Range Operation

• Altitude limit of 12,000 feet AGL.
• No titanium (aka sparky) motors will be allowed except for second stage sustainer motors in two-stage projects (allowed on a case-by-case basis).
• All high-power rockets should have an average thrust-to-weight ratio of 5 or greater.  This ratio will be required information on every high power rocket flight card.  If wind conditions permit, a flight with an average thrust-to-weight ratio of less than 5 may be allowed, subject to approval of the RSO.
• Use of dual deployment or a Chute Release (or similar device) is strongly encouraged for all flights of G motor or higher impulse.  This may be mandatory at certain times due to the level and direction of the wind.
• Any high power rocket projected to go out-of-sight must have true dual deployment (motor ejection and altimeter/timer or dual altimeter/timer configuration).  The presumption is that this rule applies to any rocket projected to go higher than 3,000 feet, but may be waived by the RSO.  For example, a 7.5-inch diameter rocket projected to achieve 3,500 feet will be visible during its entire flight.  The RSO may waive the dual deployment requirement in this situation.
• Any staged high power rocket must utilize staging electronics that prohibit second stage ignition if the flight has deviated from a safe trajectory.
• Flyers are encouraged to have flight simulation data available for all high power flights, especially if the rocket is a minimum diameter rocket.  The RSO may request this information in situations where there are concerns about a given rocket exceeding the waiver or not complying with the visual sight rule.
• All model rocket clusters, G powered model rockets, boost gliders, and staged model rockets will be launched from the 150-foot mid/high power pads (not from the model rocket launch racks).
• Range will consist of two 8-pad model rocket racks, mid and high- power pads up to L impulse (150, 200 and 300 foot pads), and a tower-based 1515 rail pad for M motors and special projects (500+ feet)
• Range will open at 8:00 a.m. each day and close at 4:00 p.m., except on Friday (range will close at 12:30 p.m.).
• Jason Chamberlin and Will Bussell will have primary responsibility for overall range operations, but assistance is needed every day for RSO, LCO, Safety Check Officers, and Pad Managers.  Please sign up for range duties.
• NAR and Tripoli certification flights will be conducted on an as needed basis.  Please coordinate with the Sport Range Director for specific instructions regarding any certification flights.
• Flight cards are required for all flights.

Safety

• Only flyers will be allowed past the designated signs near the RSO table.
• Only pad managers will be allowed to check igniter continuity on the pad units.
• Never point a rocket towards the flight line when loading on the pad.
• Rockets should be angled away from the flight line
• Only arm electronics that activate pyrotechnic charges once the rocket is on the pad and in vertical position.
• For high power rockets, install igniters when the rocket is on the pad.
• Check that the igniter leads are not “hot” (touch the clips together, checking for sparks) prior to attaching the clips to the igniter.
• Non-essential personnel should be a safe distance from the pad before the igniter clips are attached.
• Remove igniter and disarm any electronics before removing a rocket from the pad.
• NEVER remove a rocket from a utility line.
• Pay attention at all times and follow the safety instructions from the range head (such as a “heads-up” warning).
• Should a rocket land in a tree, we have a 30-foot extension pole that may help with the recovery.
• Recovery of launched rockets should occur only after the range head has declared it safe to retrieve your rocket
• Do not linger to the immediate south of the launch area – launch operations may be suspended if people are in the immediate flight path.
• Finally, drink plenty of water and be careful with over exertion given the hot weather conditions.