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Pre-Launch Safety Checklist

Print this and bring it to the field. Every step — from site selection to post-flight — checked off in order.

01Site & Airspace

Checked B4UFLY app — no advisories or restrictions Confirmed distance from nearest airport (>5 statute miles) No active TFRs at launch location (checked tfr.faa.gov) No active fire ban / Red Flag condition in effect Wind speed below 15 mph at ground level Minimum safety distance confirmed for motor class Recovery area is clear of trees, power lines, roads NOTAM filed if within 5 mi of airport (HPR: club waiver active)

02Rocket Inspection

Nose cone fits snugly — ejects cleanly when pushed Fins attached firmly — no wobble under lateral pressure Shock cord intact — no fraying, burning, or dry-rot Launch lug clear — no obstructions that catch on rod/rail Motor mount tube clean — no debris, obstructions Electronics bay armed correctly (dual-deploy: altimeter test passed)

03Motor & Recovery Prep

Motor is correct class for rocket weight and field size Motor fully seated in motor mount — retained positively Igniter seated inside motor nozzle — leads visible below Recovery wadding installed (4–6 squares for D+) Parachute/streamer packed loosely — no tangles Nose cone installed with correct pressure fit

04Launch Pad Setup

Launch rod/rail within 30° of vertical Blast deflector in place below rod Rocket slides freely on rod/rail — no binding Igniter clips connected to controller leads — snug fit Safety key removed from controller until ready to arm

05Countdown & Launch

All spectators behind minimum safety distance Airspace above launch pad visually clear Safety key inserted — controller armed Verbal countdown completed: 5-4-3-2-1 All eyes tracking rocket through boost and recovery

06Misfire & Post-Flight

MISFIRE: Wait 60 sec. Remove key. Approach slowly. Rocket recovered and visually inspected for damage Spent motor casing allowed to cool before handling Flight logged: date, site, motor, altitude, recovery result Launch area policed — no debris, wadding, or casings left

About This Checklist

This checklist follows NFPA 1122 safety requirements and standard NAR range procedures. Print it and keep it in your range bag. For HPR dual-deployment flights, supplement this with your altimeter manufacturer's arming checklist. Updated June 2025.

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