FROM YOUR RANGE BOX TO THE RSD - IT'S ALL IN THE PLANNING!

Ask nearly anyone who has launched a model rocket to describe what they felt the moment their first model took to the sky and you will hear terms such as “awesome”, “heart stopping”, “beautiful”. Few things are more fun and exciting to watch than a model rocket streaking off the launch pad into the clear blue sky above.

The idea of a model rocket launch - with all those people watching - often fills educators with more than a bit of trepidation. What happens if the rockets don’t fly? What if a rocket gets damaged before it flies? Questions like these (and many others) are pretty common among even the most experienced rocketeer. The key to a successful, safe and - yes, fun - launch is to be prepared. Knowing just how to be prepared is the subject of this chapter.

Applying the KISS principle.

While having a couple of common things on hand when you’re out at a launch is always a good idea, tools and supplies will not get your rockets off the ground; education and communication will. Two of the most important tools that can insure a safe and successful launch are already familiar to you: the Model Rocket Safety Code and the Range Safety Diagram.

Should your students be able to recite the Safety Code by heart? We certainly don’t think so. But students should be familiar enough with the Safety Code to be able to recognize situations that call for caution (In the CERC I cannot list how many times a student has called me back off the field because I started walking 48 seconds into the 60 second rule!). A good practice is to provide students who are launching with their own “range sheet” that has the Safety Code photocopied onto one side and the Range Safety Diagram on the other. Be sure that - in addition to making the Safety Code available and accessible - you review each of the important provisions. Educators are often surprised at how model rocketry students will “police” themselves if they are familiar with the Safety Code.

Finally - and importantly - when your group launches be sure to post a copy of the Safety Code in an accessible location for any spectators who might be present. (we will examine this more in a minute).

Use that RSD!

In chapter seven we defined the Range Safety Diagram (RSD) as having four functions: a safety tool, an educational tool, a spectator management guide and a program specific summary. Of these four functions the first three have a direct application to your range activities.

As a safety tool the RSD is invaluable in allowing you to control the activities of the range. Your RSD is customized for your range and surroundings and allows you to establish and enforce a safe environment before you or your students ever step foot on the grass. As an educational tool the RSD should be presented with the Safety Code.. Discussing the RSD with your group prior to any launch activities (and enforcing the RSD even if you are launching a single rocket for demonstration) can make the difference between an organized launch and a “field day”. The RSD is also a great tool if your group launches on different fields. The key is to have an RSD for each field - once students are familiar with the features of one they can easily read and understand the requirements of the other.

Lastly, the RSD is the perfect spectator management tool when posted at the entrances to your range and distributed to other staff who - with their students - might be attending your launch. Posting the RSD is essential because you will soon be referring to it in your pre-launch briefing.