Rocket Hobbyists Get Blown Away by Regulations

dogfart writes "Amateur rocket hobbyists are bearing the brunt of Federal anti-terror efforts. Cumbersome regulations (which include extensive background checks) are pushing many to abandon the hobby. Even clubs associated with colleges (such as Kettering) have ended up folding under the pressure. Quoting the article: '"If we're in an environment where the government says you've got to get fingerprinted and background checked, and spend three to four months to do it, (adults are) not going to participate in my hobby," said Mark Bundick, president of the National Association of Rocketry. "We need more kids. It helps them learn technology. It's the technological base here in the country that we need to protect, and this hobby is a good introduction for kids that are interested in technology. If I lose those adults, then I will not be able to train those kids."'" We wrote about these regulations before, and followed it up with a Slashback.

Comments

Hey, whose side are they on?

[Skyshadow]

Obviously, these people are forgetting the role that amateur rocketry played in 9-11.

This has been a huge problem

[Anonymous Coward]

for my V-2 reenactment society. Bloody red tape.

Time to trade in

[xmedar]

Those American passports, Europe is nice, come over here, have some cheese and wine, and be free of your oppressors, huddled masses welcome!

Nah.

[www.sorehands.com]

They think I will take out an airplane, distracting the secret service (the initials happen to be SS), with my 2 stage balsa wood rocket with an egg in the payload section. Then, the egg would drop from the payload compartment onto a speeding car and cause an accident blocking th presidential motorcade so that that Lee Harvey Oswald can shoot Bush from the Clinton Library.

What you're forgetting...

[Skyshadow]

Despite the constant reminders from the Bush Administration, you've obviously forgotten: The sole reason that terrorists hate Americans because of our freedom and liberties.

The best way to prevent terrorist acts, therefore, is to strip those puppies away as quickly and efficiantly as possible.

Terrorist's converse

[Anonymous Coward]

Terrorist #1: Did you bring the stuff?

Terrorist #2: Well I got the explosives, but the ATF syas that .9lbs of propellant is illegal.

Terrorist #1: Shucks, we need 1.1 lbs of fuel.

Terrorist #2: Well I guess we have to scrub the mission.

Terrorist #1: Next time America! When you allow more than .9 lbs of propellant, next time!

Model rockets: NO. Guns: YES.

[Anonymous Coward]

The government's crackdown on Boy Scout hobbies has arguably left the nation a much safer place. Legions of Boy Scout fanatics, armed with model rockets and swiss army knives have been dealt a serious blow and their nefarious activities have been set back days, perhaps even weeks.

Scout leaders are being urged at this time to encourage scouts of all ages to take up firearms training. Firearms, being readily available and licensed, are a safe recreation. Remember, guns don't kill people, rockets do.

Nothing to see here. Move along.

Terrorist #1: I would like to use this rocket to wage holy war against the infidels.

Terrorist #2: You cannot. The infidels have fuel limits. You will not have the range.

Terrorist #1: In that case I will use this assault rife I bought for home defence.

Terrorist #2: You are a most wise servant of Allah.

Terrorist #1: Mwaahahahahah!

Terrorist #2: Mwahahahahaha!