ASTRE Range Rules
ASTRE has had the same field for over 15 years. The land itself is private property,
and we enjoy the privilege of using this field mostly because we have been responsible
guests. Here are a few rules to live by while attending an ASTRE-hosted meet.
- Visit the ASTRE Website (the one you are one now!) or call to verify
scheduling. In the event of rain or high winds, a launch may be postponed. The decision to postpone a
launch is usually made the evening before a launch. The organizer of the launch makes this decision.
Since the organizer has no idea who will be attending a launch, the responsibility to verify scheduling
lies with the attendee. Protect yourself from a wasted trip and inconvenience - check the website or
call before you go.
- Please do not drive above 5 mph on the driveway. The goal is not to raise dust
which drifts into the house and workshops.
- A low voltage electrical fence blocks access to the field. MAKE NOTE OF IT. There is a latch to the left
on the wires that cross the path out to the field.
- Close any gates that you might have to open. Do not let livestock get loose.
- Use common sense, if it's wet DO NOT DRIVE ONTO THE FIELD. On your first visit, we suggest
walking the path to the field before driving out. We do not wish to damage the field with
tire ruts. You may get stuck, and there is no guaranty there will be a tow vehicle
available to extract you from the slick clay mud.
- Pick up after yourself. Do not leave paper wrappers and spent casings out in the
field. Please pick up your spent igniters, engine plugs, and whatnot. Do not empty out
trash from your automobile onto the driveway - this actually happened once before.
- The landowner knows when we will be flying rockets as a club. That means that we are
expected. Unexpected visits are generally discouraged since the field is not open to just
anytime, anyone, from anywhere that feel like flying rockets on his property.
- HOLD FOR AIRCRAFT! - The ASTRE launch site is located just east of the Fulco Airport.
We can see a lot of aircraft. The LCO (Launch Control Officer) will not launch a rocket
until the sky is clear of any low flying aircraft. This does not apply only to aircraft
flying overhead, but to ANY low flying aircraft visible from the rangehead. We do this as
a courtesy with whom we share airspace. We do not want to expose a pilot to an even
remote possibility that he or she may be startled by a launching rocket.
- You will be outside for a good portion of the day. Bring things to help make
yourself more comfortable. Lawn chairs or blankets are suggestions. For those hot,
sunny days of summer, a portable wind/sun shelter is popular. Insect repellant is a great idea.
Put your rocket supplies in boxes or a fishing tackle box. Put your rockets in boxes. Bring a snack and something
to drink. Keep your motors out of the sun. Wear boots if it is wet.
- On dry days, rockets that eject motors may be restricted. Examples are featherweight
recovery rockets like the Estes Mosquito or Quark. A smouldering spent motor casing
could (and has) touched off a grass fire. Piston launchers may also be restricted. The RSO (Range
Safety Officer) makes this decision.
Rules regarding NAR-sanctioned competition
The above set of rules are applicable to the definition of what "sportsmanship"
means in Rule 11.4 of the
US Model Rocket Sporting Code. The concept of sportsmanship is a broad and
far-reaching idea that may mean different things to different people. To further
clarify what sportsmanship means in the context of NAR-sanctioned competition,
the below set of rules also are applicable to Rule 11.4.
- All competition fliers are expected to help with range duties. This means
helping with tracking, timing, marking returns, posting results, keeping the field
trash-free, etc. Everyone shall do their fair share. Ten minutes of timing during a
lull in activity is not considered a fair share of the duties. The iron-fisted
rule of the mighty Contest Director determines what "fair share" is.
- Sport flying is permitted and encouraged during NAR-sanctioned competition with
the understanding that competition flights have launch priority. LCO's are expected
not to leave competition flights standing on the pads unless directed by the individual
flier,or by the appearance of low-flying aircraft.
- Piston launchers are permitted, but will be subject to a safety inspection as per
Rule 9.5. Rule 5.5 will be enforced. Contestants using piston launchers will be
required to prep their piston launchers (with model) at the pads in full sight of
the contest officials.
Last updated on April 28, 2003
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