From: rbs@cyclops.micr.Virginia.EDU (Robert B. Sisk)
Subject: RMS/DOT Update (A letter reposted from CompuServe)
Originator: rbs@cyclops.micr.Virginia.EDU
Organization: University of Virginia
Distribution: usa
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1993 05:28:30 GMT

The following letter was posted to modelnet (Compuserve).  Since it contains
permission (at the end of the letter) and since it is of interest to this 
this news group I am reposting it.
___________________________________________________________________________

#: 127868 S8/Sport Rocketry
    07-Jan-93  19:53:11
Sb: RMS/DOT Update
Fm: Robert Sanford 72020,371
To: All



Press Release 1/6/93

Subject:  Reloadable Motor Legal Status Update


On behalf of AeroTech, Inc. and the Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc., Larry
Bierlein of the law firm of Shaw, Pittman, Potts & Trowbridge has filed a
request with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to seek
concurrence/confirmation of, or alternatively, an emergency exemption for the
flammable solid classification of all AeroTech/ISP reload kits.  This request
was filed December 29, 1992.  AeroTech has been witholding shipments of its
model and high-power rocket motor reload kit products because of concerns
raised by the DOT early last year regarding their proper shipping hazard
classification.

The granting of this petition would set a legal precedent for the
classification of all similar reload kits as flammable solids.  The wording in
the exemption request describes this commodity as containing "propellant and
delay charge modules which consist primarily of ammonium perchlorate dispersed
in synthetic rubber.  Reload ejection charges, also in the kits, contain small
quantities of black powder."  Certain standards are also discussed relating to
the specific packaging of the reload kits, which would
be required of any other manufacturer seeking to become a party to the
exemption.  AeroTech and Tripoli have pledged to assist other manufacturers in
either receiving their own reload kit DOT classifications or becoming a party
to the exemption should it be granted.

75% of the cost of the services of Shaw Pittman are being borne by the Tripoli
Legal Fund which was established at LDRS-11.  AeroTech is assuming the balance
of these fees.  In addition, AeroTech will be responsible for the costs
associated with the testing of its propellant formulations and other incidental
expenses.  The National Association of Rocketry (NAR) has also offered to
contribute an unspecified sum toward that portion of the petition which is
generic to the industry.  Tripoli will attempt to raise up to 25% of the total
costs from other manufacturers, dealers, and distributors who sell reloadable
motor products.  As of this date, approximately $9,000 has been donated to the
legal fund.  However, more donations are needed to reach the initial funding
goal of $20,000.  AeroTech would like to take this time to thank the Tripoli
Rocketry Association and the NAR for their outstanding support of this
important initiative!

The DOT petition was filed late last year to allow it to be considered with the
other December requests and save 30 days processing time.  Normally, requests
for exemptions take up to six months for the DOT to process. Therefore, the
application was filed on an emergency basis citing that the present situation
of witholding shipments has resulted in severe economic damage to the hobby
rocket industry.  It is not yet clear how long the petition will take to be
approved but is expected to be addressed shortly.

AeroTech, Tripoli and the NAR will inform hobby rocket consumers as soon as a
decision is reached by the DOT.  AeroTech is grateful to the hobby rocket
community for their continued support and patience as this problem is resolved!




For Gary Rosenfield,

Bob Sanford, Vice President for Marketing, AeroTech.

Note:  Rocketry newsletters are welcome to reprint this message in its
       entirety.

________________________________________________________________________



-- 
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Robert B. Sisk  PhD			Internet: rbs@virginia.edu
NAR #53448				UUCP:     uunet!virginia!rbs
TRIPOLI #1583                           CIS:      71501.1651@CompuServe.COM