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October 2, 2025

Rocket Launch Event – 10/4/2025

Hello Fellow Club Members:

The weather forecast for Saturday looks good.  The wind might be a little high, but we’ll do our best to launch.  So, yes, I will be at the site launching my rockets (20-30 possibly).  There will be some cool maiden flights that could be interesting.  We will also launch any rockets you bring.  Obviously, any rocket to be flown will have to meet safety and other site requirements, eg this is a small field; no mid power rockets will be launched unless it is dead calm. If you do bring something to fly, all the NAR rules will apply.

WE HOPE TO START LAUNCHING ROCKETS AT 1:00PM

 

I will not be distributing any kits ahead of time.  If you come and enjoy the event, I will have several entry and beginner rocket kits available for sale.  As well as a few launch sets (pad, rod, blast plate and controller) and engines, etc. CASH ONLY.

Spectators are welcome.  Please come and watch.  I suggest you bring your own chairs; they will not be provided.

Here are the details:

  • First and foremost, the Rocket Launch activity IS NOT a PCA sponsored event.
  • The launch site is just west of Portland at the intersection of Grand River and Keefer Hwy.  The address is 7943 S Keefer Hwy, Portland, MI.  There will be restrooms available at the site.
  • Since we will be launching on a small field, we will be using low power motors.  I assume we all want our rockets back.
  • Younger family members are encouraged to participate.  However, parents (or other adult family members) will be totally responsible for their safety and behavior.
  • Anyone participating in unruly or disruptive behavior will be asked to leave – safety first.  Check out the National Association of Rocketry Safety Code here: https://www.nar.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=114127&module_id=669234
  • I will supply the launch equipment.

Other key points:

  • There are three states at a rocket launch: Range Open = you can recover your rocket and or prepare a rocket and place it on the launch pad; Range Closed = no one is allowed on the Range which is the entire area including launch pad, launch control station and anticipated recovery area; Range Armed = rockets will be taking off.
  • People will be there to assist in preparing your rocket for launch.
  • Each rocket must pass a safety inspection before each launch.
  • Each participant is responsible for tracking and retrieving their own rocket.  Don’t expect someone else to tell you where it went or to get it for you (unless you ask them ahead of time)
  • The launch master (me) is the ultimate authority on all decisions pertaining to the launch.
  • We will only launch weather permitting.

This should be a lot of fun.  Let’s pray for good weather!  Curtis J Howe, Driving Tour Chair