July Launch Canceled
Posted: July 1, 2020 Filed under: Launch Announcements Comments Off on July Launch CanceledDue to the Covid-19 Pandemic the July 11th ROC Launch has been canceled.
CalPyro Study Group
Posted: June 30, 2020 Filed under: Launch Announcements Comments Off on CalPyro Study GroupTo hold high power rocket launches in California one of the requirements is that the launch is supervision by a licensed Pyrotechnic Operator. Otherwise the launch is limited to motors listed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) as “Model Rocket Motors”.
ROC has a study/discussion group to help individuals navigate the process of getting licensed. The OSFM will be accepting applications for new licensees in the near future. The license term runs from July 1 to June 30, and they have been processing renewal applications.
There are currently only a few dozen licensees in the state, and only a few who are active participants in ROC. It would benefit the club if we add some new licensees to ensure we always have a licensee at our launches and share the responsibilities.
A third class Pyrotechnic Operator’s License is sufficient for commercial motor club launches such as ROC holds. A Third Class licensee is limited to commercial motors listed by the OSFM. A Second Class license adds self-made motors like those used at Tripoli Research launches. A First Class license includes all hobby and amateur rocketry activity.
There is information about the study group and the process of getting a license on the ROC web page:
https://rocstock.org/learn/advanced/ (Scroll to the bottom of the page.)
Self-Nominations for Board of Directors Is Now Open
Posted: June 21, 2020 Filed under: Launch Announcements Comments Off on Self-Nominations for Board of Directors Is Now OpenIt’s that time of year folks! If you’ve ever wondered about the “behind the scenes” of your club, wanted to become more involved in club decision making, simply want to “pay it forward” or just want to learn more about rocketry then consider self-nominating for a seat on the ROC Board of Directors.
There are three full term (three year) Director seats up for election this year. Any adult ROC member in good standing can self-nominate by writing a Statement of Self-Nomination. Make sure to include a photo. Please send to: allen.farrington@me.com The deadline for self-nomination is August 31st, 2020 at 11:59 PM. Ballots will be cast electronically via the Wild Apricot Membership Portal during Sept and Oct. Results of the election will be announced during the Annual Members Meeting November 14th, 2020 at ROCstock. If elected, your annual club fees are waived.
Please consider running for a Board of Director seat. It’s a great way to become more involved and have fun while making a difference in the hobby we all love so much!
-Mike Ostby, ROC President
June ROCstock, 2020, is Cancelled, and Return to Flight Operation Plan
Posted: June 2, 2020 Filed under: Launch Announcements Comments Off on June ROCstock, 2020, is Cancelled, and Return to Flight Operation PlanThe ROC Board of Directors has been coordinating with Federal and County Officials with respect to returning ROC to operations soon. As you can see from other stores and industries around us, there’s been a lot of change happening in the past few weeks and we expect more changes (both positive and negative) to occur over the next several months.
1) ROC’s BoD is a volunteer group that all have other obligations, some of which have increased during this Pandemic,
2) We are not a “business” in that if we don’t launch we’ll “go out of business” so the County treats us with that priority,
2) We are working from the best information that we can get from County health authorities,
3) This process is going to be slow and will probably take months to return to our regular operations.
ROC is a volunteer organization and you see that getting us back on the lakebed is going to take some significant work by the BoD to pull off. If you have time and/or resources, please let us know as we can use all the help we can get to make this happen.
1) For the time being, you have to already be an Executive Member of ROC (as of June 1st, 2020) to launch with us.
We will be closed to the Public. No walk-ons, no signing up at the launch, no youth groups. During this initial phase, we have to try to limit the amount of folks out on the lakebed. As we work out procedures and see what works and what doesn’t, we’ll gradually open this up until we are fully open.
2) You will have to waive your ability to sue us if you get sick or make someone else sick.
It may sound silly, but we’ve been sued for less before…as a BoD, we are required to protect the club’s assets.
3) You cannot be at the launch unless you are actively launching.
For right now, no “extras”, no spectators or friends “just checking things out”. No coming out just to socialize…bummer. We’re also limiting the bringing of small children (under 6) as they will require extra attention and they usually don’t participate in launching.
4) If you are sick or live with anyone sick, you will need to stay home.
This should be obvious, but must be stated.
5) You must properly wear a mask when within 50 feet of the range head. You must practice Social Distancing.
This is a typically congested area and even with social distancing, we need you to wear a mask. Don’t agree? Stay Home.
6) You must bring your own sanitation and personal protective equipment.
ROC will be providing some hand sanitizer and gloves for volunteers, but otherwise you’re on your own.
7) You will need to bring all your own supplies. Please do not share your supplies with people outside your household.
8) To minimize contact we are looking at online pre-registration for launches.
Mike Ostby,
ROC President
Return to Flight Statement
Posted: May 19, 2020 Filed under: Launch Announcements Comments Off on Return to Flight StatementTo ROC Members, Flyers and Spectators,
The ROC Board has been looking for every opportunity to get back to launching rockets while complying with all applicable state and local public health orders. As it stands right now, we do not see a way to comply and keep our flyers, spectators and volunteers safe, so June ROCstock will most likely need to be cancelled. We are still holding out hope that something changes so that we could try to fly but it is highly unlikely. If something does change that would allow us to hold a launch an announcement will be posted by Sunday, June 7th.
ROC is a NAR Section and therefore must follow NAR guidelines in order to hold sanctioned and insured launches. NAR’s Covid-19 Policy recommends that “NAR sections follow all applicable national, state, and local requirements, restrictions, and recommendations for the physical location of the event(s).” Although San Bernardino County has rescinded their public health order ROC will comply with state guidelines. At this time the California Department of Public Health recommends that all gatherings should be postponed or canceled. At a very minimum San Bernardino County will need to enter into stage-3 of California’s Roadmap to Recovery and give us their okay to hold an event before ROC can consider resuming launches. At that time the ROC Board of Directors will re-evaluate and post an update. At which time ROC does return to launching there will be protocols to follow and possibly limits to gathering size.
Please understand that the ROC Board is looking for ways to get back out on the playa. We all want to get back to launching. We’re all itching to fly the projects we’ve been working on. Many of us are going stir crazy cooped up at home. But ROC’s primary obligation must be the safety, health and welfare of its members and the people who attend our events. If anything changes, and there is a way to hold a launch, we will. But until then please be patient. Before we know it we’ll be punching holes in the sky again.
Please stay safe everyone.
Mike Ostby,
ROC President
