Author: Brad Morse
UROC HellFire 23
HellFire, sponsored by the Utah Rocket Club (UROC), is one of few remaining events where launching rockets to that height is even permitted. UROC must obtain special clearance for the event, which takes place this year August 2-5, 2018.
Though HellFire is technically an amateur launch, we’re talking serious rocketry here. Participants from around the country launch rockets ranging from foot-tall wonders to towering monsters that weigh in at over 100 pounds, feature high-tech electronics, use a propellant similar to that used on the space shuttle, and lift off with hundreds of pounds of pure thrust.
Now in its 23rd year, HellFire continues to grow. Many people attend not to launch, but simply for the thrill of watching. Between launches, visitors enjoy examining rockets and components close-up and speaking with the experts who build and launch them.
Visit UROC to read more about this event.
MHM 2018
We’ve checked with the District Ranger and we are OK to proceed as planned with the scheduled 6/1,2,3 launch, subject to normal precautions.
NCR is GO for Mile High Mayhem the first weekend of June on the Pawnee National Grassland at NCR’s North Site. On-site registration ($20.00) will be available Friday, June 1st, Saturday June 2nd and Sunday June 3rd. Limited edition T-shirts have been printed, vendors have been contacted, raffle prizes collected and Port-A-Potties have been ordered for the weekend. Our waiver will be a constant 20,000’ AGL, with anticipated “windows of opportunity” for higher altitudes shots. Please let me know ASAP if you’re planning any “window” shots. We anticipate having the range set up and ready by 9 AM on Friday, and we’ll operate until 6 PM. On Saturday and Sunday, the range and waiver will be open at 8 AM. Wristbands will be required for ALL flyers and ALL High Power flyers will need to be registered ($20.00). Proof of current NAR or TRA membership is required for high powered flying. The extended weather forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with characteristically light winds and comfortable temperatures for Spring on the prairie with the probability of afternoon thunder showers. Come prepared for all types of weather. This should be an awesome weekend for flying. Please remember that Range Safety is in everyone’s best interest. NO “sparky” motor types allowed.
NCR 2018 Contest – Buy it, Build it, Fly it
Buy it, Build it, Fly it
$0 Entry – Also, the only prize is bragging rights.
Contest will be held during the club’s annual Mayhem (June) launch and Oktoberfest (October).
Rules
Buy, or bring a new rocket kit to build during one of the 3-day weekend launches.
Contestants must construct a rocket and fly it successfully within the 3-days of the launch.
You must declare your flight as a contest flight prior to launch.
- Contest is open to any NCR club member.
- No build restrictions, you may bring additional parts to the launch.
- Flights must be witnessed by another club member.
- Record your flight success/failure on your flight card.
2018-04 Club Launch
Dubious start Saturday morning. A good three to four inches of moisture on the ground, heavy cloud cover and only about 20 degrees. But incredibly, a fair number of folks believing conditions would improve. Lots of time standing around, reviewing options and discussing a little bit of everything before we started to unload the trailer and get the range set up. By 11:30, we we’re flying high into clear skies and with slightly warmer temps. 20 different flyers launched a total of 40 flights ( 16 Class One, 24 Class Two), including the Team from CSU testing air brakes for their ESRA IREC (Experimental Sounding Rockets Association’s Intercollegiate Rocketry Engineering Competition) Spaceport America Cup launch in June, a Team from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga attempting to set a new I class multi-staged altitude record (great flight but well short of current record), two members seeking High Power Certification flights, John Jamieson’s all time best altitude flight to 14, 334′ and there were even calm enough winds for Vic to launch his RC controlled rocket boosted glider for a marvelous flight and beautifully executed soft landing.
April Launch – North Site
Spring may have finally arrived on the prairie. Please pay close attention to the weather forecasts. If the weather cooperates, we have a GO for launch on Saturday and Sunday April 7th and 8th from the North Site. Expect the range and waiver (20,000’ AGL) to be operational from 9 AM until 5 PM on Saturday and 9 AM till 3 PM on Sunday. Please advise ASAP if a “window” will be required for any flights.
This launch opportunity is designated a Tripoli Research launch. Note that all NAR members are now welcome to attend Tripoli Research launches; you are no longer required to join TRA to attend and may fly commercial motors (up to your certification level) with proof of current NAR membership. All flyers must be ready to verify current membership status.
NCR is an Authorized Permitee of the Pawnee National Grassland. A morning orientation briefing for participants will be held and will include a discussion of safety and emergency procedures, fire conditions and instruction, applicable rules and regulations, and what is expected of participants with regards to the use of NFS lands under our special use permit.
Please note that all launch events will be conducted using nationally approved/accepted range safety practices. The launching of rockets on NFS land is normally prohibited under a Forest Service Region 2 fire regulation. The issuance of NCR’s permit allows launches to take place by exempting the Holder from that regulation for approved launch events only. All launches, other than those conducted by the Holder during approved launch events, are outside the scope of this permit and are prohibited by Forest Service regulations.
As always, volunteers are needed to help with range set up, operation and clean up.
Hope to see you out on the range.
NCR 2018 Contest Rules – 12oz Lift
12oz Lift
$20 Entry
Contest will be held during the club’s annual MAYHEM launch in June. Contest flights must be complete and recorded by the final day of the launch – at noon on June 3, 2018.
| Friday, Saturday, & Sunday June 1st – 3rd | North Site – MAYHEM |
Rules
Construct, launch, and successfully recover your rocket carrying a 12oz. payload of your favorite (unopened) beverage.
12oz can must be recovered undamaged to be considered a successful contest flight.
You must declare your flight as a contest flight prior to launch.
- Contest is open to any L1, L2, or L3 certified flier under TRA or NAR.
- No build dimension restrictions. (Airframe must carry payload of: 1 12oz can of your favorite beverage).
- Your rocket must be capable of flying under an I impulse motor or higher.
- Flights must be witnessed and timed by a club member.
- Record your flight duration on your flight card.
- Winner is determined by longest in-air duration from launch, to landing.
- If your rocket landing time is unknown, your flight will be disqualified
- Altimiter data, GPS, Radio, and visual tracking are all acceptable means to time your flight’s duration.
- Tie breakers:
- Altitude – Must be reported by electronic altimeter
- Lightest Rocket Airframe w/o motor or payload.
- Lowest Motor Class and Thrust.
Entry and Sign-up
When you register for your first day at MHM, be sure to include your $20 contest entry fee and register with the contest director (Brad Morse).
Prizes
Two kits have been donated for prizes to be given for First and Second place, along with a cash prize dependent on the number of participants.
