Newsflash: Model Rocket Engines are Not Explosives!

As reported on Slashdot, the  DC District Court has ruled that Ammonium Perchlorate Composite Propellant (APCP) is not an explosive, taking away any legal jurisdiction from BATFE (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) on the matter of hobbyist model rocket propellants.  Much restrictions and unsubstantiated fear has surrounded the hobby of Model Rocketry since 9/11.  Even in our local Cub Scout Pack we have encountered some resistance in holding activities involving the launching (but not the building) of model rockets with solid fuel propellants. Through the efforts of the Tripoli Rocket Society and the National Association of Rocketry (who used to be based in WI, now in IA) perhaps the hobby can return to the business of rockets instead of courtrooms.