Launch Info & Rules
Everything you need to know before you fly with Michiana Rocketry.
General Launch Information
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST (*Times may vary)
16,000' (MSL) — Field elevation 692' (ASL)
Yes
Yes, We luv them!
On-Site Launch Pads
Low Power (A–E)
8 pads
1/8 to 1/4 inch rods, Mini & Micro Rail upon request
Mid Power (F, G) & High Power (H, I)
8 pads
1 inch (1010) rails, 3/8, 1/2 rods
High Power (J, K, L)
8 pads
1 inch (1010) rails
Extreme High Power (M, N, O)
2 pads
1.5 inch (1515) rail, 160 pound limit
Onsite Vendors
Countyline Hobbies and Impulse Buys. Motors carried: CTI, Aerotech, Loki — everything from 18mm to 98mm. Porta Pottie on site.
Who Can Fly
Our launches are open to the public. In addition to our own members, others are welcome including non-members, spectators and TRA or NAR members. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Since we are a prefecture of Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA), our launches follow the Tripoli Research Safety Code. National Association of Rocketry (NAR) rules are observed as well, Model Rockets Safety Code and High Power Rocket Safety Code. Any flier wishing to fly Level 1 (H–I), 2 (J–L) or 3 (M) must have their current TRA or NAR membership card indicating their level. Tripoli insurance is in effect during the launches. Michiana Rocketry, TRA or NAR memberships are available at our launches. Level 1 and Level 2 certification for both TRA and NAR are available at our launches. Please notify registration of your intent for a certification flight. The dirt in the area fields is very black and often has wet spots. Wear proper footwear and don't wear your best jeans. Please pick up your trash and take it with you. Please supervise your children.
Launch Procedure
- 1
Check in at the registration table.
- 2
Current members receive their daily launch wrist band. Non-members can purchase a daily launch wrist band.
- 3
To access the RSO area please show your daily launch wrist band at the entrance to the flight line area.
- 4
Present your completed flight card and rocket to RSO for pre-flight inspection and launch pad assignment.
- 5
Once the launch field has been opened by the LCO, load your RSO-approved rocket onto the assigned launch pad.
- 6
After your rocket has been loaded onto the assigned pad, return to the flight line and wait in the active flyer staging area until the LCO opens the field for rocket retrieval.
Important Notices
ALL Certification Flights must be at the RSO by 3:00 PM.
Level 2 Cert Flights must have a graded/passed exam.
ALL High Power Flights (H and Up) must be at the RSO by 3:30 PM.
Membership & Daily Launch Fees
Membership extends for 12 months from the starting month of the membership.
National Rocketry Organizations
To fly High Power rockets, a flyer must be a member of at least one of the two national rocketry organizations:
- Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA)—http://www.tripoli.org/
- National Association of Rocketry (NAR)—https://www.nar.org/
Membership provides the means for becoming certified to fly high power rockets at Tripoli and NAR sponsored launches. For more information, click on the links above.
Liability Statement
Rocket Launches can be dangerous. By attending our launches all spectators, members, family, friends and absolutely anyone and everyone who attends our rocket launches agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Michiana Rocketry, all members and club officers, Tripoli Rocketry Association, the National Association of Rocketry, and the landowners from any liability during these rocket launches. This includes any bodily injury or even death that might incur. This also includes any and all damage to any vehicles which include cars, motorcycles, trucks, campers and/or damage to any personal property. If you attend any Michiana Rocketry launches it is at your own risk, and you are personally solely assuming this risk by entering the launch field, road to launch field, and all related activities at our launches and you fully understand that Michiana Rocketry, members and club officers, and land owners are not able to assume any liability of any kind at the launches. If this is not agreeable do not attend the rocket launches.