Launch Protocol

RIMRA’s launch site and field access is provided through the courtesy of the University of Rhode Island (URI). Because there are several groups within and outside URI that have operations on these fields, we continuously review and work with the university on our Launch Field Protocol. This protocol is a set of directions which control how RIMRA’s launch events are managed, and specific rules to ensure everyone’s safety and interests. For any questions or concerns, please contact the RIMRA Board of Directors (BOD) at RIMRA755@gmail.com.

FIELD ACCESS & PARKING
Access to the launch field is via an unpaved entryway from Ministerial Road (RI Rt.110), a main road connecting from RI Rt.138 (see the field map below).

Most times, parking is allowed on the field in designated areas. However, parking may sometimes be restricted based on field conditions and notifications from URI.  When restrictions are in effect…

  • Instructions will be posted with the launch announcement on the RIMRA Facebook page and this website. Signs will be posted at the Ministerial Road entryway and at the launch field entrance.
  • You may utilize your own dock cart, wagon, etc. to bring your equipment to the field. As a courtesy, if RIMRA staffing is available, an authorized staff member may assist you to bring equipment to the field (15 minutes prior to the start of the day’s launch activities).

SAFETY POINTS
Please drive slowly and cautiously on the Ministerial Road entryway and at the entrance to the launch fields. There are large paved bicycle/walking paths on the property, actively used by cyclists, walkers and runners, especially on weekends.  Follow the RIMRA signs to avoid mistakenly driving onto these paths and to avoid injuring others around the field.

  • Any damage to vehicles or personal property, or collisions/injuries involving any persons, should be immediately reported to a RIMRA official present on the launch field.
  • All people parking vehicles on the field are doing so at their own risk of rare, but potential, damage from falling rockets!  If you prefer to keep your vehicle shielded from potentially falling rockets, you can park your car outside of the field and utilize your own dock cart, wagon, etc. to bring your equipment to the field.


GENERAL LAUNCH PROCEDURES & RESTRICTIONS

1. Weather & Field Conditions 
Launches are generally scheduled during the months of April through November, with weather and field conditions permitting (see the ‘Launch Schedule’ page on this website). Field access and field conditions are never a guarantee. The BOD and the URI administration may also make changes to the schedule, based upon their assessment of the field conditions. The BOD of Directors will make its best effort to update the members with any changes to scheduled launch dates through email, the RIMRA Facebook page, and this website.

Launch Schedule Change Procedure: “Go  vs. No-Go” Decision Criteria

    • Initial assessment will be made on Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. EST
    • Final assessment and decision will be made on Friday @ 6:00 p.m. EST.  A “No-Go” decisions will be made if any of the following is predicted for any time between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. EST of the launch day:
      • A forecast or chance of rain greater than 50%
      • Wind speeds greater than 15 MPH or gusts greater than 25 MPH
      • Any known or officially communicated fire hazard conditions
    • RIMRA’s information source is www.weather.com for West Kingston, Rhode Island 02892.

2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notification

  • Per FAA requirements, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is always called in advance of all launches.
  • Notification is also required for any rocket weighing over 3.3 lbs. and having an estimated altitude of 1,500 ft. or greater. The FAA has authority to refuse such flight requests.
  • Additional altitude restrictions may be provided by the FAA.  It has authority to deny any high altitude flights that it deems a safety concern.

3. Rocket Operation Restrictions & Limits

  • Motor impulse limits:  “L” motors with a total impulse limit no greater than 5,120 Newton-seconds are the largest motors allowed for RIMRA launches.  Additionally, the BOD must be notified in advance of the launch day, and grant its approval, for any planned flights utilizing a motor with a total impulse greater than 1,280 Newton-seconds.
  • Altitude limit: Maximum altitude no greater than 4,500 ft.
  • Dual Deploy or Chute Release: required for all flights with altitude greater than 2,000 ft.
  • Unconventional Design/Odd Rockets: contact the BOD prior if for impulse greater than 640 Newton-seconds).
  • “Sparky” motors: these are only allowed in safe conditions (e.g. non-fire hazard conditions). Assume that these are not permitted unless specified by the BOD in the launch announcements.
  • All high-power rockets (HPR) must undergo inspection by the Range Safety Officer (RSO) in order to be approved for launch.  A review of a simulation report prior to flight may be required.  Please have printed simulation data/calculations available for the RSO inspection.
  • All launches require a properly and accurately completed Launch Card for each rocket and individual launch, along with the flier’s signature.

4. Flier Registration & Sign- in

  • Upon your arrival, please first proceed to the Launch Sign-in Table to begin the registration process.  A registration sign-in sheet and related forms will be available at the field for fliers to sign in on the launch day.
  • A sign-in coordinator will also validate any other required information (e.g., RIMRA membership, NAR membership, current membership dues/fees, updating your general membership information, etc.).
  • A “Launch Safety Meeting” will be conducted jointly by the RSO and Launch Control Officer (LCO) at the beginning of the launch day.  All fliers present at that time are expected to attend.  Any spectators who are assisting fliers are also encouraged to attend.

5. Field Personnel

Range Safety Officer (RSO)

  • A RSO will be present at all launches. The primary duty of the RSO is to inspect all rockets, components and associated information to ensure that the rocket is properly constructed and safe to fly, and ensure that all launch cards are fully and accurately completed. 
  • Any rocket inspection showing special concerns (e.g. first flights, marginal stability, etc) may result in the RSO providing additional launch directions/restrictions, including a refusal to launch.  Any questions regarding safety issues or flight decisions should be discussed directly with the RSO.
  • Following the inspection of your rocket and approval of your launch card completion, clear your rocket for launch with the RSO and proceed to the LCO for launch pad assignment.
  • Please and courteous with the RSO staff and the assistance and guidance that they provide.  All directions and decisions of the RSO are final.

Launch Control Officer (LCO)

  • A LCO will be present at all launches. The primary duty of the LCO is to ensure safety on the field and in the air from the point of launch pad assignment through the point of rocket recovery. 
  • The LCO will assign the appropriate launch pad location to the flier and coordinate the flow and location of fliers in the launch control and pad areas.  This takes into account the number of fliers, the number and type of rockets to be launched, timing, weather conditions and any RSO recommendations.   For safety and control reasons, only the LCO will affix launch cards on the launch control board. 
  • Ensuring everyone’s safety is important.  Do not crowd the launch control area or proceed to the launch pads without direction from the LCO. 
  • Please be courteous and attentive to the staff and the assistance and guidance they provide.  All directions and decisions of the LCO are final.

Launch Pad Area – Basic Safety Points

  • Always assume that the launching range and launch pad are “hot”. Stay behind the designated Flight Line and do not approach the launch pads at any time without asking the LCO.
  • Know where the designated “Flight Line” is.  It will be announced at the “Launch Safety Meeting” held at the beginning of the launch day.
  • Listen for any “Heads Up” alarm warnings – rockets can sometimes be unpredictable.
  • In the event of a launch misfire, wait until the LCO announces that all launch pads are ‘cold’ and it is safe to approach your pad to correct any problem or remove your rocket.
  • Do not attempt to go onto the launch field or any restricted field areas to catch any falling or landing rockets until the LCO gives permission to do so…no exceptions!

6. Housekeeping Items
RIMRA is fortunate to have been provided the use of our launch fields through the courtesy of the University of Rhode Island. Such field space in Rhode Island is limited, and RIMRA appreciates URI’s support.  In return, we ask everyone to observe a few basics…

  • Be courteous and considerate with others…everyone is here to have fun
  • Be attentive to the RIMRA staff…everyone is a volunteer to support your hobby and ensure your safety in the best way possible.
  • Be attentive to your surroundings… rockets can sometimes be unpredictable.
  • Be patient with everyone, especially our little fliers.  Their little rockets are as exciting to them as your big rockets are to you.
  • Leave your field space as clean as you found it.  For any trash or rocket “leftovers”, remember…if you brought it here, you bring it home.  We’ll help you if needed.
  • Drive safely…there are lots of people, young and old, tall and small, moving around.
  • If you have questions, need help or can suggest how we can improve your experience, let us know.  And if you want to get more involved with RIMRA, just speak with any of our staff.

Launch Site MAP – RIMRA
Launch Site Protocol 11-3-2017 – 1.1MG