Procedures


Registration
You need to fill out a launch slip for each rocket you will be launching.  If for some reason your rocket does not launch and you remove it from the pad to check everything, you must retrieve your launch slip to use again.  Retrieving the slip prevents our journaling a flight that did not actually launch. If you are certifying, please make the RSO and LCO are aware of this so the certifying body can observe the launch.

All participants and visitors must check in at the registration table whether they are launching or not, as it is a security requirement of MIS. 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
Children fly free!

Launch Procedure
Proceed to the RSO "Range Safety Officer" table when your rocket is ready to be launched. They must inspect every rocket regardless of motor size. After your rocket has been properly inspected your launch slip will be initialed by the RSO on duty. 

Do Not insert your igniter into the motor until the range is open for you to place your rocket on the pad.  The prep table located inside the range is where the igniter can be installed, however the safest method is to install the igniter at the pad. The igniter in rare instances can be set off by static electricity and if installed in an motor could ignite the motor. Please observe this rule for everyone's sake. 

Altimeters may also only be armed (along with any other electronic devices) while in the prep area, again the preferred method is on the pad. In the event that you should need to arm something just prior to launch, note this on the launch slip and also inform the LCO and we will make arrangements for you to enter the range just prior to the launch. 

If you are launching a motor size that requires a certification level, please be prepared to show your card to the RSO.  If you are not certified, but are interested in learning how to proceed, please see one of our members. We will be happy to assist you with the proper paperwork and procedures.
 
The Launch Director (LD) is in control of the launch at all times.  The LD is typically the person who has the FAA waiver issued in their name; an LD can be named in the absence of the waiver holder. The Launch Director is responsible for all operations and has the final say in anything related to the launch. The RSO, LCO, and any JMRC BOD member also have the ability to stop a launch for any reason that may bring up safety concerns.

No one is to be on the field unless the range is "open" which will be announced.  When the announcement is made that the range is closed, please proceed to the safety area behind the flags.  If you are returning from retrieving a rocket during the "range closed" time, please walk along the outer perimeter of the field.  Please do not address the LCO when the range is closed, except in the case of an emergency.  The LCO usually has an assistant or companion you may address who will give the LCO a message.  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 the launch until the plane is contacted and/or leaves the area.
 
In the case of a rocket that is possibly landing in an area outside of the closed range field, the LCO will sound a horn 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.  Please under no circumstances try to catch the rocket.  It is very hot and may harm you.
 
 Pad Procedure
 
When the "range open" call is given, please proceed to the assigned pad and load your igniter and arm any electronics.  In most cases there will be a "Pad Manager" there to assist you with your rocket.  If you have a question about the angle of your rod/rail, power to the pad, igniter testing etc., please address the Pad Manager or LCO.  Do not hesitate to ask questions.  We are here to help you.  Please turn in the launch slip to the LCO and advise them what launch pad you are on.  The pads are numbered and if you are unsure, please ask them to check.  Again if this is a "heads up" or certification flight, make sure you inform the LCO.  Please 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 in flight.  We have many members with experience with all types of equipment who will be happy to help you have a safe flight. 


Rocket Retrieval
 
Please do not attempt to retrieve your rocket until the "range open" signal is given unless the rocket is behind the field.  If you are unable to locate all of the pieces to your rocket, please inform the LCO (during down time and she/he will announce it over the microphone).  We make every attempt to recover all rockets and will assist you if possible.  You may walk back after the "range closed" order is given, however please be very observant of the activity on the field and walk only along the perimeter. 

Remember that the Jackson Model Rocketry Club was 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 members after the launch has been completed.
 
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.
Launch Procedure
Proceed to the RSO "Range Safety Officer" table when your rocket is ready to be launched. They must inspect every rocket regardless of motor size. After your rocket has been properly inspected your launch slip will be initialed by the RSO on duty. 

Do Not insert your igniter into the motor until the range is open for you to place your rocket on the pad.  The prep table located inside the range is where the igniter can be installed, however the safest method is to install the igniter at the pad. The igniter in rare instances can be set off by static electricity and if installed in an motor could ignite the motor. Please observe this rule for everyone's sake. 

Altimeters may also only be armed (along with any other electronic devices) while in the prep area, again the preferred method is on the pad. In the event that you should need to arm something just prior to launch, note this on the launch slip and also inform the LCO and we will make arrangements for you to enter the range just prior to the launch. 

If you are launching a motor size that requires a certification level, please be prepared to show your card to the RSO.  If you are not certified, but are interested in learning how to proceed, please see one of our members. We will be happy to assist you with the proper paperwork and procedures.
 
The Launch Director (LD) is in control of the launch at all times.  The LD is typically the person who has the FAA waiver issued in their name; an LD can be named in the absence of the waiver holder. The Launch Director is responsible for all operations and has the final say in anything related to the launch. The RSO, LCO, and any JMRC BOD member also have the ability to stop a launch for any reason that may bring up safety concerns.

No one is to be on the field unless the range is "open" which will be announced.  When the announcement is made that the range is closed, please proceed to the safety area behind the flags.  If you are returning from retrieving a rocket during the "range closed" time, please walk along the outer perimeter of the field.  Please do not address the LCO when the range is closed, except in the case of an emergency.  The LCO usually has an assistant or companion you may address who will give the LCO a message.  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 the launch until the plane is contacted and/or leaves the area.
 
In the case of a rocket that is possibly landing in an area outside of the closed range field, the LCO will sound a horn 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.  Please under no circumstances try to catch the rocket.  It is very hot and may harm you.
 
 Pad Procedure
 
When the "range open" call is given, please proceed to the assigned pad and load your igniter and arm any electronics.  In most cases there will be a "Pad Manager" there to assist you with your rocket.  If you have a question about the angle of your rod/rail, power to the pad, igniter testing etc., please address the Pad Manager or LCO.  Do not hesitate to ask questions.  We are here to help you.  Please turn in the launch slip to the LCO and advise them what launch pad you are on.  The pads are numbered and if you are unsure, please ask them to check.  Again if this is a "heads up" or certification flight, make sure you inform the LCO.  Please 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 in flight.  We have many members with experience with all types of equipment who will be happy to help you have a safe flight. 


Rocket Retrieval
 
Please do not attempt to retrieve your rocket until the "range open" signal is given unless the rocket is behind the field.  If you are unable to locate all of the pieces to your rocket, please inform the LCO (during down time and she/he will announce it over the microphone).  We make every attempt to recover all rockets and will assist you if possible.  You may walk back after the "range closed" order is given, however please be very observant of the activity on the field and walk only along the perimeter. 

Remember that the Jackson Model Rocketry Club was 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 members after the launch has been completed.
 
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.