR's cooperation and support to the FAA during this difficult period. I ask NAR members to please be patient, polite and professional in their dealings with the FAA as we work to restore our waivered flight environment to the conditions which existed prior to September 11, 2001

As always, I welcome any and all of your comments, questions and suggestions.

Mark B. Bundick, President National Association of Rocketry