JMRC/HUVARS launches are open to the public and club members. We provide launch pads and controllers that are capable of launching most needs, including low and high-power, clusters, and hybrid motors. You may also set up your own pad for special requirements within the launch pad area. Check with the designated range safety office (RSO) or launch control officer (LCO) for the setup location. If this is your first launch with the club, check in at the LCO table, and a designated board member will walk you through procedures and help you get situated.
The Launch Director (LD) is in control of the launch at all times. The LD is typically the person whose name the FAA waiver is issued; an LD can be named in the absence of the waiver holder. The Launch Director is responsible for all launch operations and has final authority over all launch-related matters. The Range Safety Officer (RSO), Launch Control Officer (LCO), and any Board of Directors (BOD) member also have the ability to stop a launch for any reason that may bring up safety concerns.
The launch range is always in one of two states, open or closed. An open range means that no rockets are launching, and pads are open for loading, and that models can be retrieved from the launch field. A closed range indicates launch operations are active, and no one is allowed past the LCO table. The LCO will announce when the field is open or closed.
Launch fees are:
Members Fly Free!
Motors sized A-E: $5.00 for non-members
Motors sized F and up: $15.00 for non-members
Juniors under 18 years old fly free!
Non-members, please pay your launch fee at the LCO table.
Registration/Preflight
You need to fill out a flight card for each rocket you will be launching. Blank cards and pens are available at the LCO table. The cards are two-sided, one for sport flights and the other for competition. If, for some reason, your rocket does not launch, and you remove it from the pad to remedy an issue, retrieve your flight card from the LCO and use it on the follow-up launch attempt. Retrieving the card prevents our recording a flight that did not actually launch.
Make sure the RSO and LCO are aware if you are certifying for a high-power level so a member of the High-Power Committee can observe the launch. If you are launching a motor size that requires a certification level, be prepared to show your NAR or TRA card to the RSO. If you are not certified, but are interested in learning how to proceed, please see one of our High-Power committee members who will be happy to assist you with the proper paperwork and procedures.
Pad Procedure
When the "range open" call is given, proceed to an open pad and load your rocket. If it is a high-power rocket, install your igniter and arm any electronics/deployment altimeters after loading the rocket on the pad. A board member can assist you with your rocket if you need help loading it onto the pad, have questions about the angle of your rod/rail, or power to the pad, etc. We are here to help you, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Take your flight card to the LCO table and clip it on the board for the pad you are occupying. Make sure you leave a comment on the card if the flight is a "heads up" or certification flight. Do not hesitate to ask if you need assistance or have questions about your rocket. We would prefer to help you rather than have your rocket damaged. We have many members with experience in all areas of the hobby who will be happy to help you have a safe flight.
In the event that you should need to arm something just before launch (onboard payload electronics or cameras), note this on the launch card and inform the LCO. We will make arrangements for you to enter the range just before the launch.
Launch Cycle
When the pads are full or no other attendees are ready to launch, the RSO will close the range to launch. We typically start with the high-power away pads as they often have electronics on (altimeters and cameras). The LCO will announce each flight using information from the launch card prior to countdown and launch. Each flight is monitored for successful recovery deployment and descent to a safe area on the range before moving on to the next launch.
If you are returning from retrieving a rocket during the "range closed" time, walk along the outer perimeter of the launch range. Please do not address the LCO when the range is closed, except in the case of an emergency. If you spot a plane of any sort that is obviously flying low and in the area, you may shout "plane", at which time we will halt launch operations until the aircraft leaves the area.
If a descending rocket is landing in an area outside the closed range and in the vicinity of attendees, the LCO will sound an alarm over the microphone and yell "heads up". This is meant for everyone's safety, so please observe the direction of the rocket and leave the possible landing area. We do not want anyone getting hurt by not paying attention or assuming that they are safely out of range. The rocket is not safe until it is on the ground. Under no circumstances try to catch the rocket.
The range will open for loading the next cycle once the last rocket is launched and safely landed.
Rocket Retrieval
Do not attempt to retrieve your rocket until the "range open" announcement is given, unless you can recover it without entering the launch area perimeter. If you are unable to locate all the pieces to your rocket, inform the LCO during an open range period, and they will announce it over the PA for others to keep an eye out for your parts.
We make every attempt to recover all rockets and will assist you if possible. The club has a linesman pole that can be used for tree recoveries, but not power lines.
In Closing
Remember that the Jackson Model Rocketry Club and Huron Valley Rocket Society were started for the enjoyment of launching rockets and for the education of the members. We intend to make every launch fun, safe and enjoyable for all of those in attendance. If you have any comments (positive or negative) or suggestions, please address one of our board members who will relay your feedback to the rest of the board. The list of current board members is on the right-hand pane.
We would like to thank all of our members for attending, assisting and working the launch and to those who are not members we have enjoyed your company and invite you to join our club.
