Well, we're barely a week away from LDRS 23, a good time to remind everyone that an event of this magnitude requires the assistance of range duty volunteers. If you can spare a couple of hours to volunteer for a range duty shift, you'll find that your effort is not only appreciated by the rest of the flyers and event staff, but that it is also personally rewarding as well.
And even if you're never done range duty before, don't worry - we can pair you up with someone who is experienced, so they can show you the ropes.
Many thanks to the following clubs and prefectures who have already committed to "hosting" either a half-day or full day shift of range duty at LDRS 23 by staffing the key range duty positions with their club members:
- Tripoli Pittsburgh (#1) * CTRA - Tripoli Connecticut (#26) * NAPAS - Tripoli Southern Ontario (#75) * MDRA - Tripoli Maryland (#68) * LIARS - Tripoli Long Island (#29)
So give it some thought, and when you're on the field next week, wander over to the registration tent and sign yourself up for a turn at range duty - you'll be glad you did.
The general range duty positions include an LCO, an Announcer, Rocket Inspectors and Pad Managers.
LCO The "button pusher", running the launch control system for the HPR and model rocket pads, operating from the flight cards submitted by the pad managers. There is no certification level limit, but the volunteer should have prior experience as an LCO at club or other launches.
Announcer Announces the flights, reads out flight card information over the PA system, and issues countdowns.
Rocket Inspector A rocket inspector (RI) inspects a flyer's rocket to ensure that it will fly and recover safely, and that the motors being used are certified and appropriate for the flight. The flyer's cert level and LDRS registration level are also checked. Rocket Inspectors must be certified to Tripoli or NAR Level 2 or CAR Level 3. Having at least one RI per shift who is hybrid-knowledgeable would be an asset.
Pad Manager The Pad Manager (PM) assigns pads to flyers and assists flyers with racking their rockets and setting the proper launch angle. He ensures that the connections at each pad are properly configured prior to a bank of rockets being launched. He checks that flight cards have RI approval, and updates the cards with the assigned pad info before submitting the cards to the LCO. There is no certification level limit, but the volunteer should have prior experience as a PM at club or other launches.
Thanks, and hope to see you there...Rick
-- Rick Dunseith LDRS 23 Volunteer Coordinator TRA 7162 - L3 / TAP BRS 0079 - BFR CAR S376 - L4 NAPAS 1999 - VP