SARA Rocket Range Launch Procedure

Effective February 24, 2001

1. Pay range fee at the registration table (once per launch session). $3 members, $5 non-members.

2. Pick up Flight Card at the registration table and fill out legibly, supplying all information requested.

3. Present your rocket and Flight Card to the Range Safety Officer (RSO). Note: Fliers 18 years of age and up must present proof of certification level if they are planning on using high power motors. Note: Children 11 years old and under MUST be accompanied by an adult through this and succeeding steps. Note: Fliers 17 years old and under launching rockets with E, F and G motors MUST be accompanied by an adult through this and succeeding steps. Note: Certification flight sponsors shall accompany the applicant through the RSO inspection.

4. The RSO will inspect your rocket. Please answer any questions the RSO may ask and make any changes that the RSO may ask you to make on your rocket. If the RSO does not believe that the rocket is safe FOR ANY REASON the RSO shall deny the flight. The RSO's decision is FINAL. There is NO APPEAL and THE DECISION MAY NOT BE OVERRIDDEN by anyone.When the RSO is satisfied that your rocket is safe, they will so indicate on the Flight Card. 

5. 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 set aside until you are ready and the next card will be selected.

6. 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 and the person currently launching.

7. When your turn is called by the LCO, step up to the launcher so the LCO can recognize you as the next launcher.

8. The LCO will announce the information on the Flight Card (your name, type of rocket, motor information and the launch pad number, etc.) and then the LCO 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").

9. Press the launch button when the LCO says "LAUNCH", NOT BEFORE! The countdown may be stopped for any number of reasons, so DO NOT ANTICIPATE the launch command.

10. If you have a misfire: A. Retrieve your Flight Card at the LCO table. B. Wait at least 60 seconds or until the LCO tells you to retrieve your rocket from the launch pad. C. Correct the problem and take your Flight Card back to the LCO.

11. You had a great flight! Now retrieve your rocket. Do not walk through the launch area when retrieving your rocket.

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