Q: What motors may be flown at
MASA launches?
A: All motors must be commercially manufactured and must
be currently certified. They must be listed on the
combined CAR/NAR/TRA certified motor list as published by the
NAR. See
http://www.nar.org/SandT/NARenglist.shtml to download a copy
of that list. The maximum allowable motor size depends
upon which flying field is in use and whether or not a FAA
waiver is in effect.
Q: Why is a
level 1 high power certification required to fly some F and G motors?
A: The NFPA regulations for high power rocketry define
HPR in three ways: In terms of thrust (average < 80N),
propellant mass (< 62.5g), OR total impulse (< 160N-sec).
There are several motors that are thus defined as HPR by NFPA, but
not by NAR.
Among the motors used at MASA launches in the
past, the NFPA list would require L1 certification to use the
Aerotech single use F101 and G125 and the Aerotech RMS G33 (for
the hobby line 29/40-120 case), and G75 and G104 (for the HPR 29mm
cases).
Thus, in order to be consistent with NFPA, we have
to require L1 certification for users of these motors. It is a
tiny bit of a grey area: In Minnesota, NFPA compliance is taken as
prima facie evidence of compliance with MN State Fire Code in
those areas not explicitly addressed in the existing fire code.
This includes HPR, in the opinion of the State Fire Marshall. What
this means is that if you comply with NFPA, you can't be cited by
a local fire marshal for code violations. If you don't comply
with NFPA, you have to work it out with the local fire marshal. So
given a choice about what to do, we have decided to follow NFPA
restrictions.
Q: Can I get my level 1 high power
certification at a MASA launch?
A: Yes.
You must be a NAR member and meet the qualifications to be level
1. Then, you have to wait for a launch at the Nowthen site
because it's the only place where we can fly H or I motors. Be
sure to bring along your paperwork - your witnesses will need to
fill it out.
If possible, let us know a few days ahead of time that you'll be
attempting a cert flight. There are typically large pads,
rods up through 1/2" and a "1010" rail at MASA
launches. If you need other special launch equipment, you
must either provide it yourself or make other arrangements.
Q: What about launch rods and
pads?
A: If the launch will be using a centralized
"rack" layout, these rod sizes will be provided at the
launch: 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 1/2", and "1010" rails. If
you require an oddball size rod, you'll have to bring your
own. Some pads will be provided, but you're encouraged to
bring one.
If the launch is using a "misfire alley"
layout, you need to bring your own launch pad, rods, and launch
controller. If you don't have this equipment, there are
generally a few pads set up for anyone's use.
Q: Can I go out on my own and fly
some rockets at one of the MASA launch sites?
A: Yes and no. The White Bear Lake site is a
public park. You may fly rockets there on your own, but
organized athletics have first call on the park. The Elk
River site is private land owned by the VFW. You can fly
rockets there, but you should check with the VFW first.
Again, organized soccer stuff has first call on the field.
Other launch sites that are located on private property may ONLY
be used for organized club launches.
Q: What's being a RSO or LCO all
about?
A: For more info, download and read the slides
(PDF) from the MASA LCO / RSO training meeting. Also, the RSO
& LCO checklists.
