Launch Protocol

RIMRA’s launch site and field access is provided through the courtesy of the University of Rhode Island (URI). Because there are several groups within and outside URI that have operations on these fields, we continuously review and work with the university on our Launch Field Protocol. This protocol is a set of directions which control how RIMRA’s launch events are managed, and specific rules to ensure everyone’s safety and interests.

WAIVER REQUIREMENT

All participants, volunteers, and spectators attending a RIMRA launch event at the University of Rhode Island must complete the Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability Form and submit it to a RIMRA volunteer at the member table upon arrival. Please complete the form in advance if possible. Blank forms will also be available at the launch site.

Download the form here: [Assumption of Risk & Release of Liability Form]

FIELD ACCESS & PARKING

Access to the launch field is through the Ministerial Road entrance only, via an unpaved entryway from Ministerial Road (RI Rt. 110), which connects from RI Rt. 138. Do not attempt to enter through the Peckham Farm Road entrance from Route 138 (see field map below).

For GPS coordinates, detailed travel directions, and additional launch-site information, see our Launch Site Location & Travel Directions page.

Most times, parking is allowed on the field in designated areas. However, parking may sometimes be restricted based on field conditions and notifications from URI. When restrictions are in effect:

  • Instructions will be posted with the launch announcement on the RIMRA Facebook page and this website. Signs will be posted at the Ministerial Road entryway and at the launch field entrance.
  • You may utilize your own dock cart, wagon, etc. to bring your equipment to the field.

SAFETY POINTS

Please drive slowly and cautiously on the Ministerial Road entryway and at the entrance to the launch fields. There are large paved bicycle/walking paths on the property, actively used by cyclists, walkers and runners, especially on weekends. Follow the RIMRA signs to avoid mistakenly driving onto these paths and to avoid injuring others around the field.

  • Any damage to vehicles or personal property, or collisions/injuries involving any persons, should be immediately reported to a RIMRA official present on the launch field.
  • All people parking vehicles on the field are doing so at their own risk of rare, but potential, damage from falling rockets! If you prefer to keep your vehicle shielded from potentially falling rockets, you can park your car outside of the field and utilize your own dock cart, wagon, etc. to bring your equipment to the field.

GENERAL LAUNCH PROCEDURES & RESTRICTIONS

1. Weather & Field Conditions

Launches are generally scheduled during the months of April through November, weather and field conditions permitting. Please see the Launch Schedule page on this website. Field access and suitable field conditions are never guaranteed. The RIMRA Management Team and the University of Rhode Island administration may change the launch schedule based on their assessment of weather, field conditions, safety considerations, or other operational requirements.

The RIMRA Management Team will make every reasonable effort to notify members of any changes to scheduled launch dates through email, the RIMRA Facebook page, and this website.

Launch Schedule Change Procedure: “Go vs. No-Go” Decision Criteria

  • Initial assessment will be made on Thursday @ 6:00 p.m. EST
  • Final assessment and decision will be made on Friday @ 6:00 p.m. EST. A “No-Go” decisions will be made if any of the following is predicted for any time between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. EST of the launch day:
    • A forecast or chance of rain greater than 50%
    • Wind speeds greater than 15 MPH or gusts greater than 20 MPH
    • Any known or officially communicated fire hazard conditions
  • RIMRA’s information source is Weather Underground for West Kingston, Rhode Island 02892.

2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Notification

  • Per FAA requirements, a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is always called in advance of all launches.
  • Notification is also required for any rocket weighing over 3.3 lbs. and having an estimated altitude of 1,500 ft. or greater. The FAA has authority to refuse such flight requests.
  • Additional altitude restrictions may be provided by the FAA. It has authority to deny any high altitude flights that it deems a safety concern.

3. Rocket Operation Restrictions & Limits

  • Motor impulse limits: “L” motors with a total impulse no greater than 5,120 Newton-seconds are the largest motors permitted at RIMRA launches. Any planned flight using a motor with a total impulse greater than 1,280 Newton-seconds requires advance notification and approval from the RIMRA Management Team. Requests should be submitted to Rocket@RIMRA.org before the launch day.
  • Altitude limit: Maximum altitude no greater than 4,500 ft.
  • Dual Deploy or Chute Release: Dual deployment or a chute-release device is required for all flights expected to exceed 2,000 feet. RIMRA has a club-owned Jolly Logic Chute Release that members may borrow at no charge, subject to availability. The borrower is responsible for properly installing and operating the device and must reimburse RIMRA for the replacement cost if it is lost, damaged, destroyed, or returned non-functional as a result of the flight. The current replacement cost is $140. Borrowers must complete and sign the RIMRA Chute Release Borrower Agreement, which may be completed in advance. Copies of the agreement will also be available at the membership table during RIMRA launches. The device must be returned immediately after recovery and before the borrower leaves the field.
  • Unconventional Design/Odd Rockets: For any unconventional or odd-rocket design using a motor with a total impulse greater than 640 Newton-seconds, contact the RIMRA Management Team in advance at Rocket@RIMRA.org. Please provide sufficient information for the proposed flight to be reviewed before the launch.
  • “Sparky” motors: these are only allowed in safe conditions (e.g. non-fire hazard conditions). Assume that these are not permitted unless specified by the RIMRA staff in the launch announcements.
  • All high-power rockets (HPR) must undergo inspection by the Range Safety Officer (RSO) in order to be approved for launch. A review of a simulation report prior to flight may be required. Please have printed simulation data/calculations available for the RSO inspection.
  • All launches require a properly and accurately completed Launch Card for each rocket and individual launch, along with the flier’s signature.

4. NAR High-Power Certification Flights

RIMRA supports National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Level 1 and Level 2 High-Power Rocketry (HPR) certification attempts at our launches, subject to RIMRA launch-site restrictions, field conditions, FAA limitations, the requirements of this Launch Protocol, and the availability of appropriately qualified NAR Certification Team members.

RIMRA cannot support Level 3 certification flights. The URI Peckham Farm launch site and RIMRA’s FAA waiver do not support motors in the Level 3 impulse range.

Anyone planning a Level 1, Level 2, or Junior HPR certification flight should contact RIMRA in advance at Rocket@RIMRA.org. Advance coordination allows us to confirm that appropriate certification personnel will be available and that the proposed rocket, motor, and expected altitude are compatible with the RIMRA field, waiver, and launch requirements.

Certification candidates are responsible for meeting all current NAR certification requirements and arriving with the required documentation.

Level 1 Certification

NAR Level 1 certification applies to H and I impulse motors. RIMRA can support Level 1 certification attempts when the proposed flight complies with RIMRA field, motor, altitude, recovery, FAA, and range-safety requirements.

Level 2 Certification

NAR Level 2 certification applies to J, K, and L impulse motors. The candidate must already hold Level 1 certification and must complete NAR’s current Level 2 examination requirements before attempting the certification flight.

Because RIMRA’s field and waiver impose specific motor and altitude limitations, Level 2 candidates should contact RIMRA before the launch to discuss the planned rocket, motor, and expected altitude.

Junior HPR Participation

NAR’s Junior HPR Participation Program (JrHPP) allows eligible NAR members ages 14 through 17 to participate in high-power rocketry using H and I motors under NAR’s Junior HPR requirements.

Junior candidates must complete the required NAR Junior HPR Level 1 online examination before attempting their certification flight and must have an appropriately certified adult Flier of Record who can legally purchase, possess, and handle the high-power motor and who directly supervises the high-power flight.

The Flier of Record cannot serve as a member of the Certification Team for that Junior HPR certification attempt.

RIMRA can assist with the inspection and certification process when qualified Certification Team members are available; however, RIMRA does not provide the adult Flier of Record for Junior HPR certification attempts. Junior candidates and their families must arrange for an appropriate Flier of Record before coming to the launch.

Certification Forms & Current Documents

NAR periodically updates its HPR certification applications, procedures, study materials, and related documents. Certification candidates should always use the latest version of the applicable paperwork.

Download the latest NAR HPR certification applications and information:
https://www.nar.org/HPRCertification

NAR also provides a page where you can check the version of any HPR certification document you already have to make sure it is still current:

Check NAR HPR certification document versions:
https://www.nar.org/HPRCERTIFICATIONEXAMCURRENTVERSIONS

Checking the document version before your launch is particularly important because NAR has updated its certification paperwork and procedures over time.

Certification candidates are responsible for reviewing and complying with all applicable NAR certification requirements before arriving at the field. Final approval for any certification flight remains subject to the requirements of this Launch Protocol, field and weather conditions, applicable FAA limitations, RIMRA range-safety requirements, and the decisions of the RSO and applicable NAR Certification Team.

5. Flier Registration & Sign- in

  • Upon your arrival, please first proceed to the Launch Sign-in Table to begin the registration process. A registration sign-in sheet and related forms will be available at the field for fliers to sign in on the launch day.
  • A sign-in coordinator will also validate any other required information (e.g., RIMRA membership, NAR membership, current membership dues/fees, updating your general membership information, etc.).
  • A “Launch Safety Meeting” will be conducted jointly by the Range Safety Officer (RSO) and Launch Control Officer (LCO) at the beginning of the launch day. All fliers present at that time are expected to attend. Any spectators who are assisting fliers are also encouraged to attend.

6. Field Personnel

Range Safety Officer (RSO)

  • A RSO will be present at all launches. The primary duty of the RSO is to inspect all rockets, components and associated information to ensure that the rocket is properly constructed and safe to fly, and ensure that all launch cards are fully and accurately completed.
  • We will have launch cards, scales to weigh your rocket(s), and measuring tools at the RSO table during launches. You can also download a launch card and print them out ahead of the launch here: Launch Card. Here are instructions for filling out the launch card(s): RIMRA Launch Card Instructions.
  • Any rocket inspection showing special concerns (e.g. first flights, marginal stability, etc) may result in the RSO providing additional launch directions/restrictions, including a refusal to launch. Any questions regarding safety issues or flight decisions should be discussed directly with the RSO.
  • Following the inspection of your rocket and approval of your launch card completion, clear your rocket for launch with the RSO and proceed to the LCO for launch pad assignment.
  • Please be courteous with the RSO staff and the assistance and guidance that they provide. All directions and decisions of the RSO are final.

Launch Control Officer (LCO)

  • A LCO will be present at all launches. The primary duty of the LCO is to ensure safety on the field and in the air from the point of launch pad assignment through the point of rocket recovery.
  • The LCO will assign the appropriate launch pad location to the flier and coordinate the flow and location of fliers in the launch control and pad areas. This takes into account the number of fliers, the number and type of rockets to be launched, timing, weather conditions and any RSO recommendations. For safety and control reasons, only the LCO will affix launch cards on the launch control board.
  • Ensuring everyone’s safety is important. Do not crowd the launch control area or proceed to the launch pads without direction from the LCO.
  • Please be courteous and attentive to the staff and the assistance and guidance they provide. All directions and decisions of the LCO are final.

Launch Pad Area – Basic Safety Points

  • Always assume that the launching range and launch pad are “hot”. Stay behind the designated Flight Line and do not approach the launch pads at any time without asking the LCO.
  • Know where the designated “Flight Line” is. It will be announced at the “Launch Safety Meeting” held at the beginning of the launch day.
  • Listen for any “Heads Up” alarm warnings – rockets can sometimes be unpredictable.
  • In the event of a launch misfire, wait until the LCO announces that all launch pads are ‘cold’ and it is safe to approach your pad to correct any problem or remove your rocket.
  • Do not attempt to go onto the launch field or any restricted field areas to catch any falling or landing rockets until the LCO gives permission to do so…no exceptions!

MID AND HIGH POWER LAUNCH PAD SETUP

Help protect RIMRA’s launch equipment from motor exhaust and ensure a reliable ignition connection. After receiving permission from the Launch Control Officer (LCO) to approach your assigned pad:

  • Protect the alligator clips. Attach one clip to the bare end of each of the two igniter wires. Route the igniter wires around the blast shield’s edge and tuck both clips fully beneath the shield.
  • Prevent short circuits. Keep the clips and exposed wire ends from touching each other, the metal blast shield, or the launch rail.
  • Secure the launch cable. Wrap the insulated launch cable around the inverted-T anchor, leaving enough slack to avoid pulling the igniter out of the motor.
  • Check continuity. At the Wilson F/X pad box, press the continuity-check button corresponding to your assigned launch pad. A steady tone indicates continuity. Inspect the connections first—shorted clips can give a false continuity reading.

If the igniter wires are too short to protect the clips, or you cannot obtain continuity, ask the pad crew for assistance. Leave arming and firing to the LCO.

Download the illustrated Mid and High Power Launch Pad Setup Guide

7. Housekeeping Items

RIMRA is fortunate to have been provided the use of our launch fields through the courtesy of the University of Rhode Island. Such field space in Rhode Island is limited, and RIMRA appreciates URI’s support. In return, we ask everyone to observe a few basics…

  • Be courteous and considerate with others…everyone is here to have fun.
  • Be attentive to the RIMRA staff…everyone is a volunteer to support your hobby and ensure your safety in the best way possible.
  • Be attentive to your surroundings… rockets can sometimes be unpredictable.
  • Be patient with everyone, especially our little fliers. Their little rockets are as exciting to them as your big rockets are to you.
  • Leave your field space as clean as you found it. For any trash or rocket “leftovers”, remember…if you brought it here, you bring it home. We’ll help you if needed.
  • Drive safely…there are lots of people, young and old, tall and small, moving around.
  • If you have questions, need help or can suggest how we can improve your experience, let us know. And if you want to get more involved with RIMRA, just speak with any of our staff.