This is a repost from the TX. list.




Well I just talked to one of my fireworks friends about the BATFE
enforcement action at the Pyrotechnics Guild International Convention
(PGI). Some of this will have implications for HPR as long as APCP
remains on the Explosives List. So here goes.

As background information, the PGI holds an annual convention during the
first full week of August. This year's convention was held in Appleton,
WI. The convention is usually attended by 1500 to 2000 people who get
together and play with explosives for a week. There are nightly
displays that include material that you would never see at your typical
4th of July display. One of the highlights for many members is the
competition events where members bring the devices that they have built
themselves to enter into competition with other members. The Guild has
maintained a fairly good relationship with the BATFE. Approved
magazines are provided by the convention organizers that members use to
store product they have manufactured once they arrive on site.

Well this year the BATFE had a bit of a surprise for members who arrived
at the magazine. It was "Papers please?" Anyone who was carrying
product was asked to show either their User's Permit or Manufacturer's
License. Those who had their paperwork were allowed to store their
product without any further hassle. Those who did not have their
paperwork were reminded rather directly that they had just committed a
felony. They had transported explosives across a state line without a
license or permit. In other words it's time to get your act together
since the law has been on the books for over two years. All of the
folks without paperwork had there id and addresses, etc. recorded and I
would bet that they can expect a visit from their local BATFE agents
once they get home. No one was cited this year and everyone was allowed
to use their product in open shooting or competition, but everyone was
told that next year the BATFE will not be so forgiving.

There was an interesting new twist to the interpretation of the regs by
the BATFE. They are now saying that even though a manufacturing license
is not needed to manufacturer explosives for your own use, on your own
property, a manufacturing license is required if you manufacture an
explosive and transport it off your property or across a state line. Up
to this point everyone had assumed that a user's permit would cover
transport of self made explosive material, but the BATFE is saying that
this is not the case. So, until the Explosives List changes, all of us
EX guys are supposed to have a manufacturing license if you transport
away from the location where the propellant is made.

Mike

Ken,
The BATF already recognises that the Model Rocketry Hobby is totally orthogonally different and unrelated to 4th of July fireworks such as those by Bartolotta professional displays in Milwaukee.
Tripoli has always been working directly with the BATF to establish specific Hobby Model Rocketry regulations.

This is from an EX guy in TX. Mike Strang. As long as APCP is on the Explosives list, what will stop them from saying that the EX guys also need a manufactuteres permit to transport thier EX loads?

That is what I see as important here, not the issue of commercial loads. The fireworks guys also have LEUP's to transport thier stuff. It was believed that, that also covered the transport of homemade stuff. The ATF is now saying it is NOT> Are they also going to say it is not enough for the rocket EX guys also? That is what I see as important here. But if no one here is interested in EX then you are right, it has nothing to do with you RIGHT NOW> But I see this as a step to impose more regs. without going through the proper rule changing tha t is required by law. Even if it does not pertain to us right now, it has implecations for the future. If they can change it there, what about here?

Ken

Ken:
Please also take this observation to :
http://www.tripoli.org
and carry on from there.

If possible, send them $100, or $1000, or whatever, because it isn't free.
Donations are required.
Lawyers who are working hard to preserve our hobby rights have real fees which need to be paid.
Thank you in advance for your enthusiasm and support of High Power Model Rocketry and its ongoing legal battles.