Hobby Model Rockets?

[benchaz]

Hey,
I have friends in the usa that play with model rockets, and make their own. I wondering whether there are any regulations for these toys in Hong Kong, and where about would i get the fuses, fuels, etc in hong kong.

I'm interested in homemade fuels such as potassium nitrate and sugar. Potassium nitrate is essentially saltpeter, used in gardening.
The chinese name for that is 硝酸钾, and where would i buy it? Maybe reclamation street?

Thanks for all your help.

[zerocred]

There is a regulation for the length of string kites are allowed - 60m.
Checkout Flying Captive Balloons / Kites or http://www.cad.gov.hk/english/model_aircraft.html it says:
"It is therefore imperative that model aircraft operators fly their models at a height not exceeding 300 feet above ground level, keep a watch for any aircraft flying in the vicinity and ensure that they land their models immediately when they see one approaching." So maybe 300feet is the limit.

They have links to these organizations:
- Hong Kong Model Flying Association
- HK Model Engineering Club Ltd
- HK Radio Control Soaring Society
- Micro Radio Controlled Helicopter Flying Club

Somehow I don't think the authorities would be too pleased at people mixing up potassium nitrate and icing sugar in their flat... If you ordered it online you might get a couple of guys in dark suits coming round to investigate. If you accidentally ordered too much you might get to find out what a 4x8 is...

[benchaz]

I searched the whole www.cad.gov.hk site for anything about rockets - nothing. Is there an online hong kong law book that has every law?

And, i do not live in a flat, i actually have a garden which i'd do the mixing and cooking.
I'll prefer not to order it online for that very reason.
I've read that they use this stuff (saltpeter) for fertilizing.

BTW, what is a 4x8 anyway?

[Skyhook]

BTW, what is a 4x8 anyway?

I'd say he means a gaol cell.

I'd check out what some of the RC model hobby shops in Kwong Wah Street Mong Kok have to say, and see if any one of the many located there, can offer you some helpful advice.

Cheers

[wtbhotia]

I definitely dont think rockets are allowed in HK as even fireworks are illegal.

[benchaz]

Thanks guys, I guess i wont be flying any rockets in Hong Kong. I can imagine how dangerous it is with all the people and streets and buildings :O
But I'll still want to learn how to make the fuel and test some out (in a safe environment of course, without launching the model) before i head back to the US during summer. Any tips to where i can buy the ingredients? Store names or street names?

[Skyhook]

In and around Kwong Wah Street Mong Kok toward Waterloo road is where most of HK's RC Hobby shops are located.

[benchaz]

Thanks, I'll take a look there.

[benchaz]

I spoke to a chemist in Hong Kong, and the chemist said that it is illegal to purchase potassium nitrate in Hong Kong since about 4 years ago because of the dangers it has - people can make gun powder and flash powder from it :O

If it's so dangerous, I don't even want to have it. I don't want to blow myself up :O