Southern Arizona Rocketry Association
Tucson, AZ
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------------------------------------------------------------------------ SOUTHERN ARIZONA ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION NEWS APRIL 2004 NEXT LAUNCH - SATURDAY, 17 APRIL 2004, 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **LAUNCH PAD CHAT FROM THE EDITOR Although recent weather may contradict me, SARA is entering the "hot weather" flying season. Among other things, that means that the "critters" are starting to come out at the launch site. Be careful when crossing the culvert, walking around the field, or reaching down to pick up a model. We don't want any close encounters with rattlesnakes or other denizens of the desert. Hot weather also means making sure that you bring water to stay well hydrated during the day. A hat or canopy to provide shade is also advised. If my cautions are not sufficient warning consider the alternative of receiving mouth to mouth resuscitation from Tony, Doug, or Jay. Hot weather also makes the vegetation dry around the site and increases the fire hazard. While this launch may not be a problem it's possible that field conditions may limit the flights of clusters and staged models. As always, flameproof wadding is required. Remember, the pointy end goes up, Steve Lubliner SARA News Editor ----------------------------------------------------------------------- **OUTREACH OPPORTUNITY SARA has an opportunity to support a build session and launch at Donaldson Elementary School. The build session is tentatively planned for Thursday, 22 April 2004. The time is unknown at the moment. One hundred Balsa Machining Service beginner kits are available to build that evening. The flying is planned for Saturday morning, 24 April 2004. In the past, SARA has supported over 100 launches in a 4 hour period at the launch. If anybody is interested contact Stephen Lubliner at 296-1689 (H), 663-7506 (W), or at 103056.621@compuserve.com. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- **2004 SARA MEMBERSHIP Anyone can participate in a SARA launch by paying the $5.00 daily TIMPA range fee but you can save money each month by joining as a member. We encourage you to consider joining SARA at any of the following annual levels: Junior (18 years or younger) . . . $10.00 Senior (over 18 years) . . . . . . $20.00 Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25.00 Members pay only $3.00 for the daily TIMPA range fee so annual SARA membership basically pays for itself if you join and attend our monthly launches on a fairly regular basis. It should be noted that the range fee money that we collect DOES NOT get deposited in the SARA bank account but is handed directly over to TIMPA as payment for ouruse of the launch facility. Benjamin Nead, SARA Membership Director ----------------------------------------------------------------------- **JUST ROCKETS LAUNCH SCHEDULE Las Vegas based rocket distributor "Just Rockets" will be attending our next launch. Just Rockets carries a selection of mid and high power rocketry materials including relaod kits, motor casings, building materials, and electronics. Check their website at www.justrockets.com to see what's available. If you missed them the last time they were here they indicate that they will be attending our launches on 17 April, 18 July, 21 August, 19 September, 16 October, 21 November, and 18 December. Let's make it worthwhile for Just Rockets to make the trip and support us in Tucson. Their phone number is 702-655-3538 if you want to coordinate your order over the phone in advance of the launch. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- **HYBRID ROCKET MOTOR GROUND SUPPORT SARA has started a fund to allow the section to purchase the specialized launch equipment required for hybrid rocket motors. Most hybrid systems do not require a Low Explosives Users Permit (LEUP) to purchase, storage, and use. Hybrid reloads generally avoid the BATFE storage requirements. If you are interested in high power and cannot get a LEUP then hybrids may be your only alternative. SARA has set up this fund as a special interest activity since the membership at large may not be interested in the high power aspect of the hobby. If you want to donate towards the system you may make your donation payable to SARA and earmarked to the "hybrid" fund. SARA falls under the National Association of Rocketry's non-profit umbrella so donations are tax deductible. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **WEB SITE The Southern Arizona Rocketry Association maintains a web site that details all of our club activities. It's always a good idea to check it to see if there is a last minute launch cancellation or other late breaking news . . . http://www.sararocketry.org Even if you don't own a computer, you can check our web site for free by visiting your local public library. Library staff can also provide assistance if you are unsure exactly how to dial up our website from one of their computer terminals. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **MARCH 2004 LAUNCH REPORT IT WAS WINDY!! The March 21, 2004 SARA Sport launch was cancelled at the field by the range officers. It was very windy with winds never dropping below 12- 15 mph and gusts to 45+ mph, with an average of over 20 mph during the 2 and a half hours I was there. Winds were predicted to increase as the day went on. Thanks mostly to the efforts of Doug, Tony and Lupe the field now has a 'real' gate connecting the launch site with the field to the North. Jerry King SARA Statistician ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **2004 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND APPOINTEES President . . . . . . . . . . . Jay Dickhous Vice President . . . . . . . . Jay Dennis Secretary/Treasurer . . . . . . Doug Forester Member at Large . . . . . . . . Eric Burch NAR Senior Section Advisor . . Jerry King Range Operations . . . . . . . . Tony Gonzales Webmaster . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Koenig If you are new to SARA, please feel free to introduce yourself to any and all of the new and returning board officers or appointees at the launch. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **SARA 2004 LAUNCH CALENDAR / TIMPA FIELD LAUNCH SITE Below is the schedule for the TIMPA launches for the calendar year 2004. SARA is able to accommodate high power rocket models at each scheduled launch. Each launch is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waivered event. Waivered launches are where The FAA grants approval to SARA to launch models that are limited to a maximum altitude of 4500 feet above ground level (AGL) and use a K impulse motor or less . . . . restrictions imposed by our launch site dimensions. We do several non-launching activities each year, such as building sessions and static displays, and we will add these to the calendar as planning begins to develop and exact dates are confirmed. Please check the SARA web site for last minute updates on all launches and events. We try to keep our calendar as up-to-date as possible but there are always new events being added and the occasional last minute substitution. We recommend confirming any last minute changes by visiting our web site before making the long drive. SUNDAY, MAY 16 8AM to 12 Noon SATURDAY, JUNE 19 8AM to 12 Noon SUNDAY, JULY 18 8AM to 12 Noon SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 8AM to 12 Noon SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 8AM to 12 Noon SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16 9AM to 1PM SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 9AM to 1PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 9AM to 1PM ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **DIRECTIONS TO TIMPA FIELD LAUNCH SITE From I-10 and Speedway, Exit 257 . . . 1) Travel west on Speedway past all building developments. Proceed with caution as Speedway crests over Gates Pass and turns into Gates Pass Road. The road is very narrow, winding, and often used by bicyclists. Enjoy the view. 2) Continue on Gates Pass Road until it ends at the "T" intersection, Kinney Road. Turn right here as if you were headed towards the Desert Museum. At about 1 mile past the museum entrance (about 10 miles past I-10 and Speedway), Kinney Road changes it's name to Mile Wide Road. 3) The next intersection, about 6 miles past the Gates Pass/Kinney "T", is Sandario Road. Come to a complete stop as the north/south traffic does not. Proceed through, heading due west. You will eventually cross 2 bridges. After the 2nd bridge, Mile Wide Road turns into a dirt road. 4) At about 3.5 miles past the Mile Wide/Sandario intersection, Mile Wide Road makes a forced turn to the right and changes it's name to Reservation Road. You are now heading due north. 5) The main TIMPA Driveway (marked by a sign) is on the right at about 1mile past the forced right turn. Continue north for approximately another 1/4 mile. 6) The launch site entrance is on the right side of the road and marked with a sign. Proceed with caution and park to the west of the main launching activity. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- **STANDARD LAUNCH PROCEDURES Anyone may launch model rockets with NAR or Tripoli approved motor at a SARA launch. All models first require inspection by The Range Safety Officer (RSO) and a SARA flight card must be completely filled out for each individual launch. After this is done, the model and flight card can be taken to The Launch Control Officer (LCO). It is here that a launch pad will be assigned to you. A range fee of $5.00 is to be paid at the beginning of the launch day. This fee for SARA members is $3.00 for the day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **TIMPA FIELD USAGE Use of the TIMPA site is only permitted at club events or by prior arrangement. To access the TIMPA field outside of scheduled club eventsyou must be either a current National Association of Rocketry (NAR) or Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) member. The TIMPA caretakers have been instructed to call The PIMA COUNTY SHERIFF and to pursue trespassing charges if no previous arrangements exist. Tony Gonzales is The Range Operations Director for SARA. He can be reached by phone at (520) 790-1006 Tony will need to know how many models you intend to launch as well as their respective launch weights and propellant loads. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **FIRE SAFETY 1) Please note that there is NO SMOKING permitted on the range area. Smoking is only permitted on the dirt road adjacent to the launch site. Cigarette butts and ashes are to be placed in a metal container or ash tray. 2) Fire is something that needs to be taken seriously. If you see smoke or flames, yell it out loud and clear. If we have fire on the range, EVERYBODY needs to drop what they are doing and assist in containing the fire. There are water bottles, ABC rated fire extinguishers, and shovels on hand at every launch. 3) Only FLAMEPROOF, biodegradable wadding (no fiberglass) is allowed on the flying field. Toilet paper and paper towels are not acceptable. If you need clarification on what to use, check with the Range Safety Officer. Many flyers will have extra wadding on hand and they will be happy to lend you some. |
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