What to expect
Join us at a meeting. Join us at a launch. You, your family and friends are welcome. Questions about what to expect?
- How high can we fly?
Roughly 1000 feet above ground level (AGL) at Wilsonville, 20,500 feet AGL with windows to 35,500 feet AGL at Brothers, 5,400 feet AGL at Sheridan, and 10,000 feet AGL at Tillamook. Quote from Rockets Magazine: “One of the best kept secrets in rocketry is the launch site in Brothers, Oregon. The secluded location is perfect for high-power action that screams into the clear blue skies. You are truly committed to the hobby when you launch rockets with the Oregon Rocketry folks. One of the first questions a newcomer would ask is “How much recovery room do you have here?” Inevitably, the answer always comes back as another question, “How much do you need?”
- - Is it safe? Is there a risk?
OregonRocketry adheres to all national, state and local rules. We adhere to NAR and TRA safety guidelines. That said, we do everything in our power to make launches we conduct as safe as possible. While accidents rare, no member of the club, land owner, board member of OregonRocketry can be held liable for accidents that might occur. Our range, safety and launch officers are there to help keep everyone safe. But yes, there is a risk. We at OregonRocketry strive to mitigate the risk as much as possible. We comply with national club safety guidelines.
- - Site Conditions. Shelter? Provisions?
Having a shelter of some type is a great thing to have available. Pop-ups, Easy-ups, etc provide a place to avoid the sun. Bring plenty of water for you and everyone else that attends with you. Folding chairs are a good idea, so you can relax. Conditions at the Brothers launch site is very extreme at times. The more you prepare the better. Consider this a lot like camping, and what do you need. Be prepared for as much as possible. Heat during the day. Cold at night. Wind can be a factor, so prepare for wind.
- - Health and Safety?
You need to keep yourself hydrated and everyone else with you. Sunscreen is basically a requirement to protect you and your family. Spending time in the direct sun and long durations recovering rockets. First aid kit is available at the LCO desk, but it’s a good idea to bring your own as well.
- - What are people like?
OregonRocketry members are a great group of people. You, your family and friends are welcome. Friendly environment is the norm. New to the hobby? Bringing the kids? You are all welcome. You’ll have a great time.
- - Are you more open or closed to newbies?
Open. We at OregonRocketry were all newbies at some time. You’ll feel welcome, and people are happy to discuss their rockets and projects. And you must not need to be a member. You can simply pay the launch fees and fly. You’ll be welcome. Bring your family and friends.
- - Can I drink and fly?
Certainly not! Alcohol and flying rockets is not allowed at any launch event hosted by OregonRocketry. If in the afternoon or evening you choose to have a drink, consider your flying day complete. Avoid prepping anything relating to rocketry at that point. You are welcome to enjoy yourself. But do not mix it with rocketry.
- - Can I fly a complex project?
Sure. But you’ll need approval for any flight by the Range Safety Officer. There maybe additional requirements, such as launch distance from spectators. The RSO can deny / reject any flight. Decisions are final. Complex rocket flights we strongly recommend seeing simulation data. Any rocket deemed questionable, unsafe, or unknown will be denied from launching. Talk to the RSO early, they might have recommendations and advice.
- - Will I get the same help member or not at a launch?
Absolutely. Ask any of the board members or others at the launch. People would be happy to help you. Talk with the RSO if you’re are not quite sure. The RSO can reject any flight deemed unsafe, and those decisions are final. But the RSO might have ideas, recommendation that might help your rocket. Member or not, you are welcome and encouraged to join us.
- - What about kids at the launch?
Kids are absolutely welcome. They however need to be supervised by you, not us. Also they need to listen to all LCO announcements, including range open, range closed, “heads up,” and other announcements. They are welcome to fly rockets. We’d be happy to help if you and they have questions or concerns. Pay it forward is one of OregonRocketry’s goals. Kids get hooked in the hobby. Our future engineers, scientist, areospace engineers. Bring them.
- - What about animals at the launch?
You are welcome to bring animals to a launch. But please consider many factors. The animal must be controlled at all times. They must be ok interacting with other animals, in the event the cross paths with other animals. Please take care of and remove waste. How will your pet respond to the loud sound of rocket motors? Have witnessed pets at launches that became extremely nervous each time a rocket is launched. That’s not fair to any animal that is not accustomed to the noise. As always, they are your responsibility.
- - What about motorcycles & quads at a launch?
No. Not welcome. Keep them at home.
- - What about firearms at a launch?
No. Anyone displaying or using a firearm at a launch event will be first warned. Then if happens again, they’ll be asked to leave. We do not have rattlesnakes where we fly. They do not like the soil at Brothers. Other sites are not in their territory. Firearms are prohibited.
- - What about fireworks at a launch?
Love fireworks. But not at a launch event. Save them for another time at home. Please do not bring or use fireworks at a launch. If caught, you’ll need to talk with me.
- - What about Code of Conduct?
There is always a risk that a rocket might not behave as planned. You might make mistakes. Our Field Safety Officier and Launch Control Officier help to prevent those events. We do strive for safety. If you conduct yourself in a manner that can be considered unsafe to others or irresponsible, then you will be asked to be leave the event. And depending upon the situation, you may be expelled from the club for as long as a year. Follow the clubs, national associations and other rules and policies while attending any OregonRocketry event.