NAR HPR Flight Safety & Range Operations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does NAR require regarding the launch angle of high-power rockets at a sanctioned launch?
- Must be perfectly vertical (90°)
- Must be within 30° of vertical
- Must be within 15° of vertical (Correct answer)
- Any angle is acceptable if cleared by the RSO
Correct answer: Must be within 15° of vertical
NAR safety code requires high-power rockets to be launched within 15 degrees of vertical to keep them within the designated flight corridor.
Question 2: Which of the following is an RSO's authority at a NAR-sanctioned launch?
- Approving motor certifications for attending fliers
- Refusing to allow a flight they deem unsafe (Correct answer)
- Issuing NAR membership cards on-site
- Certifying fliers for higher power levels
Correct answer: Refusing to allow a flight they deem unsafe
The RSO has full authority to refuse any flight they believe poses a safety risk, regardless of the flier's certification level.
Question 3: What is 'weather-cocking' and why is it a safety concern in high-power rocketry?
- Premature ejection charge firing caused by temperature changes
- A rocket turning into the wind and flying off-course (Correct answer)
- Static electricity buildup on the rocket skin
- Fin flutter causing structural failure at high speed
Correct answer: A rocket turning into the wind and flying off-course
Weather-cocking occurs when a rocket's fins cause it to turn into the wind, potentially directing it outside the safe flight corridor.
Question 4: At minimum, how far must the launch area's clear zone extend downrange from the launch pad for a high-power rocket flight?
- It depends on the motor impulse class and the RSO's waiver (Correct answer)
- 500 feet in all directions
- 1,000 feet downwind only
- 2,500 feet in all directions
Correct answer: It depends on the motor impulse class and the RSO's waiver
Required clear zones are determined by the motor's impulse class and are specified in the FAA altitude waiver for the site.
Question 5: Which action is PROHIBITED while the launch range is in a 'green' (active) status?
- Walking to the launch pad to prep a rocket
- Retrieving a rocket from the flight line
- Entering the range without the RSO's permission (Correct answer)
- Using a radio near the launch equipment
Correct answer: Entering the range without the RSO's permission
Even on a green range, no one may enter the active flight area without explicit permission from the RSO.
Question 6: What information must be included in a range card submitted to the RSO before flight?
- Pilot's FAA drone license number
- Rocket name, motor, projected altitude, and recovery system type (Correct answer)
- Insurance policy number and liability waiver
- Manufacturer's warranty documentation for the motor
Correct answer: Rocket name, motor, projected altitude, and recovery system type
A range card typically requires rocket description, motor designation, expected altitude, and recovery system details so the RSO can assess safety.
Question 7: If a rocket's recovery system deploys at an extremely high altitude and the rocket drifts far from the launch site, what should the flier do FIRST?
- Immediately chase the rocket by vehicle
- Notify the RSO of the situation before leaving the launch area (Correct answer)
- Launch a second rocket to visually track it
- File a property damage waiver with NAR headquarters
Correct answer: Notify the RSO of the situation before leaving the launch area
The flier must inform the RSO before leaving so range operations are aware of an off-site recovery and potential hazard.
NAR HPR Flight Safety & Range Operations 3
What does NAR require regarding the launch angle of high-power rockets at a sanctioned launch?