OregonRocketry
Minutes of Business Meeting
April 3, 2003
Officers Present:
Dennis Winningstad, President
John Gamble, Secretary
Alex McLaughlin, Treasurer
Paul San Soucie, Launch Director
Stephen Tarr, RSOC
Dennis Winningstad called the meeting to order at approximately 7:45 p.m.
Approval of the minutes of the March meeting was tabled until the May meeting.
Treasurer’s Report - Alex McLaughlin reported a total of $3961.44, with $1247.00 of that in the Launch Site Development Fund. March income was $460.00, expenses of $51.50 for Homer Hickam’s book for the two Oregon Senators.
Old Business
Launch Site Clean Up Launch – Alex McLaughlin reported that the clean up launch at the Brothers was very successful. Much work was done, but much remains. The event was well attended and there were about 30 rocket flights in between cleaning. More events will likely be scheduled.
Launch Site and Waivers – Paul is still working with Chris and Jane on terms for the launch site. There has been no word back on the waiver applications, in part owing to a personnel change at the Seattle FAA office. OROC has also learned that waivers above 25K MSL must be submitted to a higher committee. Also, waivers breaking 10K AGL are screened more than waivers below 10K. Dennis and Paul, along with Gary Fillible, will arrange to meet with FAA representatives in Seattle to pursue reactivation of the Sheridan waiver. More information will be posted when available.
Sunset Rocketry Club - Nick Anderson reported that SRC has qualified for the Team America Rocket Challenge, May 9-11 in Virginia. There were 100 qualifying teams across the country. The SRC qualification flight came within 70’ of the target 1500’. Transportation and lodging will cost ~$3000 for the SRC team. The OROC BoD approved a matching grant of up to $250 for contributions made by OROC members.
Trailer Party – Stephen Tarr reported that about a dozen or so people attended the trailer party and much work was done on equipment maintenance.
Posters and Fliers – John Gamble reported that the posters and fliers were done and available for distribution. Thanks to Steve Tarr for printing them and thanks to all who helped fold the brochures.
Member ID – Matt Jones will have ID cards available at the Sheridan launch for all current members.
HSA/SEA – It was reported that the Senate rocket campaign is doing well. OROC members are encouraged to continue contacting their Senators to keep the issue alive. Also, John Gamble reported that the information on Model Rocket Fires from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s office is running about 50% inaccurate. Work will be done to educate the fire professional community in Oregon on OROC and safe rocketry practices. Dave Proffitt may have a contact to the Salem Fire Marshal’s office and will pursue it.
New Business
April Launch – Steve Tarr reported that setup would be Friday, April 11. The trailer may get dropped off earlier in the week for convenience. Dennis will contact Gary Fillible to contact the Scharffs. Steve had signup sheets for support positions at the launch and everyone is encouraged to volunteer some time. The RSO must be L2 certified and the LCO must be L1 certified. There is also the position of Flight Check-in Officer, FCO, responsible for pad assignments. Signs will be made to promote full completion of flight cards. The FAR101 notice will be called in for Friday for after setup.
EX Launch Policies – Paul San Soucie and John Gamble discussed the need to adhere to TRA EX safety codes to maintain insurance coverage and sanctioning body affiliation. The most important points are 1) a mandatory twelve-hour separation between commercial and EX launches, including static tests, even on adjoining property; 2) EX motors may be launched only by their builders – no building EX motors for someone else; and 3) no commercial motor may be burned at an EX launch. Further details are available on the TRA website. The main upshot of adherence to this code is that there will no longer be a Friday pickup launch at Brother after setup. Fridays will be EX only, all day long. No exceptions.
Launch Site Notice Requirements – Dennis discussed the need to notify the BoD whenever the waiver is to be activated. The waiver is under OROC; therefore the responsibility for use of the waiver falls to OROC. The BoD is to be notified at bod@oregonrocketry.com at least one week prior to waiver activation, the same notice required for Chris and Jane, regardless of who is using it.
LEUP/Motor Storage Issues – John Gamble discussed the concerns of members regarding new motor storage and licensing requirements. One possible option is group storage with a large capacity magazine on some rural property. This issue will be pursued and OROC will post information regarding specific local storage requirements and LEUP application information on the web site.
Nick Anderson reported that SRC would be launching a Flaming Conestoga Wagon at PSU on Friday to kick off a Science Fair. There will be local dignitaries and television coverage. Updates will be posted on the OROC mail list. And Ray Summers of KOIN may be at the Sheridan launch.
The meeting was adjourned.
Submitted by
John Gamble, Secretary
OregonRocketry
Please send any corrections or additions to these minutes to gambler@interroc.com