Launch Site Survey and Planning
Planning a launch should involve specific review of safety requirements. This is not limited to HPR Launches. When you agree to conduct a launch in a school yard or sporting field, you are responsible for conducting the launch according to all applicable rules. A site survey can, for example, determine the maximum motor rating allowed to launch at a given site based on the maximum supported altitude of flight. This is dependent on the dimensions of the area, and on proximity to occupied structures and roadways.
I have experience conducting Class 1 launches in several locations that were risk-averse to the point of involving the Fire Marshal's office to approve of the event. This is actually not a problem, as it is an opportunity to educate other professionals about rocketry. A good site survey with basic information overlaying a map image of the site will result in a bit of back and forth about the rules, likely recovery area of the rockets, and clearance to occupied structures and roadways. This makes an interesting presentation.
There are several online tools I recommend for the simplicity and fairly high accuracy of mapping. Both Google Maps and Google Earth are free and work in a browser tab. They include areal views suitable for an accurate understanding of the area. They also include measuring tools that are fairly easy to use.
Locate the position that is furthest away from occupied buildings and active roadways as your launch location. Then measure the distance to the nearest building and/or roadway.
Model Rockets
For model rickets you need to observe the minimum launch site dimensions as defined in NFPA 1122. This is the probable recovery area under fair wind conditions.
HPR Rockets
When planning an HPR launch location you must be aware of occupied structures and active roadways. In general you must include "disinterested persons" in your thinking. E.g. if there is an RC Aircraft operation nearby, this should be treated as if it were an occupied building or active roadway. The guides are 14 CFR 101.25 (g), NFPA 1127, and the NAR or TRA Safety Codes which are aligned.
You must observe the greater of the following separation distances from any person or property that is not associated with the operations:
- Not less than one quarter the maximum expected altitude;
- 457 meters (1,500 ft.);
For HPR Launches the baseline separation is 1,500 ft. or more. Use the map and measuring tools to determine the nearest occupied structure, and person or property not associated with the launch including active roadways. An active roadway is defined as: A public highway on which traffic flow exceeds 10 vehicles per hour, not including traffic related to the launch. These guidelines will help you choose the optimal position for your launch location coordinates for the request.
The position you submit in your COA request should be based on the largest rocket motor you anticipate launching. If there is going to be a launch with an M or O motor, that launch position will need to be 1,500 ft from everyone. Lower power launches may be conducted from launch pads located closer to the LCO table. Be sure and ascertain the elevation at your launch location so that you may calculate the altitude in MSL.
Once you have determined the nearest limitation, multiply that distance by four to establish the maximum altitude Above Ground Level (AGL) you may request. Your actual request may of course be lower than that maximum. Be aware that requests greater than 18,000 ft above Mean Sea Level (MSL) will be referred to the FAA Office of Commercial Space (AST) for an Aircraft Hazardous Area review adding 6 to 10 weeks to the review process. To avoid tripping this rule, add your site elevation to your requested altitude AGL to determine MSL.
Tools
