Our Mission
Rocketry Clearance exists to answer the questions every new and returning model rocket hobbyist runs into immediately: Where can I legally fly this? What motor do I need? How do I get certified? What does the FAA actually require?
These answers exist — scattered across dry regulatory documents, forum threads from 2016, and vendor websites with commercial interests in downplaying complexity. We pull the relevant information together, explain it in plain language, and present it in a format that's actually useful when you're planning a launch or making a decision about the hobby.
How We Approach Content
Every article on this site is written to answer a specific question completely — not to hit a word count or fill a template. Our standard: is this accurate, is it complete enough to be useful, and is it honest about what we don't know?
We cite regulatory sources directly. We note when rules vary by jurisdiction rather than presenting one answer as universal. We flag when information may have changed and tell you where to verify. We don't provide legal advice, and we're honest about the difference between what regulations say and what they mean in practice — which are sometimes different things.
Regulatory information in this hobby changes. NFPA codes update on three-year cycles. State fire marshal rules change with each legislative session. FAA guidance evolves. We review content regularly, but we always encourage readers to verify current rules directly with the relevant authority before any compliance decision.
Our Primary Sources
- 14 CFR Part 101 — The FAA federal regulation governing model and high-power rocketry airspace
- NFPA 1122 & 1127 — National Fire Protection Association safety codes for model and high-power rocketry
- NAR Safety Code — National Association of Rocketry operational standards
- State Fire Marshal publications — State-level adoption of NFPA codes and supplementary regulations
- FAA OEAAA guidance — COA and waiver process documentation from the FAA Obstruction Evaluation office
Independence & Affiliations
Rocketry Clearance is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with the National Association of Rocketry, the Tripoli Rocketry Association, the FAA, NFPA, or any motor manufacturer, dealer, or vendor.
This site displays contextual advertising through Google AdSense and participates in the Amazon Associates program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this site, at no additional cost to you. These relationships do not influence our editorial content — if a rule is inconvenient or a product has a significant flaw, we say so.
Corrections Policy
We take accuracy seriously. If you find an error — an out-of-date regulation, an incorrect procedure, or a tool that produces a wrong result — please tell us via our contact form. Include a source we can verify against. Confirmed corrections are applied promptly and credited if the contributor wishes.
Disclaimer
Rocketry Clearance provides informational content only. Nothing on this site constitutes legal advice, engineering advice, or professional safety consultation. Model rocketry involves combustion, fast-moving objects, and federal regulations — all with real consequences if handled incorrectly. Always verify regulatory compliance with the relevant authorities and follow NFPA safety codes at every launch.