ROCC field size restrictions and power levels for HPR fliers.

Everyone:

Based on a few flights in the last two months that had some unusual flight profiles and the fact that I have had request for three more Cert Level 1 attempts I thought this would be a good time to remind everyone of our field restrictions, rocket liability and the Waiver Form we have on-site for all High-Power fliers to sign.

As Jim Conn, former prefect of Tripoli, SC, notably said a few years ago: "You are always one flight away from losing your field". Hopefully, we will never experience this nor should any rocket club. So, I challenge each and everyone flying to consider the worst case scenario if your rocket was to suffer a catastrophic failure.
Our field, being the best that we have been able to acquire in the 12 years I have been with Tripoli Charlotte, is 21 miles from the Charlotte Douglas Airport and our waiver is set to 5,000 ft. Based on that that we can fly to 4000 ft leaving a 1000 ft buffer. Not so bad you say. However, the field is long and in the shape of an L. Where we fly it is narrow in between Clear Creek to the South side and Simpson's property to the North. There are several houses and trailers that are right at 1/2 mile from the launch area. Tripoli Safety code says that to fly J and K power the closest structures should be a 1/2 mile away. Based on this, that is why we say we can fly the heavy rockets, keeping them under 2,500 ft. The key is to know your rocket and that the ROCC LCO/RCOs know your rocket. If your rocket has a design that has in the past been subject to stability issues like a Phoenix or a Pyramid we ask that you limit the power levels to keep them on the field. This also goes for putting a large "F" or "G" motor in a small rocket that would push the waiver. One small ballistic rocket through Williams' tin roof would also be bad.

In the case of an accident the rocket owner is ultimately responsible for damage incurred. Even though you may be a member of NAR and/or Tripoli, the insurance coverage is only a secondary coverage. The rocket flier's own liability coverage is the first line of defense in the event of an accident. Basically, there would have to be a catastrophic accident for the NAR or TRA insurance to kick in. So, that said be sure to sign and date our waiver forms in the white membership notebook at each launch, this is the standard Tripoli Launch waiver form used for most major launches. Basically, it says you are responsible and it releases the club and the Williams of any responsibility.

Bottom line, if you have a large or complex project you are wanting to attempt consult a club officer or my self ahead of time, we may want to look it over prior to the day of the launch to make sure we feel it is suited for our site. Its not the best site but it is the only one we have so lets error on the side of caution. Believe me it will not hurt my feelings if moving your project to a bigger field makes better sense than risking it at the farm. I have seen my share of failed L1,L2 AND L3 HPR projects and every time one lands and once its back on the ground and nobody's car is damaged and no one got hurt I breath a deep sigh of relief.

I guess that is the hardest part of running this club for so many years, It is the pressure to make sure I have given the flyer the right information to make his/her project a success. Also, to know that I have not made a mistake myself in judgment to say GO when maybe I should have said NO-GO. I am sure if something major was to ever happen it will be my neck they drag into court and try to sue. Back in 1994 when I saw the opportunity to get back into rocketry I never dreamed I would have ended up where I am today. Believe me I long for that day I can drive to a launch just because I want to and have no pressures, and responsibilities.
It is the toughest job to have to not get paid for it, so next time you feel you would not mind rolling the dice on A somewhat higher risk shot, ask yourself is it the Rocket right? Is the motor right? Is it the right shot for this site?

Sincerely,
Ralph Roberts
ROCC President and Prefect.