Rocketry although lots of fun can be VERY dangerous. There are several things to remember and also things you agree to once you decide to witness, spectate, view (from any range), participate in this hobby with us.
DANGERS OF ROCKETRY/RC Airplanes:
- For those using black powder engines – Remember, you are playing with a variant of gun powder. This is a very flammable, and very unforgiving material used for propulsion. DO NOT FORGET BASIC SAFETY WHEN HANDLING.
- For those using chemical variation engines – Remember, you are using a very temperamental method of propulsion. Same dangers as black powder engines, but much less forgiving as once they begin burning, they will need to deplete themselves.
- ONCE IGNITION STARTS – NOTHING STOPS IT. DO NOT RUSH YOUR LAUNCHES. (This is the biggest mistake made in rocketry that leads to the most dangerous situations, and 100% preventable.)
- Do it with folks you trust, and folks that can take responsibility for their presence. Just cause you can purchase these engines at your local hobby shop does not make them safe.
- Make sure the folks you bring with you can follow directions. This is important as they need to follow the command to STOP… in case rocket hits the ground before BOOM BOOM charge goes off. Lack of knowledge of the basics of the engines is what causes this common mistake that could cost you or your kids a finger or hand.
- Do not bring anything out to the field you do not want broken or lost. BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN BELONGINGS, THIS INCLUDES YOUR CHILDREN!!!!
- When children are present, remember to always keep them by your side, and under proper supervision. The places we choose are fun, but the activity overall requires adult supervision. Things can go south quickly when dealing with rockets, and gunpowder and this is not the type of result we want.
- Unspoken rule… you break someone’s gear, you pay for it.
Things to keep in consideration when around remote control planes.
- Keep your distance from others equipment. They are trusting you not to break it accidentally.
- If you break it, you bought it.
- In the field there are many hazards directly related to R/C modeling; falling airplanes, high current boxes, live wires, and very very fragile equipment, fast turning propellers, hot tires…. so on. Be aware of them, and if you aren’t feel free to ask.
- We are happy to see your kids enjoying the time, please make sure to keep them at a safe distance, as in rocketry, things are great until they aren’t.
- When a pilot has a plane in the air, don’t try to get his attention. Distraction can lead to disaster. Typically we have a person near us that plays interference.
- Don’t ask to fly other peoples models. It takes a lot of practice and money to be able to get it right. Don’t expect to grab someone’s controller and be an expert in their own custom settings.
- Feel free to bring big, small, any type of plane out to the field. 5 points if its a full size cessna.
- There is always a designated runway... stay out of it unless you are landing or retrieving.
- If you are not with the flying team, don’t go and retrieve someone’s plane. In many cases they want to see the debris field to see if problem can be determined. In other cases they just want to cry about it alone lol
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING RULE FOR EVERYONE:
PLEASE DO NOT SHOW UP AND TURN ON A CONTROLLER WITHOUT CHECKING IN WITH FOLKS THAT ARE AIRBORNE. WE CAN TELL YOU WHAT FREQUENCIES FOLKS ARE RUNNING ON TO AVOID RANDOM CRAFT FALLING FROM THE SKY. WE HAVE UNFORTUNATELY HAD AN INCIDENT WITH THIS BEFORE, WE WOULDN’T WANT TO REPEAT IT.
Make sure to reach out to one of our team members for times when we will be out at the park. Any time we are out it is a child friendly event. We try to head out at least once a week.