nepapyro
08-21-2011, 09:51 PM
hello all,
first of all let me just say what a great resource this forum and dave's videos are. I have loved display fireworks for years and to have this forum and watch daves videos just shows me even more what a great thing having my license would be. i have been a "closet" display fireworks lover for years, studying daves videos and tutorials, as well as anything else i could get my hands on as reading or viewing material about display fireworks. i know a few people with their type 54 license, as well as some "old timers" who have had their license for 15 to 20 years, and have talked to them many times about the business as well as the shooting of display fireworks. i have even been around some shows as they were fired, and had a chance to watch what it takes to tie as well as shoot close up. about 3 years ago, i did everything i needed to get my license. filled out the paperwork, got my letter of storage from a local display company, and got my fingerprints. i had the packet sealed and a stamp on it, ready to mail.
After talking with the people i know (old timers and new timers) i heard some great responses about having your license and how fun it was. im not interested in shooting for money, just for family and friends and myself, to enjoy the art. after talking with friends, i heard good and bad stories, such as the ATF giving you a hard time when you have your license, as well as making a big deal out of someone who was in their interview and didnt have any experience shooting. the worst story i heard about was when the ATF came to a friends house the day after shooting a personal show for a family picknic, and harassing the shooter, demanding him to show them the empty boxes of the product that he shot as well as the pipes that he shot them out of. this person would never do anything illegal with his license, they just went to give him a hard time.
well after that, to be honest, it scared me off, and i never sent in my packet. now after 3 years of missing out on the enjoyment of shooting display fireworks, im still regreting that i didnt send it in. I love display fireworks and really want to have my license and be able to shoot shows for my family and friends.
does anyone have any advice for me?
i just purchased daves dvd on how to get your license, i figured it would help me prepare better and understand the interview, which some people have told me is the worst part about going for it. i cant wait for it to come in so i can watch it and see if there was anything i was missing.
i still have my fingerprint card from 3 years ago, could i still use that if i apply now? or should i go and get a new one?
do i need to have the experience that some people are telling me that they will deny me for if i dont have it? (actual shooting experience since i have so much knowledge at this point from watching and researching as well as being right infront of shows being set up and shot i could do an entire show with my eyes closed)
what should i do at this point? im about to say forget them and go for it! i want it so i can finally enjoy what i have wanted all these years.
looking forward to everyones responses!
first of all let me just say what a great resource this forum and dave's videos are. I have loved display fireworks for years and to have this forum and watch daves videos just shows me even more what a great thing having my license would be. i have been a "closet" display fireworks lover for years, studying daves videos and tutorials, as well as anything else i could get my hands on as reading or viewing material about display fireworks. i know a few people with their type 54 license, as well as some "old timers" who have had their license for 15 to 20 years, and have talked to them many times about the business as well as the shooting of display fireworks. i have even been around some shows as they were fired, and had a chance to watch what it takes to tie as well as shoot close up. about 3 years ago, i did everything i needed to get my license. filled out the paperwork, got my letter of storage from a local display company, and got my fingerprints. i had the packet sealed and a stamp on it, ready to mail.
After talking with the people i know (old timers and new timers) i heard some great responses about having your license and how fun it was. im not interested in shooting for money, just for family and friends and myself, to enjoy the art. after talking with friends, i heard good and bad stories, such as the ATF giving you a hard time when you have your license, as well as making a big deal out of someone who was in their interview and didnt have any experience shooting. the worst story i heard about was when the ATF came to a friends house the day after shooting a personal show for a family picknic, and harassing the shooter, demanding him to show them the empty boxes of the product that he shot as well as the pipes that he shot them out of. this person would never do anything illegal with his license, they just went to give him a hard time.
well after that, to be honest, it scared me off, and i never sent in my packet. now after 3 years of missing out on the enjoyment of shooting display fireworks, im still regreting that i didnt send it in. I love display fireworks and really want to have my license and be able to shoot shows for my family and friends.
does anyone have any advice for me?
i just purchased daves dvd on how to get your license, i figured it would help me prepare better and understand the interview, which some people have told me is the worst part about going for it. i cant wait for it to come in so i can watch it and see if there was anything i was missing.
i still have my fingerprint card from 3 years ago, could i still use that if i apply now? or should i go and get a new one?
do i need to have the experience that some people are telling me that they will deny me for if i dont have it? (actual shooting experience since i have so much knowledge at this point from watching and researching as well as being right infront of shows being set up and shot i could do an entire show with my eyes closed)
what should i do at this point? im about to say forget them and go for it! i want it so i can finally enjoy what i have wanted all these years.
looking forward to everyones responses!