The Department of Transportation has some rules changes pending that could negatively affect the world of model rocketry and those of us who enjoy it. Currently, the engines used in model rocketry are labeled as Flammable Solids for purposes of shipping and labeling, but the DOT is considering changing the label to Explosives, which might affect costs and even availability of this critical rocket hobbyist component.

I'll keep this short and sweet – if you are able to shoot off an email today to the DOT, please do so. I'm including the email address and text for you to use to save you some time, but feel free to write your own letter of support if you feel led to do so... Estes, the model rocket company, is asking folks to send their messages to the DOT no later than October 2nd, 2011.

Emails can be sent to specialpermits@dot.gov

Please put in the Subject line the following: DOT-SP 7887 Show Cause Response

For the body of the email, feel free to use the text below or type up your own message:

Dear Associate Administrator,

The purpose of this e-mail is to request that DOT-SP 7887 be kept in force as written. The Special Permit, previously DOT-E 7887 has been in place since 1978 and is used by many of us who enjoy hobbies including model rockets, motors and igniters.

To my knowledge, there has never been an incident involving the shipping and transporting of model rocket motors and igniters. Further I believe that shipping these products as "Explosives" will create unnecessary fear and difficulty for those handling, transporting, receiving, storing, selling and using these products.

After 33 years of use, the termination of the Special Permit is unwarranted and possibly damaging to an educational and recreational product that has an excellent record. In closing, I again request the Special Permit be kept in place as written.

Finally, please add your name and address to the final line of the email message.

If every GeekDad.com reader takes a moment to send this email, the DOT could be spending all day and the weekend reading over the messages. Whether you launch rockets currently, have done so in the past, or have young kids who have not yet experienced the thrill of launching their own rocket, please do consider lending your voice to supporting this project.

Thanks!