Version 4/10/98

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF LCO DUTIES:

The Launch Control Officer's primary duty is to fire the rockets with an audible countdown after ensuring that the range and sky are clear. The LCO will follow the flight path of each rocket until it has safely deployed its recovery system and keep the spectators informed of any threat to their safety, particularly if the rocket does not deploy its recovery system properly.

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS:

Requirements: The LCO shall be a mature individual, at least 18 years old, certified Level 2 in TRA, and knowledgeable about rocket theory, motors and the high power rocketry safety regulations (NFPA 1127).

Job Description: Launch rockets safely, keeping spectators informed of any danger.

1. Collect flight cards from the Pad Manager, review/arrange the cards for an orderly launch, noting especially which flights will be "heads-up" or for certifications.

1. Ensure that the electronic launch system is in a safe configuration before allowing any flier to approach the pads for loading rockets. Notify fliers when they can approach the pads.

1. Perform continuity testing only after all fliers have departed the launch area.

1. As the rockets are being placed on the pads, note any that look unsafe in any way, especially if the rod angle is unsafe.

1. Before launching any rocket, stop and think about the rocket and its motor. Does it look like it will fly into the clouds, or that the winds are too high? Ask yourself: Is it safe to launch this rocket?

1. Check flight card to see if the flight is a "heads up" flight. There are two types of heads-up flights: One is to get everyone's attention to watch the rocket, and the other is that everyone gets on their feet and is observing the launch. Any rocket that appears marginal, is multi-staged or clustered, is an automatic heads-up/stand-up flight. In this situation, alert the spectators and make sure everyone is standing up before proceeding with the launch.

1. Check the flight card to determine if the flight is for a certification. If so, alert a prefect via the P.A. and make sure they are watching to verify the flight.

1. Launch each rocket with an audible countdown only after you visually verify that the range and sky are clear for a safe launch. If it is a cert flight, alert the prefects via P.A.

1. Follow the flight of each rocket until it is obvious that the recovery system has functioned properly. Keep the spectators informed of the status of the flight. If the recovery system fails to deploy properly, or pieces have come off, or the descending rocket may land in the spectator area; use the public address system to continually alert everyone until the potential danger is past.

LCO CHECK LIST:

When Pads are Empty:

• Safe the Launch Control System
• Use the P.A. to Announce the Availability of the Pads
• Switch off Mike

When Pads are Being Loaded:

• Order the Flight Cards & Read them Over
• Check the Pads for Unsafe Situations: Rod Angles, etc.
• When Pads are Loaded, Clear Everyone From the Area.

Flight Operations:

• Perform Continuity Checks When the Area is Clear
• Check the Flight Card for "Heads-up or Certification Flights"
• Announce the Flight (Name, Rocket, Motor, etc.)
• Visually Clear the Range and Sky and Announce Safety Status via P.A.
• Give an Audible Count to Launch
• Follow Rocket Visually Until Safe Deployment. Announce Status.
• Keep Tabs on any Unsafe Situation, Keeping Spectators Informed
• Safe the Pad When the Rockets are Gone. Announce Pad Status.

Announce Which Rocket(s) Need to be Removed or Recycled.