Copyright © Indiana Rocketry, Inc. 2025
Volunteering
Our launches run solely on the shoulders of rocketeers who step up to volunteer.
No experience is necessary — we will happily train you, so please just ask and we will get you going!
Here are some basic guidelines to help get you started.
Pad Manager
Pad managing is a great way to get into the world of volunteering at Indiana Rocketry,Inc. events.
Your 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)
Safety checks are the perfect way for more experienced fliers to meet other rocketeers and help ensure the safe operation of the range.
- Check Flyers — Verify that each flyer is registered and has signed a liability waiver for the event and is of the appropriate certification level to safely operate their flight vehicle.
- Verify Flight Cards — Ensure that the card is filled out properly and legibly so that the flight may be processed by the pad manager and LCO, and so that the card may be filed for inclusion in the launch report.
- Inspect Rockets — Check each rocket according to the nine-
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.
Click here to volunteer for ThunderStruck