What is the maximum propellant weight allowable for a rocket which does not require an FAA waiver?

What is the maximum propellant weight allowable for a rocket which does not require an FAA waiver?

• A. 4 ounces (113 grams)
• B. 4.4 ounces (125 grams)
• C. 1 pound (453 grams)
• D. 3.3 pounds (1500 grams)

Answer: (B)

Waiver requirements hinge on how much solid propellant is in the motor. If the propellant weight stays at or below a certain threshold, you can fly under the basic safety rules without an FAA waiver; exceed that threshold and a waiver is required. That waiver-free limit is 4.4 ounces, which is about 125 grams, of propellant. So the maximum propellant weight allowable without needing an FAA waiver is 4.4 ounces. Any motor with more propellant would require a waiver to fly legally at most sites. Remember, propellant weight refers to the mass of the fuel inside the motor, not the total rocket mass. Among the options, the 4.4-ounce value is the correct maximum for waiver-free flight; the other figures either fall short of the maximum or exceed it.

Waiver requirements hinge on how much solid propellant is in the motor. If the propellant weight stays at or below a certain threshold, you can fly under the basic safety rules without an FAA waiver; exceed that threshold and a waiver is required.

That waiver-free limit is 4.4 ounces, which is about 125 grams, of propellant. So the maximum propellant weight allowable without needing an FAA waiver is 4.4 ounces. Any motor with more propellant would require a waiver to fly legally at most sites.

Remember, propellant weight refers to the mass of the fuel inside the motor, not the total rocket mass. Among the options, the 4.4-ounce value is the correct maximum for waiver-free flight; the other figures either fall short of the maximum or exceed it.