Phoenix
Page 37
Appendix A: Safety
Rocket Glider Safety Code
In addition to the normal AMA Safety Code, a
Radio Control Rocket Glider (RG)must be flown
in accordance with the following:
1) An RG shall be propelled only by commer-
cially-made rocket motors used in the manner
recommended by the manufacturer. A person
shall not alter the rocket motor, its parts, or its
ingredients in any way.
2) An RG shall not weigh more than 1,500
grams (53 ounces) at lift off and its rocket
motor shall produce no more than 160 newton-
seconds of total impulse. An RG shall weigh no
more than the motor manufacturer’s recom-
mended lift off weight for the motor used, or
motors recommended by the manufacturer for
the RG shall be used.
3) An RG shall be launched outdoors in an area
free of tall trees, power lines or buildings that
might be a hazard to its flight. The launch area
shall be clear of dry brush and grass.
4) An RG shall be launched from a stable
launching device that provides rigid guidance
until the RG has reached a speed adequate to
ensure a safe and predictable flight path.
When not in use on the launch field, a launch-
ing rod assembly whose free end is below eye
level shall be capped to prevent accidental eye
injury or the user shall cap the rod with his
hand when approaching it.
A launch rod assembly that is stored shall be
disassembled or capped to prevent accidental
eye injury. A launch rod assembly shall not be
stored in a vertical position with its free end at
or below eye level.
An RG launching device shall have a jet deflec-
tor to prevent the motor exhaust from hitting
the ground directly.
The area within a radius of 5 feet around the
launcher shall be cleared of brown grass, dry
weeds, or other materials that are easily ignit-
ed.
5)The system used to ignite an RG rocket
motor shall be remotely controlled and electri-
cally operated. It shall contain a launching
switch that will return to the "off" position
when released. The system shall contain a
removable safety interlock in series with the
launch switch that will prevent electricity from
reaching the igniter until the safety interlock is
inserted in the system.
All persons shall remain at least 30 feet from an
RG being launched.
Only the electrical igniter recommended by the
rocket motor manufacturer shall be used to
ignite an RG rocket motor.
The electrical launch system and the igniter
shall be capable of igniting the RG rocket
motor within one second of actuation of the
launching switch.
6)All persons within 100 feet of the launcher
shall be made aware of the pending launch of
an RG before the person launching the RG
begins an audible five-second count-down.
If a misfire occurs in an attempt to launch an
RG, person shall not approach the launcher
until the safety interlock key has been removed
from the igniting system and one minute has
passed since the ignition attempt.
7) A person shall not launch an RG when the
wind is 20 miles an hour or more.
A person shall not launch an RG so it flies into
clouds, near aircraft in flight, or in a manner
that is hazardous to people or property.
8) When conducting flight tests with unproven
RG designs or methods, the person shall con-
duct the testing in complete isolation from per-
sons not participating in the launching.
9)An RG launch device shall not be capable of
launching an RG at an angle less than 45
degrees from the horizontal. A person shall not
launch an RG at an angle less than 45 degrees
from the horizontal.
