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November 16, 2015

Tragedy for SoCal Rocketry and Scouting Communities

On Saturday, November 14, a Boy Scout leader was fatally injured when he was struck by a rocket at a BSA launch. Mike Bentley was a 50 year old resident of Highland and a long time scout leader. He was at a BSA event called Rocket Rave when the accident occurred. The event was held at Giant Rock OHV area, near Morongo, California.

This tragedy has shocked the local scouting and rocketry communities.

We currently do not have any details beyond what has been published in the news media.

The long standing policy of ROC is to conduct our launches in a safe and prudent manner, and observe the requirements of the NAR and Tripoli safety codes, NFPA standards, and all applicable regulations. We also will implement more conservative policies where the Board of Directors finds them prudent. As the facts of this tragic event become available, we will review our launch practices to ensure we continue to provide a safe environment to enjoy and promote our hobby. We always welcome questions, suggestions, and healthy discussion of our policies and practices. To contact the Board, please use the contact form at: http://www.rocstock.org/contact-us

We do ask that our members and associates refrain from posting rumors and speculation on any social media regarding the accident.

Mr. Bentley is survived by his wife and four sons. An account to accept donations to help the Bentley family with funeral and other expenses has been set up at: https://www.gofundme.com/mikebentley

November 3, 2015

Long Range Weather Prediction for November ROCstock

A PRELIMINARY glance at the crystal ball shows some favorable looking weather for ROCstock.

Temperatures for Friday the 13th through Sunday the 15th should be about 63°F for a high, and the lows at 40°F.

Clear skies and fairly calm conditions. UV index the lowest we have seen in months. Humidity roughly 30%.

It will be cooler than recent launches, so dress a little warmly, and in layers so you can adjust as it warms up.

Of course, a hat and plenty of water are always good ideas.

Things can certainly change this time of year, so watch for updates!

October 16, 2015

ROC Membership Meeting, 2015

It is one of my duties as Secretary of the Corporation to give notice of ROC’s Annual Membership meeting.

The 2015 meeting will be held during the November ROCStock (RS 42), taking place at Lucerne Dry Lake November 14th and 15th. The meeting will be called to order at 5pm on Saturday, November 14th at the Range Head on the lakebed.

All ROC Members, Daily Flying members, and Spectators are invited to the meeting. However, only Executive (Annual Paid), Board, and Lifetime Members can be recognized for business during the meeting or are authorized to vote. This is a standing meeting; i.e. you must be present to participate.

The only item currently on the Agenda is the Announcement of the results of the 2016 Board of Directors election. Items may also be brought to the floor during the meeting after the set Agenda is completed.

From Mike Riss, Secretary

October 16, 2015

Youth Group Registration for November ROCkstock is FULL!

We have a policy for youth groups who register in advance, and are approved, to get a very reduced launch fee. The approval is for that specific visit to that specific launch, and is dependent on whether we can accommodate the group. This is open, on a “first come-first served” basis to any youth group (scouts, CAP, schools, church groups, etc.) that bring a number of youth to a launch.

We just had a very successful ROCtober launch, which is our annual launch that is specifically geared to youth groups and promoting rocketry education. At ROCtober we had multiple banks of low power pads and processes to efficiently launch a large number of rockets from them as quickly as we could safely do so. This also required an number of additional volunteers during the launch. We ensured that we had additional “porta-potties” to handle the number of people at the launch.

At our normal monthly launches we will have far fewer low power pads. We are working now on increasing from six to eight pads per bank with a new launch control system, so the number of pads at a normal monthly launch will be going up by 25%, but this is still only one bank of pads at each level. Near, middle, and far rows with each have eight pads each rather than the six we have had up now.

Even at ROCstocks, we anticipate having only two banks of low power pads, for a total of 16. Obviously, 300 youth lined up for 16 pads would mean long lines and slow launching.

In fact, we have already received requests from as many youth groups as we can accommodate at this November ROCstock. Any addition youth groups can not be approved for the lower fees, and will be encouraged to attend later launches.

At regular monthly launches we limit the number of youth approved. Again, this is “first come–first served”, so early applications are important.

Information for youth groups can be found at: https://rocstock.org/youth-groups/

Please note also that LDRS-35 (that is Large, Dangerous Rocket Ships!) is a high-power rocketry event, and there will be no special fees for youth groups.

October 4, 2015October 4, 2015

Weather Prediction for ROCtober

The weather for Saturday and Sunday will be a bit warmer than average, with highs of about 91° both days.

It should be calm and clear, with fairly calm weather for night launching.

Humidity is expected to be around 30%, and the UV index moderate at 6 of 10.

While the UV index is expected to be lower than at any launch so far this year, sunblock is still a good idea, and staying hydrated is always important. Bring and drink plenty of water!