There will be a launch hot line phone number printed on your name badge to use for critical issues that Indiana Rocketry needs to know about during launch operations.
What You Can Fly
Under TRA certification you can fly Class 2 rockets with total installed motor impulse of under 40,960 N-sec.
These can be commercial motors or experimental motors.
These can be commercial motors or experimental motors.
Under NAR certification you can only fly Class 2 rockets commercial rocket motors with total installed motor impulse of under 40,960 N-sec.
The 100s tower pads are capable of flying motors thru a T designation. P designation or higher are Class 3 rockets requiring the flyer to obtain Class 3 approval from TRA and an FAA waiver for the flight.
If one of your planned Class 1 or Class 2 flights meets the following, please fill out our Large/Complex Project Submission Template found here.
- Expected altitude of 16,000 feet or greater.
- Any rocket that is 10” in diameter or greater.
- Single motor rockets at N-impulse or greater.
- Complex configurations of L-impulse or greater.
- Flights requiring special GSE (hybrid and liquid motors).
- And optionally, any cool and unusual rockets (goonie, scale, Mach-buster, etc.) you would like to see featured on our Large Projects page.
- Expected altitude of 16,000 feet or greater.
- Any rocket that is 10” in diameter or greater.
- Single motor rockets at N-impulse or greater.
- Complex configurations of L-impulse or greater.
- Flights requiring special GSE (hybrid and liquid motors).
- And optionally, any cool and unusual rockets (goonie, scale, Mach-buster, etc.) you would like to see featured on our Large Projects page.
How High Can You Fly
Indiana Rocketry has a 24,000 ft AGL standing waiver that will be in effect for all 4 days of LDRS.
Please attend the daily 8:30a EST flyers meeting for updates on any restrictions.
Please attend the daily 8:30a EST flyers meeting for updates on any restrictions.
Large or High Flying Projects
If you are flying a rocket from the away cells with a motor larger than an M, a complicated rocket that will fly off the away cells, or if you expect your rocket will fly higher than 16,000 ft you need to fill out the Complex Rocket Form available
Equipment Available
We have 64 pads available for motors up to N that are split into two sides. This allows for loading on one side while launching on the other side and vice versa. We have just about any launch rod or rail you would need available. In addition, there are 2 away cells for those very large, complicated or high impulse flights. Safe distances allow any motor configuration including drag races of any motor size at the away cell. If you need anything special, send us an email.
Check-In Procedure
When first arriving on site, all attendees must go to the registration table to check in. Attendees must read, understand and sign the waiver form. This includes waivers for children under 18, which must be signed by their parents. This event strictly adheres to Tripoli Rocketry Associations SAFETY CODE. All flyers are encouraged to read and understand all the rules of safe flying. You can review the safety code here.
When you check in, you will receive the event schedule, rules, badge to access the range, lanyard, a pad layout diagram and recovery area map.
If You Pre-Registered
If you pre-registered on-line before April 3, 2026, simply show your current Tripoli or NAR membership card at the registration table and pick up your registration package. The package will include the event schedule, rules, badge to access the range, lanyard, pre-ordered banquet tickets, t-shirts and other merchandise along with a pad layout diagram and recovery area map. This is the fast, easy, money-saving way to do it. Pre-register for the event and make your purchases in advance here.
Walk-Up Registration
If you did not pre-register, you can register on site at the registration table. The on-site registration fee is significantly higher and cash is preferred. You must show your current Tripoli or NAR membership card and pay the fee in order to register. You will receive the event schedule, rules, badge to access the range, lanyard, along with a pad layout diagram and recovery area map.
Additional Purchases at Onsite Registration
While at the registration table, you can also purchase banquet tickets, t-shirts, and other merchandise if they are still available. To guarantee any merchandise, you best bet is to use PayPal or a credit card to purchase online before the event here.
Flight Cards
Flight cards are available at the registration table and at the RSO table. Cards are color coded for easier handling by launch officials.
Here are the flight card designations:
WHITE CARD - Low power using A thru G motors
YELLOW CARD - High power using H thru N motors
ORANGE CARD - Away cell or particularly complicated flight
BLUE CARD - Certification flightGREEN CARD – Skippy Cup entry
Flight Procedure
1. Grab flight cards at the registration table or RSO table.
2. Fill out a flight card at your base camp with all the information requested on the card before heading to the RSO.
Sign the front and be sure to fill it out COMPLETELY!
Sign the front and be sure to fill it out COMPLETELY!
3. Take your rocket and flight card to the RSO tent for inspection.
a. For very large rockets, you can stop by the RSO tent and request a roving RSO to meet you at your prep area.
ELECTRONICS CONTROLLING PYRO CHARGE/MOTOR STARTERS MUST BE POWERED DOWN UNTIL ON THEIR ASSIGNED LAUNCH PAD.
BOOSTER STAGE MOTOR STARTERS SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED UNTIL ON THE PAD (with the exception of C-slot hobby rocket motors at or below G impulse).
BOOSTER STAGE MOTOR STARTERS SHOULD NOT BE INSTALLED UNTIL ON THE PAD (with the exception of C-slot hobby rocket motors at or below G impulse).
4. If you are using a radio telemetry device, add your name, number and frequency to the whiteboard at the RSO tent. When you return from recovering your rocket, make sure you remove your name from the list.
5. If the RSO approves your flight, then proceed to the range head
6. Find a pad manager at the range head and they will assign a pad number based on motor size and rocket complexity.
7. When the LCO clears the pads for loading, walk up the lane until you get to your pad bank then walk to the pad at a right angle to the lane. Pad managers can help load your rocket if needed.
8. After your rocket is ready to fly, test continuity by pressing the button on the pad box that corresponds with your pad number.
9. Give your flight card to the pad manager
10. Then, walk directly from the launch pads to the center lane, then walk to the range head.
DO NOT walk at an angle toward the LCO table.
11. Wait for the range to clear, then the LCO will announce your flight and launch it.
12. Follow your rocket in flight and all the way to the ground. If you see a problem with the flight yell it out so the LCO can alert everyone about the problem
Recovery
- WAIT until the LCO opens the range before you enter the range area to recover your rocket.
- Be aware that we use a two side system so rockets will be launching from the left when the right side is open for loading or recovery.
- Do not enter a range that is hot and launching rockets.
- Optional use of UTV recovery team for a small club donation. We have a group of local landowners, managers and farmers that use their personal UTVs to take you directly to your rocket.
- Take a buddy with you on long treks or let someone at the registration table know your are going on a long trek and check back in when you return. Be safe and cautious during recovery. If you experience any critical situations while recovering a rocket, you can call our Launch Hot Line: 317-721-2496.
- ABSOLUTELY no driving on any field. Park on the side of the road or lane and walk to your rocket.
- Be VERY careful traversing berms, low areas, fence lines, drainage ditches and creeks.
UTV Rocket Recovery
Several of our wonderful landowners, property managers or farmers will have their personal UTV’s at the launch field to help you recover your rockets. For a suggested donation of just $10, they will take you to your rocket and bring you back to your vehicle. This means more flying time and less walking for you plus they know the terrain. The proceeds benefit Indiana Rocketry. They will be available during peak flying hours from about 10 a.m. to about 3 p.m. each day. If you would like to use this service outside of that time window, please inquire at the registration desk.
Telemetry Device Radio Information
Tracker and Electronics Frequency Use
Check the Frequency Board at the RSO tent once your rocket is prepped and ready.
If your desired frequency is listed on the board and in use, you have the choice of either waiting until it's free, or changing to another frequency. For the safety of all flyers, you must list your name, frequency, call sign, device name and time out on the board.
Once you record your name and the frequency on the board, return to the RSO tent within 15 minutes for your safety check and then go directly to the pads and launch your rocket. We need to avoid tying up frequencies any longer than necessary.
Upon recovery of your equipment, you must return to the RSO tent ASAP to remove your name from the frequency board, so that others can use that frequency.
Remember to turn off your tracker ASAP to avoid conflicting with others wishing to use the same frequency.
Range Duty
Please spare a couple of hours and sign up for range duty. The event runs on volunteers so any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated! Volunteer here or when on site, check with the registration desk for open volunteer slots you can fill.
Additional Site Rules
Please follow these rules when at the Pence Launch Field.
- Please respect the land that our owners use to make a living. If you see trash anywhere, pick it up. We need to leave the site in the same shape as it was before the launch.
- All flyers who enter the High Power Pad area must be 18 or older and a current member of Tripoli or NAR in good standing. TMP flyers are the exception.
- No rockets are allowed to fly without inspection and approval of the RSO.
- Our waiver is 24,000 feet AGL; rockets which will exceed this altitude will not be allowed to fly.
- If the wind picks up and exceeds 20mph, we will shut down the range. When you’re launching your rockets, you’re not allowed to exceed a 20 degree angle from vertical in ANY direction. If the LCO sees your launched outside of these parameters, your launch will be skipped and when the range opens up again you can re-aim your rocket.
- When you’re near the pads be very mindful of the igniter leads and cables. Serious tripping hazzard.
- RC Aircraft and Drones must be pre-approved by a launch director and shall be flown away from the crowd at all times and are not allowed in the spectator or flight line areas. RC Model Aircraft must additionally follow FAA/AMA guidelines for safe operation.
- Flyers are responsible for their own trash, please put all trash in the dumpster near the silos, or take it home with you.