After a long dry spell (or, more accurately, lack of a dry spell) we have an opportunity to launch high power rockets this Saturday in Elsberry, MO and the weather forecast is looking good.
Range setup will start around 9:00am. If at all possible, please arrive between 9:00 and 10:00 to help with setup - the more people we have, the easier it is on everyone and the sooner we can start flying! Our waiver will be open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm. The range may or may not remain open until 4:30 pm, depending on how many people attend and how many rockets we want to fly.
Our waiver altitude is 6,500 feet AGL, with call-in windows to 14,500 feet AGL. For those unfamiliar, this means that you can fly up to 6,500 feet at any time the range is open, but if your rocket will go higher than that (or if it's going to be close to 6,500, or if you're not sure), please speak with the launch control officer, who will call FAA TRACON (air traffic control for the area around Lambert Airport) and clear the window when you're ready to launch.
Although we do not expect any rain this week, it's always a good idea to be prepared to walk in mud, which means boots and possibly a spare pair of shoes. Even though it'll be cool, don't forget sunscreen and something to drink. There will be neither food concessions nor restroom facilities at this site, but it is a very short drive into town for those needs. There is also no rocketry supply / motor vendor at our launches.
Launch fees will be $0 for Low-Power and Mid-Power Rockets (up to G motors) if you're a paid SLRA member, and $3 if not; and $10 for High-Power Rockets (H to M motors).
We plan to have various sizes of launch pads set up, from 1/8" model rocket rods up to 1515 rails.
As always, please be courteous to our hosts and respectful of their property, including driving slowly on all farm roads. Find a place to park along the side of the road, but do not drive into any field.
Location and directions to field:
https://www.google.com/maps/@39.1616154,-90.7682789,2917m/data=!3m1!1e3
Take MO-79 to Highway JJ, the first intersection south of the town of Elsberry. From this point, we should have signs up to guide you - but head east onto Old Missouri 79 (if you were coming north from the St. Louis area, this is a right turn). Once across the train tracks, Old 79 turns again to head back south, but you won't - keep straight onto the dirt road that leads across a wooden bridge and into the field.
