Sens. Oppose Loosening Model Rocket Rules

By DEVLIN BARRETT, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON – A bill to loosen federal restrictions for model rocket enthusiasts drew fire Tuesday from senators from New York and New Jersey, who said the proposal would give terrorists access to dangerous explosives.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., criticized the measure by Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., to change the Homeland Security Act to allow rocket enthusiasts to buy black powder and another form of high-powered rocket propellant without submitting to a background check. The act was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Standing next to a seven-foot tall rocket, Schumer said the legislation effectively would allow would-be terrorists to amass large quantities of explosives.

…Tim Lehr, rocket manager at Al’s Hobby Shop in Elmhurst, Ill., said the restrictions are killing the rocket hobby business and are an unnecessary hassle for hobbyists.

“It’s going to put dealers out of business, period,” said Lehr. He predicted the hobby will die out within five years because no one new will pick it up knowing the bureaucratic hurdles of background checks, storage requirements and governmental oversight.