Discussion > Summer 2012 Field Search
I think that a school or parking lot that is capable of D motors might be all we can hope for. We could bring our own launch equipment as necessary. This keeps us active and at the same time eliminates waiver issues. .
Malcolm Smith
I'm still interested, even if it is a small field.
Sandy.
Sandy Houston
I spoke with Doug about the field that we used for one of the TARC teams. It wasn't perfect, but would easily accommodate E - F motors. He said that he would check with the owner. It was toward Statesville not far from Mitchel Comm College.
DOC R.
NAR Model Rocket Safety Code (NFPA also) distances will drive our motor options:
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
Final number is the field size required. For D's you need a 500x500' area - which is big but not HUGE. Also unlike HPR code you don't have a massive setback distance from buildings etc. Obviously common sense also has to apply here... but the code only requires a minimum safe distance of 15' up to D motors and 30' for up to two G's clustered. I think the 30' for two G's is asking for trouble but that's the code as it stands.
Brad Shea
Notice that 1/2A only requires 50' which is why the 1/2 A contest idea being tossed about is so cool.
Brad Shea
The Birmingham Rocket Boys have negotiated with their city to use the city landfill as a launch site... I wonder if that's a rational option in Charlotte?
http://www.birminghamrocketboys.com/main/?page_id=109
Brad Shea
Every year we end up with a huge hiatus and ever year we try to do something about it. This year shouldn't be any different but hopefully the outcome will be a bit different.
The problem statement: We need somewhere to fly rockets over the summer that is "local".
The parameters needed:
Field Size - what's the minimum field size we can live with? (May depend on distance, etc.)
Intended Rocket Size(s)/Motor(s) - Beggars can't be too choosy... LOL
Distance from current Field location - Eventually Orangeburg and other fields start looking like better options.
I have a friend about 1 hour north east of Charlotte (Salisbury area) who claims he has a field that might work for smaller stuff. I'm trying to get a google map from him that we can discuss. The question will be - is this too far? I know that answer will vary depending on where people live as much as anything.
We might want to reach out to Bruton Smith and/or someone working for the Speedway to discuss the option of using some of the remote parking areas for smaller rockets. Thoughts?
What about Rural Hill? Does anyone want to pursue that further? We started down that path but they seemed to be difficult to coordinate with.
Is Parks and Rec a non-starter?
High School Fields?
Ideas?