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Tripoli Rocketry Association

HomeBALLS Rules

BALLS Launch Rules

General Information

All information provided here is specific and pertinent to all attendees of BALLS. If you plan to launch, be aware of CLASS 3 flights.

Concerns

Deb Koloms is the Launch Director and should be contacted for any BALLS-related concerns.

Media Inquiries

All media personnel (photographers, film, and video) must apply for accreditation for this event. For accreditation, please contact our Media Liaison, David Wilkins.

Permitted Motors

  • Certified Commercial Motors: There is a minimum K-CLASS requirement for all commercial motors throughout the weekend, except for lower impulse motors used for Level One and Level Two Certification flight attempts (supported at this event).

  • Research Motors: There are no minimum requirements for research motors.

Launch Information

BALLS is sanctioned by The Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc. Insurance coverage is in place, but everyone attending, observing, participating, or just present in the area must sign a release waiver and pay the event fee. Special ground support equipment is the responsibility of the individual or project team.

A range with a limited number of launch pads will be set up. A central LCO will control all launches within the range (approximately 2,500 feet from LCO), as well as any launches conducted at Away Cells on the playa for all days of the BALLS event. If you require any special equipment, bring it yourself.

Provided Equipment

Launch pads of various sizes will be available, but no launch rods will be provided, only 1010 & 1515 rails. If you need special equipment or ground support, bring it yourself. BALLS Committee members will assist you with placement.

Range Safety Officers

RSOs will be present on the range at all times during the event to help fliers and ensure compliance with the TRA Research Safety Code and BALLS-specific rules. Fliers are expected to comply with directions from RSOs.

Rocket Inspections

Due to the complexity and technology of today's BALLS rockets, rocket inspections are required. Each flyer must present their project to the Inspector (RSO) at the LCO table for inspection. Once approved, it can move to the range for pad mounting. Flyers at Away Cells will be met by roving RSOs for the inspection of their projects. The RSO's decision is final.

Away Cells

Many large projects flown at the Away Cells may require additional personnel for flight preparation tasks. However, the number of people at the Away Cells should be kept to a minimum to minimize safety issues and insurance claims. All individuals granted access to the Away Cells must be identified in advance to obtain the appropriate identification. The official flyer for such projects should send an email to Gerald Meux , indicating the number of people who will assist and their names. A maximum of six people will be permitted. All Away Cell personnel must be registered TRA fliers with no exceptions. If additional assistance is needed, please see the Launch Director for support.

Safety Code & Special Project Notification

BALLS is run under the Tripoli Unified Safety Code. Anyone planning to fly above an O motor or any flight exceeding 100,000 feet, even with total impulse less than 40,960 Newton-seconds, MUST file Class 3 paperwork with the Committee. If approved, it will be sent to the FAA & AST to acquire its own Personal Class 3 COA and launched from an Away Cell beyond the 2,500 ft distance of normal BALLS operations. Those planning to fly a Class 3 Project at BALLS must submit their paperwork to the Class 3 Committee Chairman at least 90 days in advance; the earlier, the better. If you have neglected to send your paperwork until July, you are likely too late. If you bring your Class 3 level project to BALLS without committee approval, you will not be permitted to launch it.

No steel airframe parts are permitted, including nose cones, fins, mounts, and airframes. Frangible materials such as aluminum are acceptable.

Class 3 Rocket Requirements

A Class 3 rocket contains more than 40,960 Newton-seconds of installed impulse (a full O class motor). Fliers are required to submit a Class 3 application to the Class 3 Committee well in advance of the planned flight. See “CLASS 3 FLIGHTS” in the menu above for details and required forms.

100K ft Project Requirements

If you plan to exceed 100,000 feet, even with a vehicle using less than 40,960 Newton-seconds, you must file a Class 3 report with the Committee. Without Committee approval, the flight will not be approved. See “CLASS 3 FLIGHTS” in the menu above for details and required forms.

College and University Rocket Teams

All college and university teams, both US and international, must contact Deb Koloms, the launch Director

Registration and Check-In

Registration TableOnly current TRA or NAR members are permitted access to the flying field (beyond the spectator line) at this event. All who register as fliers must produce a current valid TRA or NAR membership card during check-in at the BALLS registration table. Knowledge of your membership number, expired cards, driver’s licenses, a friend vouching for you, or a note from your mother will not suffice.  If you cannot prove your membership is current, you will be issued a spectator badge, which entitles you only to access the spectator area.

On-Field Registration Payment

For those planning to register at the event, cash or credit cards are accepted.

Set Up Considerations

The BALLS volunteer crew will be on-site on Wednesday to set up the range and delineate the spectator area. Early arrivers must not set up their area until after the lines have been set for the event. Incorrectly placed early setups will be required to move. BALLS organizers must arrange event areas consistent with permits from the BLM and FAA waivers. Attendees who move sections of the spectator safety line will be required to leave the event and may be excluded from future attendance.

Extracurricular Activities

BALLS provides opportunities for good times, comradeship, and fun on the playa after the day’s flying. However, activities such as fireworks, rocket flights, cannons, or any other activities that put attendees and the playa at undue risk are not permitted. TRA events are insured only for limited activities, and our BLM permit has limits as well.

Playa Clean-Up Responsibilities

All attendees are expected to clean up after themselves, including hauling away their own trash and smoothing any damage to the dry lake surface. The BLM requires us to leave the playa in the same condition we found it. Those who fail to conform to these responsibilities may be required to leave the event and/or be excluded from future events.

Important Notice

Because of the nature of the activities and environment at BALLS, children are discouraged. It is nearly impossible to concentrate on a large, potentially dangerous project while watching a child. Past experience has shown that children often end up where they shouldn't be or riding bikes and ATVs through prep areas.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, contact the Launch Director, Deb Koloms.