May Agua Blanca High Power Launch

This high power launch at SARA's Agua Blanca launch site is in Ironwood Forest National Monument (INFM), at the West end of Manville Rd (~ 8 miles northwest of TIMPA). Ceiling for this launch is 14,838 ft above ground level (17,000 ft MSL).

About this launch

• Pre-registration is required.  Due to BLM daily use fees, all attendees (members, non-members, and spectators) must pay the fee. Attendance will be granted on a first come, first served basis, so sign up as soon as you can. No entry beyond flight line without a flyer wristband.

• There is a waitlist available, so if you make a reservation and can't attend, please cancel your reservation up to 72 hours in advance for a full refund so someone else can use your spot.

• Access to this launch site includes a poorly maintained dirt track that is directly in a wash in some places. Seasonal disruptions to access are possible and unpredictable. High ground clearance (7"+) required; modest SUVs or trucks should be fine. Plan to caravan with the group so you have support in case you get stuck.

• This is a waivered class 2 (high power) launch, subject to weather, sky, and field conditions. Bring your NAR or Tripoli card as proof of certification.  SARA will provide launch gear required by registered flyers. Be sure to indicate what launch gear you will need during registration.

• Please actually read the terms and conditions linked from the registration page. They are not just disclaimers, but contain important logistical information about this launch site and expectations of all attendees.

Launch Schedule

Please help with setting up or taking down launch equipment; the launch can't happen unless we have sufficient help with the logistics.

• Saturday 9 am - 11 am
  Meet at the TIMPA Barn to collect launch and safety equipment
  Caravan to the Agua Blanca Launch Site
  Set up launch range
• Saturday 11 am - 7 pm
  Daytime flights up to 14,838 ft above ground level (AGL)
• Saturday 8 pm - 10 pm
  Night flights subject to SARA's night flight safety rules up to 3500 ft AGL
• Sunday 7 am - 11 am
  Daytime flights up to 14,838 ft AGL
• Sunday 11 am - 1 pm
  Take down the launch site
  Return equipment to TIMPA Barn

Launch and Camping Logistics

• Plan to meet at the TIMPA barn at 9 am Saturday to collect fire fighting gear and launch equipment before heading out to the Agua Blanca Site. We'll fly Saturday and Saturday evening, camp overnight, and launch Saturday morning. You're welcome to show for only part of the launch if that fits your schedule better, but it's a nice remote campsite.
  

• Plan to carpool from the TIMPA barn if you do not have a suitable vehicle to navigate a rough dirt road with some significant potholes in places.
  

• Launch operations will be broadcast on FRS/GMRS radio channel 18, so bring an FRS or GMRS radio to stay informed while out recovering.
  

• We plan to RV and tent camp at the launch site Saturday night. There are no facilities, no water, and no ground fires permitted at the site.  Please practice Leave No Trace principles and leave the site better than you found it. SARA will have a rustic, portable cat litter style toilet available with a privacy tent. If you use it, you are responsible for your own cleanup. The TIMPA flush toilets are the closest other available facilities, about 15 minutes away.
• Ground fires are not permitted at this location. Fires are permitted only in portable fire rings; pack out all ash. Gas cooking is fine.

• Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, long pants and long sleeves, and closed toe shoes; bring plenty of water, a cell phone, an FRS or GMRS radio, and always recover rockets with a partner. Watch out for gopher holes, snakes, and other desert hazards when recovering rockets.

• SARA is permitted to use this launch site by the US Bureau of Land Management under permit number AZA-037597. Use of this land is subject to provisions described in SARA's Agua Blanca Event Terms and Conditions.
  
• SARA has obtained authorization to fly Class 2 Amateur Rockets under waiver CSA 23-070 RKT. This waiver permits flights under SARA launches up to 14,838 ft above ground level. Details of specific terms and restrictions under this waiver are described in SARA's Agua Blanca Event Terms and Conditions.

• April 27 2024 road conditions video; the first 1/2 mile is the roughest, with a primarily sandy but smooth single lane road in the later 2 miles.

• Immersive 360 degree video of a rocket flight from this launch site to 2300 ft AGL
  

• Ironwood Forest National Monument Access Point (alternate carpooling site)
  https://goo.gl/maps/Wkzqt6kMNe3dJt7UA

• Launch site entrance gate coordinates:
  https://goo.gl/maps/zaQ5zehxKmmEYHhBA 

• Area overview:
  

• Rangehead detailed view:
  
  

Range Officers

RSO: James Cramton NAR 88816 L3

LCO: James Cramton and others as needed