Posted on 05/27/2008 6:17:15 AM PDT by RDTF
Self-important bureaucrat.
That having been said, any amateur model rocketer that indulges in their hobby near an airport, with planes flying overhead, is an idiot. MEthinks that there's more to this than meets the eye.
Was reported yesterday that the plane was 11 miles east not 8 miles north, hmm.
Good, clean fun...
If they have stated it was probably a rocket then people saw this close up. Maybe even got pics?
If you are going to be shooting rockets that go into controlled airspace, you’ve got to make a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).
Most hobbiest rockets shouldn’t be a factor to begin with, as they don’t go that high, but you can get a license to launch the bigger stuff.
“...reported being startled by what he described as a rocket...”
Startled, yeah, I bet!
From “The Hunt for Red October”
Minisub captain: “Hey, I think somebody’s shooting at us!”
USS Dallas skipper: “No shit, Sherlock!”
I have a friend whose son is a former Gulf War Super Hornet driver and now flies for Continental. I can only imagine if the pilot was a former combat pilot (and many are) how they would have reacted to this. Could’ve been a fun ride.
SAM! Break left!
(looking for controls to start dumping flares)
‘That having been said, any amateur model rocketer that indulges in their hobby near an airport, with planes flying overhead, is an idiot. MEthinks that there’s more to this than meets the eye. “
He wasn’t ‘near’ an airport, at least if you consider 8 miles sufficient distance. Seems the plane was flying really low though. Most commercial jets are over 5000 feet within a couple miles let alone 8 miles.
I believe you are supposed to notify the FAA if your rocket goes over 3000 feet or so. Regardless of your distance from the airport.
C'mon, he's tall but he shouldn't be bothering airliners!
bttt
bttt to you too.
i was wrong its not 3000 feet, its 1200 feet. Anything over that and you are required by law to seek a waiver. Of course since this happened more than 5 miles from the airport this particular airport probably wasn’t notified if a waiver was obtained.
“The fact that they are even using the word rocket is unusual. I would have expected space junk...meteorite...birds etc. Have they r/o Terrorism yet?”
The fact they are using rocket tells me its an amateur rocket. Everyone knows that terrorist rockets are wiring problems in fuel tanks or other mechanical problems.
My good friend Robert and I were shooting some rockets this weekend, no where NEAR Houston and we never got one much above 500-700 feet. Loads of fun, and the recovery process got us out walking on a great day, as the rockets tended to land some 1/4 to 1/2 mile down range.
If yesterday wasn’t Memorial Day I’d be more suspicious.
Multi-stage Estes Rockets purchased at hobby and toy stores can reach altitudes in excess of 2600 feet.
The biggest challenge around here is finding an open place where you can launch one higher than 500’ and have it land without getting caught in trees or power lines.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.