SARA had been flying on various bits of vacant land for quite a while, while we searched for a permanent home. Several areas looked good, but fell through for one reason or another. Finally, contacts in the Tucson parks department lined us up with the Tucson International Modelplex Park Assoc. (TIMPA). They were building a multi-use hobby park on leased city land. Through a lot of sweat-equity, they have put together a site that includes a hanger, paved runway (large enough to land a Cessna on!), and a permanent ramada with water & phone. After negotiating with them, we've obtained use of the northern edge of their main plot. We've cleared an area for pads, for rockets flying 1/4A to K motors. We fly both model rockets and High Power Rockets at this site. We have a FAA waiver that allows us to fly High Power Rockets to an altitude of 4500' Above Ground Level.

2010 Launch Schedule

Launch Statistics

Monthly launch reports

Click on the links below to view graphical data showing the number of launches per month and the types of motors flown.

Launches

Motors Flown

Direction to Launch Site

To get there, follow the map. From I-10 and Speedway, exit 257

From I-10 and Speedway, exit 257

West on Speedway past the ARCO AM-PM. Continue on Speedway through Gate's Pass (Speedway turns into Gate's Pass Road). Use caution; the road is narrow, winding, and shared by bicyclists.

Right onto Kinney Road; follow the signs towards the Desert Museum. This intersection is approximately 9.2 miles from the ARCO AM-PM. Follow Kinney Road onto Mile Wide Road (this occurs approximately 1 mile after the Desert Museum). Kinney is the minor spur which heads off to the Saguaro National Park. Stay to the left on the major road (Mile Wide).

Continue on Mile Wide Road to Sandario. This intersection is approximately 6 miles from the Kinney/Gates Pass intersection.

Continue on Mile Wide across Sandario. Mile Wide will turn to dirt after the second bridge (both bridges are single lane, use caution).

Right onto Reservation from Mile Wide (forced turn). This is about 3.5 miles from the Sandario/Mile Wide intersection.

You will see a house and large metal building on the right about 1 mile from the forced right turn. This is the main entrance to TIMPA.

Continue north approximately 2000 ft. and turn right when you see the launch signs.

From I-10 and Ina Road

West on Ina. After you pass Silverbell Road the road will make a sharp left turn, at this point the road becomes Wade Road. In approximately half a mile the road will turn back to the right and become Picture Rocks.

Continue over the mountain pass until you reach Sandario Road. (just enjoy the view, this is a lengthy, twisty section. Watch for bicycles and tourists)

At the 4 way stop, turn left on Sandario.

Continue south on Sandario until you reach Manville Road.

Right onto Manville

Left on Reservation.

Continue south approximately 1 mile and turn left when you see the launch signs.

Range Procedures Overview

The formal range procedures are here

• There is a $5 range fee for non-members, members fly free.
• A flight card needs to be filled out for each flight. Your models require inspection by the Range Safety Officer before placing them on the launch pad. Rockets without a safety inspection must be removed from the launch pad for inspection.
• Rockets may only be flown at our monthly launches for insurance reasons.

To see what goes on at one of our launches, check out the photos of launches at the field.

Sara's Latest News

updated 2/15/10

Next Launch
August 22

Desert Heat
2010

2010 Launch Schedule

2010 Calendar

SARA membership Application

Desert Heat
2009