Superstition
Spacemodeling Society
Boy Scouts of America
Model Rocket Launch
Guidelines
Welcome!
The Superstition
Spacemodeling Society prides itself on its broad knowledge of model rocketry
and being able to host safe launches for the Scouting program. Most of us
started launching model rockets when quite young and we know how important
it is to have that needed help to make the rocketry experience enjoyable. We
look forward to seeing Scout groups at our monthly launches.
Darrel Burris - SSS
President
The following pages will outline the
Superstition Spacemodeling Society model rocket guidelines for Scout groups
wishing to attend any of the monthly launches. These guidelines will help
everyone to better understand the range rules and everyone’s responsibility
while at the launch.
For model rocket launches, it is important
to understand that Scout units and individuals will need to spend time
before the launch in Pack/Troop meetings for model rocket build sessions.
Time and help to build on site is limited and cuts into launch time. First
time builders - GET SOMETHING EASY to build.
Model rocket motors, kits and supplies are
available from various local hobby stores and Walmart. Educator Packs of
model rocket kits and motors are available from Quest Aerospace (www.questaerospace.com)
or from Estes Model Rocketry/Education Division (www.esteseducator.com/default.htm).
Quest Aerospace is a local manufacturer of motors and kits here in
the Phoenix Metropolitan area. There are also on site venders with motors,
kits and supplies. On site Venders are Just Rockets (www.justrockets.com)
and Recovery Technologies (www.rocketparachutes.com).
Just Rockets will have a generous supply of model rocket motors and
supplies. On two day launches there will be more venders on site.
The SSS launch site is
located on private property at Rainbow Valley, Arizona. Rainbow Valley is
about 16 miles south of I-10 off the 121 exit (Jackrabbit Trail) The launch
location is hundreds of acres just right for launching model rockets (Please
see map and direction on the last page).
All regular SSS rocket
launches are at Rainbow Valley and on the second weekend of the month except
for October where it is on the fourth weekend of. See the calendar link on
the SSS main web page for launch dates. The main web page will also announce
any changes in the location, dates or times of launches.
Registration and launch
fees payment is on Saturday morning. Please use the attached group
attendance report form to list everyone with the Scout group (youth &
adults) that will be launching model rockets. Range fees for groups are
$10.00 for
organized groups up to 10 and $1.00 per head after 10.
It is important to go
over the range procedures and duties listed below before arriving at the
launch. Also, depending on the size of the Scout group, there may be a need
to set up a sub range. This helps reduce waiting lines for everyone.
Remember, just like Scouting, we are all volunteers and need help with range
setup and most range personnel jobs – WE NEED YOUR HELP to make the launch
run smoothly for everyone.
*** Please note *** SSS now requires a
signed copy of the Scout unit’s council tour permit. Please have it
available with your group attendance report, registration and group fees. No
Exceptions.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel
free to contact me, Jerry Latham – BSA Liaison & Launch Coordinator
Thanks,
Jerry Latham
Latham_1@yahoo.com
Range Schedule
Regular one day launch
8:30am
Registration opens
8:30am
Launch briefing (mandatory for everyone launching)
1:00 p.m.
Range Closes
Two
day launch
Saturday
8:30am
Registration opens
8:30am
Launch briefing (mandatory for everyone launching)
12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00pm – 3:00pm Afternoon
open launch
Dusk
Night Launch
Sunday
8:30am
Registration opens
8:30am
Launch briefing (mandatory for everyone launching)
1:00pm
Range Closes
Registration:
Registration and range fees paid will be on site at 8:30 a.m.
Saturday morning. Everyone that will be launching must be registered and
have their fees paid. The fee pays for launch equipment and supplies,
Port-A-Johns.
Leadership:
1) All units must have an adult leader with them at all times.
2)
All units should utilize the
patrol method in accordance with BSA standards.
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BSA Model Rocket Range Launch
Procedures |
|
- If you have
brought your own launch system, set it up at a designated pad
location consistent with the largest motor you will use. First row
is for motors up to and including D. The second row is for E, F, and
G motors. Third row is for H, I, and J motors.
Note: Your launch control cable must be of sufficient length to go
from the launch pad to the controller area adjacent to the LCO
table.
Model rockets may be launched from mid and high power pad locations.
- Pick up a
Flight Card at the registration table.
- Prepare your
rocket and fill out the Flight Card legibly (supply all
information).
- Present your
rocket and Flight Card to the Range Safety Officer (RSO).
Note: Children 11 years old and under must be accompanied by an
adult through this and succeeding steps.
Note: Flyers 17 years old and under launching rockets with E, F and
G motors must be accompanied by an adult through this and succeeding
steps.
Certification flight sponsors shall accompany the applicant through
the RSO inspection.
- The RSO will
inspect your rocket. Please answer any questions the RSO may ask and
make any changes the RSO may ask you to make on your rocket. When
the RSO is satisfied your rocket is safe, he will so indicate on the
Flight Card.
- When your
rocket is approved, proceed to the launch area and put the rocket on
your launch pad (or a pad that you have made a prior arrangement to
use) and prepare for launch.
Note: Only people that are absolutely necessary are to be in the
launch area.
- Take the
Flight Card to the Launch Control Officer (LCO) when you are ready
to launch. The LCO will put your Flight Card in the queue.
Note: If the LCO gets to your Flight Card and you are NOT ready to
launch, the Flight Card will be returned to you and you return to
step 7. An exception will be made in cases where ejection systems
must be armed and/or electronics turned on.
- While you
wait for your turn to launch, please stand close to the Flag Line so
you do not obstruct the line of sight of the LCO, Range Safety
Observer (RSOB) and the person currently launching.
- When your
turn is called by the LCO, step up to your launcher and raise the
pad number sign so the LCO can recognize you as the next launcher.
- The LCO will
announce the information on the Flight Card (your name, type of
rocket, motor Information and launch pad number, etc.), and then the
LCO and RSOB will do a safety check of the range. The LCO will
announce when the range is safe and will give you a 5-second
countdown, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, “LAUNCH” or “START” or “GO”).
Note: Insert your safety key AFTER the LCO announces the range is
safe.
- Press the
launch button when the LCO says “LAUNCH”, NOT BEFORE. The count down
may be stopped for any number of reasons, so DO NOT ANTICIPATE the
launch command.
- If you have a
misfire:
A. Retrieve your Flight Card at the LCO table.
B. Correct the problem and go back to step 7.
- You had a
great flight! Remove the safety key from your launcher and retrieve
your rocket.
Note: If possible, avoid walking through the launch area when
retrieving your rocket, particularly when returning to the
preparation area.
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Rocket Range
Personnel Job Descriptions
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
queue (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 queue. 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.
Rocket Range Personnel Job
Descriptions (cont.)
Range Safety Officer
(RSO)
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.
Range Safety Observer
(RSOB)
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.
Model
Rocket Safety Code
1.
Materials.
I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of my
rocket.
2.
Motors.
I will use only certified, commercially-made model rocket motors, and will not
tamper with these motors or use them for any purposes except those recommended
by the manufacturer.
3.
Ignition
System.
I will launch my rockets with an electrical launch system and electrical motor
igniters. My launch system will have a safety interlock in series with the
launch switch, and will use a launch switch that returns to the "off" position
when released.
4.
Misfires.
If my rocket does not launch when I press the button of my electrical launch
system, I will remove the launcher's safety interlock or disconnect its battery,
and will wait 60 seconds after the last launch attempt before allowing anyone to
approach the rocket.
5.
Launch Safety.
I will use a countdown before launch, and will ensure that everyone is paying
attention and is a safe distance of at least 15 feet away when I launch rockets
with D motors or smaller, and 30 feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am
uncertain about the safety or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the
stability before flight and will fly it only after warning spectators and
clearing them away to a safe distance.
6.
Launcher.
I will launch my rocket from a launch rod, tower, or rail that is pointed to
within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly
straight up, and I will use a blast deflector to prevent the motor's exhaust
from hitting the ground. To prevent accidental eye injury, I will place
launchers so that the end of the launch rod is above eye level or will cap the
end of the rod when it is not in use.
7.
Size.
My model rocket will not weigh more than 1,500 grams (53 ounces) at liftoff and
will not contain more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant or 320 N-sec
(71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse. If my model rocket weighs more than one
pound (453 grams) at liftoff or has more than four ounces (113 grams) of
propellant, I will check and comply with Federal Aviation Administration
regulations before flying.
8.
Flight Safety.
I will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, or near airplanes, and will
not put any flammable or explosive payload in my rocket.
9.
Launch Site.
I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area at least as large as shown in
the accompanying table, and in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no
greater than 20 miles per hour. I will ensure that there is no dry grass close
to the launch pad, and that the launch site does not present risk of grass
fires.
10.
Recovery
System.
I will use a recovery system such as a streamer or parachute in my rocket so
that it returns safely and undamaged and can be flown again, and I will use only
flame-resistant or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.
11.
Recovery
Safety.
I will not attempt to recover my rocket from power lines, tall trees, or other
dangerous places.
|
LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS |
|
Installed Total Impulse (N-sec) |
Equivalent Motor Type |
Minimum Site Dimensions (ft.) |
|
0.00--1.25 |
1/4A, 1/2A |
50 |
|
1.26--2.50 |
A |
100 |
|
2.51--5.00 |
B |
200 |
|
5.01--10.00 |
C |
400 |
|
10.01--20.00 |
D |
500 |
|
20.01--40.00 |
E |
1,000 |
|
40.01--80.00 |
F |
1,000 |
|
80.01--160.00 |
G |
1,000 |
|
160.01--320.00 |
Two Gs |
1,500 |
BSA Rocket Launch
Group Attendance Report
Pack/Troop _______ Cubmaster/Scoutmaster
__________________________
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Patrol Name: |
Patrol Name: |
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Patrol Name: |
Patrol Name: |
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Assistant__________________________ Assistant __________________________
Assistant__________________________ Assistant __________________________
Other Adult________________________ Other Adult_________________________
Other Adult________________________ Other Adult_________________________
Other Adult________________________ Other Adult_________________________
Senior Patrol Leaders_________________________________________________
(Use Back
for Additional Patrols/Persons attending)
Thunderbird District Space Flight Center Directions
Driving Route via
Jackrabbit Trail
Take I10 West (from
Phoenix) and exit at Jackrabbit Trail (195 Ave. exit 121.
Turn LEFT on Elliot
Road. This is approximately 8 miles from I10.
Turn RIGHT onto Rainbow
Valley Road. This is approximately 1 mile.
Continue for
approximately 8.6 miles to Chandler Heights Road.
Turn LEFT onto Chandler
Heights Road.
Go approximately 2.5
miles. The gate to the launch field is on the LEFT.