Volunteers

LDRS 44 is run solely on the shoulders of flyers who step up and volunteer to help run the launch.
No experience is necessary for some of the positions, so it is a great way to give back to the hobby and help the launch process run smoothly.
Below are the descriptions of the various positions along with expected duties.

Use this link to sign up for volunteer slots. Keep in mind:

You must be L2 or higher for RSO/LCO duty.
Pad support does not require any certification.
All volunteers need to be certified NAR/TRA.
We welcome Prefects & TAPS to assist with TRA Certification(s).

No experience is necessary to volunteer — we will happily train you, so please just ask and we will get you going!

There will be a volunteers only special raffle with some excellent prizes given out to only those that volunteer.

Here are some basic responsibilities for each primary volunteer group.

Pad Manager

Pad managing is a great way to get into the world of volunteering. Duties will include:

Pad Assistance — Helping the flyer in lowering/raising the launch pad to allow loading the rocket while pointing away from the flight line, ensuring the presence of igniter clips, finding a ladder to aid in arming electronics, etc. Additionally, non-working equipment should be reported to the launch control officer (LCO) or a board member for replacement and repair.
Flight Cards — Gathering the flight cards from each flier, noting the pad number on the card in the process, and handing the completed cards to the LCO. When turning in the cards, please advise the LCO of any special flights, such as multi-stage, cluster or certification flights.
Pad Bank Management —Performing a final check prior to each flyer’s launch that their pad is aimed downrange, away from the flight line by at least five degrees, and ensuring that all pads remain angled that way prior to clearing the pad bank for launch operations.

Range Safety Officer (RSO) Requires L2 certification.

The goal of the (RSO) is to minimize the risks to personnel and property involved in the handling, preparation, and launch operations of model and high power rockets. Safety checks are the perfect way for more experienced fliers to meet other rocketeers and help ensure the safe operation of the range.

Duties Include:

Check Flyers — Verify that each flyer has a valid badge with the appropriate certification level to safely operate their flight vehicle.
Verify Flight Cards — Ensure that the card is filled out properly, completely and legibly so that the flight may be processed by the pad manager and LCO.
Flight Safety Review — Check each rocket according to the ten-point checklist on the back of the flight card, plus ask the flyer any additional questions which are unique to the launch of that particular rocket. Confirm that the rocket expected altitude is acceptable for weather conditions including cloud cover. Approve rockets at flight worthy.

Launch Control Officer (LCO)

Runs the launch. Operates the launch controller and announces flights followed by countdown to launch.
Duties include:

Prelaunch - Control which side of the launch field is open for loading rockets, and which side is hot for launching rockets. Verify that all flyers on a side are on the lane prior to any launch activities. Know the safe distances which allow loading of the 70s or 80s while launching from the 60s and below. Check that the airspace is clear of any flying objects. Confirm the sustained winds are below 20 mph. Confirm the cloud cover is acceptable for the rockets being launched.
Launch - Announce the rocket, countdown then launch the rocket. Follow the rocket and confirm an event, or listen for a spotters confirmation that an event has occurred deploying a recovery device. Then move to the next rocket and repeat.

LCO Assist/Spotter: This role assists the LCO with operating the range.

Duties include:

Assign flyers pad banks prior to entering the flight line based on total motor impulse and current field conditions.
Manage flight cards as they return to the LCO table to keep them organized.
During flight operations, "spot" rockets during the entire flight until they reach the ground. This allows the LCO to continue flying the next pad.
No certification required.

Registration Assist:

This role assists at Launch Registration with distribution of flyer's packets and other information.
No certification required, this is a great place for non-flyers (i.e. spouses) to assist.

Parking Attendant:

This role involves greeting flyers at the parking entrance, handing out a parking map, and helping them with any questions or concerns.
You will receive brief training for this role, and it does not require high-power certification.

Setup/Teardown Assistant:

All that is needed here is a willing spirit.
Indiana Rocketry personnel will be there to assist and direct all activities.