BALLS Launch Rules
General Safety and Authority
Range Safety Officers (RSOs)
RSOs will be present on the range at all times to assist flyers and ensure compliance with the Tripoli Unified Safety Code and BALLS-specific rules. All flyers are expected to follow RSO direction at all times. RSO decisions are final.
Safety Code Compliance
BALLS operates under the Tripoli Unified Safety Code. All flights and activities must comply with this code as well as the additional requirements listed below.
Flight Restrictions
Because of the volume of flights and the overall nature of the BALLS event, there is a strict K motor and above flight restriction. Motors below Class K are not permitted to fly at BALLS. The only exception is for Level 1 and Level 2 certification flights.
Rocket Inspection Requirements
Rocket Inspections
Due to the complexity of projects flown at BALLS, all rockets must be inspected prior to flight. Each flyer must present their rocket to an Inspector (RSO) at the LCO table for approval before proceeding to the range for pad mounting.
Projects flown from Away Cells will be inspected by roving RSOs at those locations. Flights will not proceed without inspection approval.
Launch Pads and Equipment
Personal Launch Pads
Projects requiring a personal launch pad, including towers and Class 3 projects, must use a metal blast deflector measuring at least 36 inches by 36 inches. Wood blast deflectors are not permitted.
The area under and around the pad must be left in pristine condition after use. Failure to comply may result in denial of launch and may affect eligibility for future BALLS events.
Damage to Launch Equipment
If a rocket causes damage to a launch pad or other BALLS equipment, the flyer may be held partially or fully responsible for repair costs. Any damage must be reported immediately to the LCO.
Away Cells
Away Cell Operations
Large projects flown from Away Cells may require additional personnel. For safety and insurance reasons, the number of people at Away Cells must be kept to a minimum. All individuals granted access must be identified in advance and must be registered TRA flyers. No exceptions.
Away Cell Personnel Limits
The official flyer must email Gerald Meux in advance with the names of all assisting personnel. A maximum of six people is permitted at an Away Cell. If additional assistance is required, contact the Launch Director.
Class 3 and High-Altitude Flights
Class 3 Rocket Requirements
A Class 3 rocket is defined as having more than 40,960 Newton-seconds of installed impulse (full O motor or greater). All Class 3 flights require submission of a Class 3 application to the Class 3 Committee well in advance of the event.
Refer to the Class 3 Flights section of the website for details and required forms.
100,000-Foot Flight Requirements
Any flight planned to exceed 100,000 feet, regardless of total impulse, must submit Class 3 paperwork and receive Committee approval. Flights will not be approved without it.
Class 3 Submission Deadlines
Class 3 paperwork must be submitted to the Class 3 Committee Chairman at least 90 days prior to BALLS. Earlier submission is strongly recommended. Projects arriving without prior approval will not be permitted to fly.
Material Restrictions
Steel airframe components are prohibited, including nose cones, fins, mounts, and airframes. Frangible materials such as aluminum are permitted.
College and University Teams
All college and university teams, both domestic and international, must contact the Launch Director, Deb Koloms, in advance of the event.
Registration and Access
Registration and Check-In
Only current TRA or NAR members are permitted beyond the spectator line. All flyers must present a valid, current membership card at check-in.
Expired cards, membership numbers, driver’s licenses, or third-party verification are not accepted. If membership cannot be verified, a spectator badge will be issued.
On-Field Registration Payment
Cash and credit cards are accepted for on-site registration, however, it is strongly encouraged to register online before arriving. This will save you money, allow you to register for additional items such as shirts, and the HAMSTERDANCE competition.
Event Setup and Field Use
Setup Restrictions
Range setup begins Wednesday. Attendees must not establish personal areas until spectator and range lines are in place. Any incorrectly placed setup will be required to move.
Movement of spectator safety lines is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the event and exclusion from future BALLS launches.
Playa Clean-Up Responsibilities
All attendees are responsible for removing trash, cleaning up their area, and repairing any surface disturbance. The playa must be left in the same condition it was found. Failure to comply may result in removal from the event and future exclusion.
Activities and Conduct
Extracurricular Activities
Fireworks, unauthorized rocket flights, cannons, and other hazardous activities are not permitted. BALLS insurance and BLM permits apply only to approved activities.
Pets on the Playa
Due to prior issues and BLM concerns, bringing dogs is strongly discouraged. If a dog is brought, it must remain leashed at all times. Aggressive or uncontrolled animals will result in removal from the event.
Children at BALLS
Due to the nature of the environment and activities, attendance by children is discouraged. Past experience has shown that supervision challenges can create safety risks in preparation and flight areas.
Facilities
Portable Toilets
Four sets of four portable toilets (16 total) will be available, an increase from prior years. Hand-wash stations are not available.
Some hand sanitizer will be provided, but attendees should bring their own hygiene supplies.
Contact Information
Questions
For questions or clarification, contact the Launch Director, Deb Koloms.