The Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA) recognizes that many student teams have begun seeking mentors and acquiring High Power Rocketry (HPR) certifications through organizations like the Tripoli Rocketry Association(TRA) and the National Association of Rocketry(NAR).  Student rocketry organizations are vital to the hobby and to the aerospace industry.  TRA prefectures and NAR clubs are very important to student teams for meeting mentors and flying certification flights and project launches. Here are some general guidelines to follow to ensure your visit is successful.  Please review these with your team before you attend a high power launch.

Before you arrive:

  • Use the NAR and Tripoli web sites to determine which clubs and prefectures are within your “local area”.
  • In advance of attending a launch, contact the club or prefecture and let them know what your plans are. Discuss with them your certification and launch requirements.
  • Make sure you and your team review and understand the NAR and or the Tripoli safety codes. 
  • Clubs and Prefectures have different membership and launch requirements. Be sure you understand them before attending the launch.
  • If you have a high-altitude project or certification attempts, make sure to contact the group at least a week before the launch.   The larger the project, the more lead time the group will need.
  • Make sure to have a packing list and flight prep checklists. Review them before heading to the launch. Follow them when preparing your rocket
  • Bring food and water for your group
  • Remind your team to dress appropriately for the weather and field conditions at the launch site.
  • Test your recovery gear, GPS systems, batteries etc.  Don’t get caught by surprise.

When you arrive:

  • Arrive early and offer to help set up the range.  Do NOT TRESPASS on other property without permission!
  • Check in with the club leadership before you start unpacking your own gear. Ask them where you can set up.
  • Pay any flight fees or membership dues needed.
  • Be ready to launch your projects.  Do not show up with half-built rockets and constantly asking other members to borrow items. DO NOT wait until late afternoon to begin prepping your rocket.
  • If there is an onsite vendor, please make sure to consider buying something from them.
  • If you or any of your members regularly attend this group’s launch, you should consider becoming members.

Before you leave:

  • Check out with the launch director and make sure there are no leftover items, concerns or questions
  • ALWAYS ALWAYS assist in putting away the launch equipment. Leave the site cleaner than you arrived!
  • Be grateful and appreciative for these clubs.  It takes a lot of effort to organize and run a HPR launch.