Our Mission
Rocketry Clearance exists to answer the questions that 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 — in the text of 14 CFR Part 101, in NFPA 1122 and 1127, on the NAR and Tripoli websites — but they're scattered across dry regulatory documents, forum threads from 2016, and vendor websites that have a commercial interest 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 trying to plan a launch or make a decision about the hobby.
Editorial Approach
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 for any piece of information we publish is: is this accurate, is it complete enough to be useful, and is it honest about uncertainty?
We cite the regulatory sources we're drawing from. 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 clear about the difference between what the regulations say and what they mean in practice — which are sometimes different things.
Regulatory information in this hobby changes. NFPA codes update on a three-year cycle. State fire marshal rules change with each legislative session. FAA guidance evolves. We review and update our content regularly, but we always encourage readers to verify current rules directly with the relevant authority before making decisions that depend on regulatory compliance.
Affiliations & Independence
Rocketry Clearance is not affiliated with the National Association of Rocketry, the Tripoli Rocketry Association, the FAA, NFPA, or any motor manufacturer, dealer, or vendor. We don't accept advertising from rocketry vendors, don't have affiliate relationships with dealers, and don't receive compensation for recommending any specific product, organization, or service.
Our revenue comes from Google AdSense contextual advertising, which is managed by Google and does not give advertisers influence over our editorial content. We are committed to maintaining editorial independence. If a rule is inconvenient or a product we might otherwise recommend has a significant flaw, we say so.
Important 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 of which carry real consequences if handled incorrectly. We do our best to provide accurate, useful information, but we are not responsible for decisions made based on information from this site. Always verify regulatory compliance with the relevant authorities and follow NFPA safety codes at every launch.