Registrar (GHS Launch only)

There is no certification level requirement for the Registrar. The Registrar collects range fees, issues the proof of payment and certification level identification, and signs up new members. Before the Registrar issues the Proof of payment and certification level identification, the participant must present proof of their certification level (NAR or TRA membership card or proof of successfully completing a certification test program). The Registrar will also insure that Flight Cards are available to the participants throughout the launch period.

Since the Registrar’s activities tend to taper off as the launch progresses the Registrar will be located near the Range Safety Officer (RSO) so that he/she can assist the RSO.

Launch Control Officer (LCO)

There is no certification level requirement for the LCO position. The LCO controls the progress of the launch. The LCO shall announce the range procedure and any special conditions that apply to the current launch prior to the start of the launch and at any time during the launch that may be appropriate.

The LCO maintains the que (stack) of Flight Cards such that the bottom Flight Card is the first received and the top Flight Card is the latest received. The Flight Card for the current flight shall be taken from the BOTTOM of the que. Evidence of the RSO inspection shall be verified by the LCO. The flyer shall then be announced and instructed to step up to his launch controller and identify himself with the launch pad number sign. When the flyer has been identified, the LCO shall announce the information pertaining to the flight (name of flyer, name of rocket, motor information and launch pad number). The LCO and the Range Safety Observer shall then determine that the range is safe to launch this rocket.

The range is safe when: 1) the rocket being launched is on an appropriate launch pad. 2) The circle centered on the launch pad with a radius equal to the distance from the launcher controller to the launch pad is clear of people, and 3) the airspace is clear. If a model rocket is being launched from a medium or high power pad location a 15-foot radius circle shall define the clear area. If an E, F, or G powered rocket is launched from a high power pad location a 30-foot radius circle shall define the clear area. However, people adjacent to the area must be made aware of the launch.

When the safety conditions are met, the LCO shall announce that “safety is go” or “range is safe” and the flyer will then insert the safety key. The LCO shall then provide a 5-second countdown concluding with “launch”, “start” or “go”. The command to launch must be given, since stopping after “one” may be interpreted as a hold. The LCO must be aware of any change in the safety conditions during the countdown. If the LCO sees or anyone calls out a safety concern an immediate “hold” in the countdown must be called and the situation evaluated. When the safety situation is resolved, the LCO shall start a new 5-second countdown.

The LCO must keep everyone on the range informed of the progress of the flight, particularly when things don’t go as planned. Binoculars are included in the Club equipment and must be used to access the progress of the flight when the rocket is beyond the range of normal vision (This task should be coordinated with the RSOB). The LCO shall announce where separated rocket parts or errant rockets are about to land so that people in the area have time to locate the rocket (parts) and move if required. When the flight goes as planned, the LCO should comment on it. The LCO should attempt to keep the launch upbeat and interesting. However, if he’s not into public speaking he may be more comfortable just sticking to announcing the launch essentials. In any case he should relax and have fun. After all, he’s among friends, and his objective is to keep the launch running smoothly. If the person called to launch is not ready or a misfire occurs, the LCO will call them to the LCO table and return their Flight Card. The LCO shall instruct them to return the Flight Card to him when they are READY to launch and he will put the card on TOP of the que. Some high power rockets will require that their onboard systems be turned on or have safeties removed, this should not be considered “not ready”. If arming the rocket will take some time, the LCO will launch the next rocket(s) in the que to keep things moving and then launch the high power rocket when it is armed.

Range Safety Officer (RSO) / Registration

The RSO shall have a current certification level of 2 or higher and shall ensure to the best of his ability that safe rockets are launched on the SSS Rocket Range. The RSO shall inspect all rockets for proper construction and preparation for launch. The RSO shall assure himself that rockets will not break the waiver altitude, and shall ask the flyer for a simulation of the flight if the rocket-motor combination is in question. Complex rockets (clustered motors, staged rockets, and rockets with electronically controlled ejection or other functions) require the RSO to provide extra attention to safety considerations. The RSO must question the participant about aspects of the rocket that may concern him and he must be thoroughly convinced that his concerns are appropriately addressed before approving the rocket for launch. The RSO shall indicate his approval of the rocket for launch by marking the Flight Card in the appropriate manner. Any information that will be helpful to the LCO (first flight, special functions, etc.) should be written on the Flight Card before it is returned to the participant.

When the number of rockets being presented for inspection becomes excessive, the RSO must call for assistance. Assistants certified level 2 and above may inspect any rocket; assistants with no certification level or level 1 certification may inspect model rockets only. Rockets inspected and approved by assistants will, as a minimum, be shown to the RSO to provide him the opportunity to further inspect the rocket, if he wishes, prior to marking the Flight Card. Assistants not comfortable with inspecting rockets can mark the Flight Cards as directed by the RSO to speed up the process.

At the start of the launch, the RSO will register flyers on non GHS Launches only

Range Safety Observer (RSOB) (Optional GHS Launch Only)

There is no certification level requirement for the RSOB. The RSOB shall communicate and coordinate with the LCO to maintain a safe and orderly launch. The RSOB shall move to a position to best observe the area around the rocket to be launched and communicate the safety situation to the LCO.

The range is safe when: 1) the rocket being launched is on an appropriate launch pad. 2) The circle centered on the launch pad with a radius equal to the distance from the launcher controller to the launch pad is clear of people, and 3) the airspace is clear. If a model rocket is being launched from a medium or high power pad location a 15-foot radius circle shall define the clear area. If an E, F, or G powered rocket is launched from a high power pad location a 30-foot radius circle shall define the clear area. However, people adjacent to the area must be made aware of the launch.

The RSOB will watch the rocket flight and assist the LCO in determining the condition of the rocket at ejection (separation, no parachute, etc.). Binoculars are included in the Club equipment and must be used to access the progress of the flight when the rocket is beyond the range of normal vision (This task should be coordinated with the LCO). If the flight does not go as planned, the RSOB should help the LCO determine where the parts will land and warn people to stand clear.

The RSOB shall ensure that only people necessary are in the launch area and that an adult accompanies children. The RSOB shall keep those people waiting to launch close to the flag line (not standing at their launch controllers) to maintain a clear line of sight between the LCO and the current flyer. When people get used to these requirements, they should require only occasional reminders by the RSOB. The RSOB should remain calm, remind people that the rockets are being launched in the order the Flight Cards were placed in the que and endeavor to keep the launch running smoothly.