They can carry a payload, but not explosives, pyrotechnics, vertebrate animals and such. Usually the payload is a camera, altimeter or something similar. The rockets cannot be actively guided, as they then become a missile.
The hobby is already heavily regulated.
The finger printing, etc. is overkill. To get into the high end of the hobby, you need, usually, a BATF permit (Low Explosives User Permit,) that requires significant background checks, an interview, approved storage facility.
If you value your second amendment rights, you may want to support the rocket hobby. Each "trimming" of your rights is a step to their elimination. Browse over to
http://www.tripoli.org for more info.
As a Freeper, I am, of course, a major Second Amendment supporter: lifetime NRA since 1975. Your point is a good one and I did visit the tripoli website.
The hobby is already heavily regulated.Thank you for the information, I was not aware that significant security measures were already in place. I was about to agree that the new measures were justified, but now I see that they are not. Instead, I think I shall go out and buy some hobby rockets! :^)