Introduction:
The following safety code is intended to give members of the Iowa Amateur Rocketry Group
access to a safe and controlled flying field.
GENERAL:
1.1 Three safety officer positions are required at every launch. Depending on conditions, such as size and/or number
of flights and spectators, more than one position may be held by an officer.
a) RSO (Range Safety Officer) The RSO shall report a clear flying field to the LCO prior to a launch, as well as directing crews in and out of the launch pad area. The RSO has complete control of all operations between the LCO table and the launch pads, as well as the recovery field.
b) SSO (Spectator Safety Officer) The SSO shall remain between the LCO table and the spectator line. The SSO is responsible for alerting all spectators of an imminent launch, and assuring they take appropriate cover.
c) LCO (Launch Control Officer) The LCO shall have complete control of launch operations, including final approval or disapproval of all flights. Documentation on motors and rockets should be given to the LCO for approval.
1.2 All flyers must provide proof of previous flight experience for "I" class or greater flights. While
this is not intended to dampen an enthusiasts creativity, a natural progression in rocket size and total impulse
should be sought. For example, I would question a fliers desire to fly a scratch built "K" class rocket
on his/her first flight. While that same persons flight would be acceptable if that person had previously flown
rockets in the "H through J" class.
1.0 ROCKET MOTORS:
1.1 Commercial motors and experimental motors may be used at all launches. In all cases experimental motors will
be given launch priority.
1.2 Experimental motors to be used in a flight must show proof to the LCO of at least one static test, including
the thrust time profile (either actual or simulated) for motors over "J" class. Any new propellant formulation
must show proof to the LCO of at least (3) static tests.
1.3 Rocket motors must have a minimum design strength of 1.5 times the expected maximum operating pressure.
1.4 The use of metals in a rocket motor prone to fragment (i.e., steel, stainless steel) should be kept at a minimum.
1.4 All rocket motors will be electrically ignited.
2.0 ROCKETS:
2.1 Rockets will be built as light as possible for the intended purpose of the rocket. The use metals in the rocket
airframe will be kept to a minimum for the intened purpose of the flight.
2.2 Computer generated proof of rocket stability greater than 1 caliber must be presented to the LCO prior to flight.
2.2 Rockets will have a suitable means for providing stabilizing and restoring forces necessary to maintain a substantially
true and predictable upward flight path.
2.3 Rockets shall be constructed so as to be capable of more than one flight. It will be provided with means for
a slow and safe descent. If a rocket is to descend in more than one part, then the parts should have means for
a slow and safe descent. Flame resistant, bio-degradable wadding will be used if wadding is required by the design
of the rocket.
2.4 Any equipment, devices, or material which relies upon flammable, smoldering, or otherwise combustible substances,
which are not a motor, shall be designed, built, and implemented or otherwise used in a manner which will minimize
the possibility of a fire after launch.
3.0 LAUNCH PADS AND IGNITION SYSTEMS:
3.1 A launching device, or mechanism, must be used which is sufficiently rigid and of sufficient length to guarantee
that the rocket shall be independently stable when it leaves the device. This launching device shall be sufficiently
stable on the ground to prevent significant shifts from the planned launch angle, or the accidental triggering
of any first-motion ignition devices.
3.2 A launch angle of less than 10 degrees from the vertical must be used when flying rockets.
3.3 Any and all ignition systems on rockets must be remotely and electrically activated.
3.4 The launch system firing circuit must return to the off position when released (if a mechanical launch system
is used) or reset (if an electronic launch system is used).
3.5 Igniters should be installed at the last practical moment, and once installed, electrical igniter wires should
be shorted and/or pyrotechnical systems mechanically protected to prevent premature ignition from EMI or heat sources.
4.0 LAUNCHES AND CONDITIONS:
4.1 All launches of rockets must be conducted in compliance with Federal, State, and Local law.
4.2 Rocket flights must be made only when weather conditions permit. It is recommended that no rockets be launched
when winds exceed 20 miles per hour.
4.3 No rocket shall contain an explosive warhead type device, nor will they be launched at targets on the ground.
4.4 An amateur rocket flying field must be equipped with an appropriately rated fire-extinguishing device. Each
launch pad should have a water container within 100 feet of the pad. A well-stocked First Aid kit and a person,
familiar with their use is recommended.
4.5 Advanced Rockets shall be launched from a clear area, free of any easy to burn materials, and away from buildings,
power lines, tall trees, or flying aircraft. The flying field must be of sufficient size to permit recovery of
a given rocket within its confines.
4.6 At no time shall recovery of a rocket from power lines, or other dangerous places, be attempted. Any rocket
that becomes entangled in a utility line (power, phone, etc.) is a hazard to the utility line and untrained persons
who may be attracted to it. The owner of the vehicle will make every effort to contact the proper utility company
and have their trained personnel remove it.
4.7 No rocket shall be caught during descent.
4.8 All persons in the vicinity of any launches must be advised that a launching is imminent before a rocket may
be ignited and launched. A minimum five second countdown must be given immediately prior to ignition and launch
of a rocket.
4.9 A spectator line will be established parallel with the launch controller’s table. Launch pads for motors exceeding
J class, or clusters of G, H, and/or I’s shall be set at least 500 feet from the spectator line.
4.10 Commercial motors and experimental motors may fly on the same launch days.
4.11 Experimental motors deemed unusually dangerous or hazardous by the LCO may be permitted to fly, but will be
placed further away from the launch table and spectators so that all participants are safe.