Balls 17

I’m thinking about it seriously. I’m planning my L3 for MHM… if I succeed and the bird survives the flight, I’d like to fly it on an EX N motor at BALLS perhaps. I don’t want to stay at Bruno’s and I won’t camp on the playa unless someone has space in an RV for me.

Warren

No snakes or animal life to speak of except left overs from Burning Man, which happens a few weeks before BALLS. Mainly it’s dust – superfine, alkaline, incredibly pervasive; and wind to blow it around and even through the tightest weave tent fabric.

Bruno’s in Gerlach has quite a reputation and uncertain room reservations (he’s known to give out pre-reserved rooms if you haven’t shown up early enough). Not to that I’ve been there mind you, but I’ve heard an endless number of BALLS stories about Bruno’s. You will occasionally see a picture of it in the upper right of the web site.

Warren

Wow! No Kids allowed? Well, they can count me out and my family who I enjoy the sport with.

Unbelievable! Seems like there would be a better solution to the problem….

Kevin

Not to be a spoilsport myself, and I want to emphasize that my comments in no way represent NCR here… BUT, I feel that small children have NO place anywhere that EX propellant and L3 rockets are flying. I’ve personally witnessed a 50# bird come in on the NCR flight line within 15 feet of a kid who was standing there looking dumb while people were yelling heads up. Of course there were several adults doing the exact same thing. Kids too small to move quickly or understand the danger, adults in wheelchairs or on crutches, the blind or otherwise disabled, all have no place at a rocket launch where significant dangers exist. BALLS qualifies in spades. I’d also include stoner-hippies, zen-masters, and the uninvolved general public in that group.

Warren

Doug, no intent to offend here, but I think you’re way out of line with your comments and I think you misunderstand where I’m coming from or are taking it too broadly. I was speaking of BALLS specifically and EX launches in general where large motors are present. Also, some of what I said was a joke and I suspect you either didn’t take it that way or more likely I didn’t express it with the right tone.

I’m only coming from the perspective of potential harm. I’ve seen some stupid things happen on the range and some near misses that could have been utterly disastorous – as in resulting in someone’s death or very serious injury. I’m very concerned when I see crowds of people who aren’t paying attention when “heads up” is called. I’m very concerned when a large project core samples into a group of people with some of them completely oblivious until impact. I’m even more concerned when there are people who can’t maneuver themselves out of harms way.

To be absolutely clear, I don’t in ANY way promote or support any such restrictions at NCR launches except those called for by TRA regs.

What I would do as Prefect would be precisely what is called for by TRA regs – nothing more nor less. I would also make sure that in issues of judgement calls, that I consulted with other Prefects and/or TAP’s to ensure that my own personal prejudices didn’t influence my call. I show up regularly to launches, participate extensively in the operation of the club and occasionally even build and fly a few rockets. What more is required of a Prefect? This club has had prefects who moved away or didn’t show up at any launches. Joe finally took on the job because there was no one else willing or able. I’m only in the running for Prefect because I worry Joe has too much on his plate and I’d like to contribute what I can to the club. I think Conway feels the same way. Thankfully, the club is actually getting big enough that there are choices now instead of just struggling to find someone who is willing to take on the job. I’d say that is a good thing.

Warren

PS: No stoner-hippies, zen-masters or the uninvolved were injured in the production of this message. (By the way, in my flaming youth, I resembled that stoner-hippie comment…)