Members and Friends,
There is a scheduled/approved Northern Colorado Rocketry launch event on Saturday November 4th at the North launch site.
With no fire restrictions currently in place in Weld County or on the Pawnee NG, the PNG Ranger has “green lighted” NCR for the event, subject to normal precautions. The Ranger says NCR can proceed with the November launch as planned but, as usual, that is subject to change. The prairie remains fragile and vulnerable. Vegetation is dry out there.
We are GO for Launch. Clear to partly cloudy skies, and temperatures reaching the low fifties are expected for launch conditions at the North Site. Current weather predictions appear favorable for flying rockets, opening the waiver and range at 9 AM and lasting until 4 PM or until we run out of motors, lose interest or the cold chases us away, whichever happens first. This launch opportunity will be our last visit to the North Site until April, 2018, with the 20,000’ AGL ceiling. “Windows” are available, to be coordinated in real time. Please advise me ASAP if you anticipate needing a higher altitude launch “window”.
For those of you driving a long ways to visit our launch, I’d recommend checking in with your favorite weather report or call the Greeley-Weld County Airport’s automated weather line at 970-352-3511.
An orientation briefing for participants will be held and will include a discussion of safety and emergency procedures, fire conditions and instruction, applicable rules and regulations, and what is expected of participants with regards to the use of NFS lands under our special use permit.
Please note that all launch events will be conducted using nationally approved/accepted range safety practices. The launching of rockets on NFS land is normally prohibited under Forest Service regulations. The issuance of our permit allows launches to take place for approved launch events only.
As always, volunteers are needed to help with range set up, operation and clean up. Hope to see you out on the range.