RC Frequencies for Rockets

I received a set of letters from Lovett Reddick concerning the use of radio control frequencies for model rocket usage. With the expanding usage of R/C usage at rocket meets it is important to pass the information he has found out on to the membership. Lovett writes that the use of the 75MHz is illegal for use in rockets. He continues that the use of 72MHz is legal in some instances and further "Other R/C frequencies that are legal for us include 27MHz, 50/53MHz, but there are some disadvantages." Lovett is planning on writing an article for High Power Rocketry expanding on the R/C issues.

The following is excerpted from a letter sent by the Academy of Model Aeronautics to Tripoli and others.

"Attached is a copy of a letter from the FCC to our legal counsel, indicating that model rockets are to be recognized as aircraft for the purpose of frequency assignment. Therefore, the control of model rockets should be accomplished on 72 MHz, not on 75 MHz.

Please note that this letter speaks to the control of model rockets. The telemetering of information from rocket to ground is not allowed on the 72 or 75 MHz frequencies.

We are pleased to be able to provide this clarification regarding Part 95 of the Code of Federal Regulations."

The attached letter from the above is excerpted below and comes from the FCC.

"This is in reply to your letter of April 24, 1992, inquiring whether a model rocket comes within the ambit of Section 95.207(a)(2) of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. S 95.207(a)(2). That rule sets forth the channels that may be used to control remotely a model aircraft device. Specifically, you want to know whether the term model rocket" is included in the term "model aircraft device."

For the purposes of the Radio Control (R/C) Radio Service Rules, 47 C.F.R. SS 95.201-95.225, the term model aircraft device includes any small imitation rocket and similar hybrid devices such as model glider-rockets. As you correctly point out, the critical distinction set forth in the rules is between model devices that operate on the surface of the earth, such as imitation boats, cars, or vehicles for carrying people or objects, except aircraft, and model devices that operate above the surface of the earth, such as imitation airplanes, helicopters, gliders, or rockets. Accordingly, the operations of model rockets is authorized on the frequencies set forth for model aircraft in Section 95.207(a)(2)."