[F-FT] RMS delay question/comment

David Erbas-White · 2005-04-06T22:33:41+00:00

Just a quick question/comment about the delay kits supplied with the Aerotech RMS reload kits, such as the 29mm and 38mm ones.It appears that across the board, these kits are designed for Short (6 second), Medium (10 second), and Long (14 second) delays. And I understand that the composition will react differently depending upon the propellant (and thus the pressures) achieved, and all of that. But it seems to me that the difference between 6 seconds and 10 seconds is an eternity in 'rocket years'.I also understand that the engines are certified with the supplied/recommended delay values, and that the great the number of delays 'listed', the more engines would have to be certified for certification.With all that having been said, if the manufacturer were to release a list of what RDK kits would provide (for example) an 8 second delay for various motors, would this be 'allowed' for use (sport use, not competition) at launches? In other words, although it wouldn't be a 'certified' combination, as I understand the rules you're alllowed to modify motors PER MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDATIONS.If this isn't currently allowed, does anyone have any experience with this, and does anyone have any suggested language that could be submitted for a change in the regulations to allow this kind of thing?Any comments on this (without degenerating in to flames)?David Erbas-White

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WallaceF 21 years ago

I do; You got caught Jerry. Not only did you get caught violating the law, you attempted to do so by knowingly misrepresenting the contents of the shipment:

ACTION ON APPEAL

Background: On July 25, 2002, the Chief Counsel, Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA),U.S. Department of Transportation, issued an Order to Dynamic Propellent Technologies, LLC,U.S. Rockets, LLC, and Mr. Jerry Irvine (Respondents), jointly and severally, assessing apenalty in the amount of $57,500 for the following violations of the Hazardous MaterialsRegulations (HMR), 49 C.F.R. Parts 171-180:

Violation No. 1 - Knowingly offering for transportation in commerce hazardousmaterials, rocket motors and propellent, solid, that had not been examined, classed, and approved in accordance with 49 C.F.R. §

173.56 and, therefore, were unapproved explosives and unauthorized for transportation in commerce, in violation of 49 C.F.R.§§ 171.2(a), 173.51(a), 173.54(a), and 173.56. (I.E., 200 lb of rocket motors,a class 1 hazmat, marked as model airplane parts)

Violation No. 2 - Knowingly offering for transportation in commerce hazardous materials, rocket motors and propellent, solid, accompanied by a shipping paper that did not indicate that the materials are hazardous and that contained an improper descriptionof the materials, in violation of §§ 171.2(a), 172.200(a), 172.202, and 173.22(a)(1). (I.E., 200 lb of rocket motors,a class 1 hazmat, marked as model airplane parts)

Violation No. 3 - Knowingly offering for transportation in commerce hazardous materials, rocket motors and propellant, solid, in a quantity that required placarding, without registering with RSPA as a hazardous materials shipper, in violation of 49 C.F.R. (I.E., 200 lb of rocket motors,a class 1 hazmat, marked as model airplane parts)

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Reads like you "knowingly" took liberties with the truth.. The key word being "knowingly".. I guess "knowingly" means you were "living the life stile".

Fred

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Bob Kaplow 21 years ago

Once or twice :-)

I kept asking because Ray initially made it sound like he did it (AT delay mods) all the time. At least until now, this was not permitted at NAR/TRA launches. I guess Ray flies on hos own a lot, without the benefit of NAR/TRA insurance.

Bob Kaplow NAR # 18L TRA # "Impeach the TRA BoD" >>> To reply, remove the TRABoD!

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raydunakin 21 years ago

,

criminal.

No, breaking the law makes a person a criminal. Being convicted in court simply makes you a convicted criminal. Here are the definitions, straight from Webster's dictionary:

Main Entry: [2]criminal Function: noun Date: circa 1626

1 : one who has committed a crime 2 : a person who has been convicted of a crime

BTW, I haven't had a speeding ticket in several years despite the fact that I routinely exceed posted speed limits. Does that mean speeding is legal? No, it just means that you can often get away with it. If you tried speeding during your driver's test, you would not get your license. Submitting motors for certification without meeting the legal requirements is like speeding during your driver's test.

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