Howtofly

How To Fly With

Important Notes:
Final details on launch status and other arrangements will be made the evening before launch based on wind and weather conditions, so check your email or this website before leaving for the launch.

SoJARS uses a "Red, Yellow, Green" system to categorize launch status.

Red signifies the launch has been cancelled
Yellow means the weather conditions are marginally acceptable for launch and we may have to cancel on the field. Rocketeers who have to travel longer distances to attend launches can use this information to decide whether or not to make the trip.
Green of course, means we are GO for launch!

Summer Launches: It does get hot out there so bring water, and depending on your preferences, shelter. Many SoJAR-ians bring an "Easy Up" or similar shade-provider to help beat the heat. A hat and sunblock are also good ideas.

Winter Launches: Although usually smaller and less formal, winter launches are often some of the most enjoyable for those willing to brave the cold.
Please note that winter launches are usually “bring your own equipment.” The cold weather means we usually don’t fly as long, so in an effort to shorten setup time, please bring a pad and controller with FRESH BATTERIES (cold weather degrades performance). A little baby powder shaken into your parachutes before folding and stowing helps them to open better in cold weather.

Modified Misfire Alley Set-Up and New Launch Procedures

At larger fields, such as the Farm or Cross-Keys, we will be utilizing a modified "Misfire Alley"system. Using this system, the two launch racks will be spaced as far apart as possible and the launch control station placed in between them, so that rockets may be loaded on one rack while being launched from the other.

We will also designate an LCO and RSO for each hour, however at smaller fields, or in the case of smaller turnouts, we will probably continue to follow our existing procedure, and the RSO/LCO will probably be the same person.

SoJARS members, PLEASE be prepared to volunteer to cover a one-hour block of flight time. There will be a sign-up sheet located at the registration/check-in table. Both the LCO and RSO must be NAR members.

When there is a separate LCO and RSO, the RSO may continue to work at his/her own prep table. Fliers will bring their ready-for-flight rockets and completed flight card to the RSO who will inspect and (we hope) approve them. Then the flier brings both the rocket and card to the LCO who only has to assign a pad, announce and launch it.

The SoJARS Rules of Rocketry

1) Keep eyes and ears open. SAFETY FIRST!!!!

2) Watch your children – this is a potentially dangerous area.

3) NO SMOKING around prep areas and launch areas.

4) Respect Landowner’s rights and property. Leave the area cleaner than it was when
you found it.

5) Obey all flight rules and all instructions of the Range Safety Officer (RSO) and
Launch Control Officer (LCO). NAR regulations apply at all times.

6) Keep behind the caution tape and do not approach launch pads until the RSO/LCO
gives the “all clear”.

7) If a “Heads-Up” launch is announced, please stop what you are doing and watch
the flight line.

8) Get a flight card from the RSO or Registration table. Completely prep your rocket
for flight (including engine, igniter and wadding), fill out the card and bring both rocket
and card to the RSO’s table for inspection.

9) Inform the RSO if this is your rocket’s first flight or if it is an original design. This will
be a “Heads-Up” flight.

10) All rockets must be approved by the RSO before flight. If your rocket passes inspection
the RSO will sign your card and give both back to you.

11) If the rocket fails the safety check, and you disagree with the RSO’s decision, you may
POLITELY make your case in “10 words or less”, but PLEASE make it brief and do NOT argue.
If you can't convince the RSO of your position, just smile and put the rocket back in the box.

12 Proceed to the LCO table with rocket and card. You will be assigned a launch pad.
When the LCO says it’s safe, take your rocket to the pad and get it ready for flight. If there is a countdown in progress on the opposite pad, stop what you are doing and pay attention until
the rocket is away.

13) PLEASE ask club members/officers if you have any questions.

and, most importantly...

14) HAVE FUN

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