Rocket Recovery Etiquette

[AdrianParticipant]

I always bring the rockets I find out there back with me. I look around but, man the prairie is big. I found 4 rockets at this MHM alone. One was Adrian’s from last year another was a Blackhawk 24, pretty sure someone wanted that back. If you want to pissed at me for bringing them back, that is your prerogative. I’ll just say sorry in advance.

And thanks again for finding that. It was actually a scratch-built 29mm rocket that had set the Tripoli H altitude record last year, the day before it lawn darted in where you found it. I looked all over on the far side of the dry wash, but it came in on the near-side banks.

[Jeffrey Joe HintonModerator]

As recoveries go, this MHM was awesome. As far as I know at least five longtime MIA’s were brought to closure and returned to owners and also a small parachute from a seperation the previous launch. I know Jeff Wilder, Adrian Adamson, Mike Huber and John Nelson and Garrett Shirley were thrilled to get remains of their birds back and Ken Reilly’s parachute will fly again.

[Steve JensenParticipant]

If I come across a rocket being dragged by the wind, I’ll restuff the chute to stop the dragging and mark the location.

It’s amazing the distance that rockets can be dragged.

Also, if it’s a small rocket, I’ll usually pick it up as long as I don’t see anyone searching in the general vicinity.

[sserell]

Did the found blackhawk have yellow fins with stars? I lost one (actually a 29) a year ago on a 2 stage attempt to set the I recored and lost tracking with the apogee charge never to be seen again…

I think bringing it in is a good idea especially if its a ways off from the launch pad and a smaller bird. Perhaps the club could have a small logo that means this birds tracked please leave it where it is. If you have the logo on it means leave it where its at, if there is nothing on it then go ahead and bring it on it. Could be a small sticker always placed in the same location? Just a thought. -Sean

[sserell]

oops duplicate post 🙄

[James Russell]

Piss them off and bring it in, they would rather have it then not. You never know how long they are out there but if you don’t bring it in it might be years or a ranch takes it to hang on hush shop wall. If it is still hot and smoking then you know someone is on their way but if its been there for a while bring it in.

[James Russell]

The only real reason someone should be mad if you pick their rocket is is if they are mapping all of their recoveries. In this case you can show them where it was. Just do not turn it off if it is still on unless there are still live charges. In that case you might leave it and go see if you can find the flier but then if not, turn it off only to safe it before bringing it.

[Sparky2Participant]

Joe is right, I was thrilled when twice I had lost a rocket and another flier found it and brought it back to the LCO table. One was MIA for three months. When I find another fliers rocket I of course look for someone in the vicinity and flag them down but if no one is in sight I bring the rocket in. But one time I brought one in that had a rough landing and the owner was glad I found it but then he asked if I had seen the altimeter. Well I did not see one but i could not tell him exactly where I found it so he could look. Maybe some type of identifying sticker with a number on it or a name and color coded, red meaning do not recover and green meaning bring it on in.

[BEAR]

I have made it a habit to always have pen, paper, and my smart phone with me (I am not trying to brag about the type of phone, but describing it, and it is a Droid O/S and has a compass application on it.) With this, I can record the coordinates of the location where I have found the rocket or the pieces, and I can take notes. I can also photograph the location if necessary. I can even write down where landmarks are in relation to the discovery location so someone can get back to almost the exact spot, and then I am likely to bring the rocket back in to the LCO table unless I see someone out there looking for something and can direct them to my location. Again, from a previous post, it would help to have identification on the rocket such as owner’s name, e-mail address, and cell phone number. If they have their phone on, I can call them immediately or send them an e-mail with the notification, and getting it done in real time. And as I also said before in a previous post, Verizon and T-mobile both work out there at both sites.

[James Russell]

I like the reference of a smart phone, I use one because I am not;-)

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