Prairie State Rocketry Range Rules
Article I. Motor, Mass, and Altitude Limits
Section 1.01
- All model rocket activities must comply with the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Model Rocket Safety Code at all times. Your motor selection at any PSR launch is limited to NAR approved motors. It is safe to say that almost any motor available in stores are approved. Experimental or homemade motors are strictly prohibited.
- Subject to the Range Safety Officer (RSO) approval, there are no additional limits on motor or model size other than those in the Safety Code(s). Altitude limit for all flights shall be 3000′ AGL unless cleared with the RSO at least 48 hours before the launch. FAR 101.22 Notification will normally be in effect, allowing up to G impulse class motors (160 N-S) and up to 1500 gram (3.3 pound) models.
- The LCO, RSO or the club’s designee will be responsible for contacting the FAA before each launch to give them the standard information as required by FAR 101 and to file a NOTAM (Notice To Airmen).
- The RSO may at his/her discretion curtail any flights that have the likelihood of landing outside the field boundaries. This may impact smaller models, depending on the wind direction.
Article II. Launch Coordinator
Section 2.01
- The Launch Coordinator will set up the launch range layout in advance and assign pad lanes to members as they arrive. No pads are to be set up between the lanes, or beyond either end of the twelve pad row. Double up on pad numbers if necessary: odd pads are at 15′ mark, and even pads are at the 30′ mark. Only one launch controller is to be set up per pad location. All launch pads are to have fire blankets under them at all times. All launch systems must comply with the safety code:
- Adequate length cable (15/30′ or more)
- Removable safety interlock
- Spring return launch switch
- Sufficient guidance to ensure safe flight path
- Launch rod above eye level or capped
- Adequate blast deflector
- Sufficient pad stability for models launched
- Always ask the pad owner’s permission before use, especially before adjusting someone else’s pad.
Article III. No “complex” flights without preflight safety check
Section 3.01
- All models over 453 grams (1 pound), over a D class total impulse (20N-S), using Blackjack propellant or other large low thrust motors, using reloadable motors, multiple motors (staged or clustered), using active electronics (electronic ejection, staging, RC, etc.), a Ready to Fly (RTF) plastic, or experimental untried design, require examination by the RSO before going out to the pad for flight. Where required by the safety code, the launch system cable must be at least 30′ or more as appropriate. The RSO will initial the “complex” box of the flight card to verify this check.
Article IV. PSR Flight Cards
- Please look at the PSR Launch Card Instructions for a more detailed description regarding filling out the flight cards. You can also see what our flight cards look like by going to the Launches page and looking under important files. The information which follows below are generalized instructions.
- Each flier must fill in a flight card for each flight with their name, model, motor, pad number, and box for the RSO to initial after inspection of a “complex” rocket (definition above). Space is available for any additional comments. Flight Cards will be available from the RSO, Launch Control Officer (LCO), or launch coordinator.
- When your rocket is ready to launch, deliver the filled out flight card to the LCO to enter the launch queue.
- Please do not bring your flight card to the LCO until your model is ready to be flown. In the event of a misfire, get your card back from the LCO before fixing the problem. The LCO should only have cards of models ready to launch!
Article V. All flights must be announced by the LCO or designee
Section 5.01
- The LCO will take the flight card from modeler. Complex models must already have RSO approval. The LCO will give a countdown through the PA system. At the end of the countdown the LCO will give the command to launch. After flight, the LCO will mark card with flight number (or check mark to indicate flown). The LCO will call heads up and warn spectators (and be sure they respond) in the case of any flight failure. If there is a misfire, the LCO will keep the modeler at the controller until the rocket is deemed safe.
Article VI. Flight line to separate spectators, prep area from launchers
Section 6.01
- A physical barrier will be set up to separate the flight line from the prep and spectator area, and the field entrance. The only things past the flight line are to be, launch controllers (10′ past the flight line, wires stretched out to their limits), launch pads, the RSO and/or LCO, and those people actively setting models on the pads, preparing for flight, or recovering flown models. No one should run through the prep area or across the pad wires. Use the 10′ aisle as a path to the RSO/LCO. Please do not step over wires or rockets and equipment and avoid clustering in one place.
Article VII. Recovery of flown models
Section 7.01
- No one is allowed to chase after models without the permission of the owner of the model. Common courtesy says that it is OK to return someone else’s model if you find it while chasing yours. Please look around before picking up someone else’s model, in case there are broken pieces in the area.
Article VIII. Protect the field
- Please do not fly until the range is set up and open. We will have fire extinguishers on the range before flying. They will be placed under the PA speakers. If you see a fire, notify the RSO immediately.
- Police the area after the launch. Take home whatever you bring. This included empty motor casings, igniter remains, plugs, rocket parts, food packages and other debris. Use a fire blanket under your pad. We need to leave the field better than we found it.
- Anyone repeatedly violating any of these rules or the RSO/LCO’s instructions will be asked by the RSO/LCO to leave the field.
Article VIV. Canceling scheduled launches
- In questionable weather conditions, a determination will be made by the club officers, LCO and RSO 2 hours before the scheduled launch.