I think they’re referring to amateur hobbiests. Members of the Tripoli Rocket Assn. do high powered rockets that can easily go 2-3 miles high. Most launches have a 25,000 foot clearance from the FAA, and (mostly small) planes are guided away from the launch areas, which are usually out in the country. It’s a fun hobby, and some rockets cost thousands of dollars.
No, they’re not referring to hobby rocketry, they’re referring to commercial launches.