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Below is a list of the various positions that must be filled for most UROC launches throughout the year. We always need help with these positions and if you've not done one before, don't let that scare you off, we're always ready to help you learn the job.
Range Safety Officer (RSO)
The RSO is responsible for the overall safety of the range, not just rockets but all activities taking place at the launch site. The RSO has ultimate say in decisions concerning safety. The RSO oversees checking in of rockets and assigns the rocket to a particular pad. Takes a look at the rocket to see if it is fit to fly. Make sure that the motor has been mounted correctly, fins secure, and launch lugs are attached correctly. Then assigns the rocket to a pad. RSO must be a currently certified level 2 or higher flyer through either the National Association of Rocketry or the Tripoli Rocketry Association.
- Confirms that the flyer is certified to fly the rocket/motor combination presented. This can be verified via the flyer's membership card from either association.
- Weighs the rocket and determines if the motor is appropriate for the rocket's weight using the motor charts available at the RSO table.
- Verifies that the motor being used is an approved rocket motor and provides a thrust to weight ratio (TWR) of greater than 4 and has a sufficient ejection delay that will ensure safe recovery.
- Verifies the stability of the rocket. The rocket should exhibit at least 2 caliber's of static stability, or be of a proven design. If the rocket looks marginal the RSO can ask the flyer if the rocket has flown safely on the same motor or require proof of stability (simulation output).
- Verifies that the rocket will not exceed the site altitude waiver.
- Verifies that the ignitor is not in the motor.
- Determines if the recovery system will operate properly. Checks with the individual to verify if they have the proper delay, fresh batteries, ejection charges, all connections made, etc.
- Determines if the flight will be "HEADS-UP". A heads up flight includes but not limited to the following: the first flight of a rocket, a rocket that is determined marginal in any way, a multiple-staged rocket and a clustered rocket.
- Ensures that the flight data card is completely filled out. Sign the card to certify that you have examined the rocket.
Launch Control Officer (LCO)
The LCO oversees the launching of the rockets. They run the launch control box and handle the Public Address announcements. The LCO also watches the range for safety violations, and has final say if a rocket flies or not. They Should be certified level 2, or higher. The LCO collects the flight data cards from the Pad Manager(s), reviews and arranges the cards for an orderly launch, noting which flights are "HEADS-UP" or for certification.
- Keep the Main Power Switch OFF and the Safety Interlock Key OUT when range is 'OPEN'. Do not perform any continuity checks while people are in the PAD or RANGE areas.
- Prior to launching each rack of rockets and before the flyers leave the launch pad area ensure the launch rod angles are not directed toward the spectator area, people or property. Use the PA system to instruct flyers to change the launch rod angles when necessary.
- Before each rocket is launched check for safe conditions. These include aircraft in the area, clouds and visibility. We cannot fly into clouds or at an altitude where the cloud cover is more that 1/2 coverage.
- Before each rocket is launched check the activity of the spectators, flyers and any other persons in the operation area. The LCO MUST HALT the launching of any rocket when unauthorized person(s), vehicles or aircraft enter the operation area. Prior to the countdown the LCO checks for the above conditions and announces 'The sky is clear - The range is clear' over the PA system.
- If the rocket to be launched has been designated as a 'HEADS-UP' flight, then before the launch of that rocket, if ANY spectators / flyers are not watching the rocket, the LCO will instruct them to do so using the PA system. If a Level 3 flight is to be launched, it is automatically designated as a "HEADS-UP" flight.
- The LCO will instruct all spectators / flyers to watch the flight and be standing using the PA system.
- If the rocket to be launched is for certification, alert either the Tripoli Prefect or NAR advisor depending on the certification process using the PA system and ensure they are monitoring the flight.
- The LCO MUST halt the launching of any rocket for any reason that is in the interest of safety, For As Long As Necessary.
- On any question of safety, the LCO must inform the Range Safety Officer (RSO).
Pad Manager (PAD)
A good way to help start learning launch operations. The Pad Manager helps people at the launch pads. They change out launch rods when needed, help load small and large rockets onto the launch pads. Helps the kids out with connecting their rockets. And helps out the RSO when things gets busy. The Pad Manager gets to learn what the RSO and LCO job are all about. The Pad Manager does not need to be certified.
- The Pad Manager also assists the LCO with crowd control and watches for any unsafe condition.
- Ensures that power is connected to pads after launch area is clear of fliers and signal ready condition to the LCO.
- Ensures that power is disconnected from the pads and signal safe condition to LCO before allowing fliers to enter launch area.
Registrar (REG)
The Registrar is responsible for making sure that all flyers have signed in and paid (if applicable) their registration fee. They also act as a club liason to spectators and visitors by accepting new and renewal membership payments, dispersing club information, and assisting the general public in understanding safety procedures and flight operations.
Event Timer (EVT)
In all events for which a time-of-flight figure is scored, one or more timers shall be stationed in the launching area with stop watches and may not leave the launching area in order to keep the model in sight. Event officials will provide the same number of timers to all contestants; any additional official timers must be provided by the contestant.
- Optical aids other than sunglasses or eyeglasses to correct to normal vision may not be used by the Timers, except in FAI class events, where optionally, Timers may be equipped with binoculars.
- In all events for which a time-of-flight figure is scored, one or more Timers shall be stationed in the launching area with stop watches and may not leave the launching area in order to keep the model in sight.
- Meet officials will provide the same number of timers to all contestants; any additional official timers must be provided by the contestant. Optical aids other than sunglasses or eyeglasses to correct to normal vision may not be used by the Timers, except in FAI class events, where optionally, Timers may be equipped with binoculars.
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