April

Sunday April 16th, 2023

Launch Summary

Huge thanks to Jack Matthews for towing both ways.  Extreme gratitude to everyone that helped set the range Friday evening in the wind and Saturday morning before we opened for business.  We are Good to Go with our scheduled and approved launch on Saturday April 15th and Sunday April 16^th from the North Site.  Range and waiver should be active by 9AM on Saturday.   The Pawnee National Grassland remains fragile and dry so extra precautions are in order.  Please stay on the authorized roads and please don’t park more than 100’ off the road at the flight line. Take as little space as necessary for your campsite.

An orientation briefing for participants will be held and will include a discussion of safety and emergency procedures, fire conditions and instruction, applicable rules and regulation, and what is expected of participants with respect 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 Forest Service regulations. The issuance of our permit allows launches to take place for approved launch events only.

NCR is GO for the third weekend of April on the Pawnee National Grassland at NCR’s North Site.  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 Saturday, and we’ll operate until 5 PM.  On Sunday, the range and waiver will be open at 9 AM.    Proof of current NAR or TRA membership is required for high powered flying.  The extended weather forecast calls for clear to partly cloudy skies with characteristically light winds and comfortable temperatures for Spring on the prairie, including 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.

The Pawnee National Grassland offers the ultimate in rustic, open space self sufficient camping, although Port-a-Potties have been ordered for this coming weekend.  Please treat our National Grassland with respect.  Be considerate and responsible.  If you bring it, be prepared to leave with it.  Please clean up your parking and prep area before you leave and take all of your stuff with you.  Remember Range Etiquette.  If you find a gate closed, close it behind you.  Properly secure your igniters and dispose of the previous flyer’s igniter wires.  Foot recovery only.

 As always, volunteers are appreciated and needed to help with range set up, operation and clean up. Hope to see you out on the range.  Special thanks to Matthew Slater and Jim Hein and the rest of the usual suspects that helped bring the range in to the trailer and pack the Tetris puzzle once again.

Weather Conditions

Epic.  Clear skies and just a touch of wind.  Temps probably reached high sixties.