Our 2008 season will be all Independent Launches (INDY), where commercial and experimental motors may be flown at the same event. METRA has secured a general liability policy to protect the landowner and club from an accident. This is similar to what other clubs have done in order to allow "Research" and Commercial motors to be flown at the same event. Neither NAR nor TRA insurance coverage will be in effect for this launch. Many fliers carry umbrella policies to protect themselves in the event of an accident. If you fly rockets, this is a good thing to look into.
Launch Day Schedule
Setup: 8am - 9:30am
Flyers meeting: 9:30am
Flight Time: 10am - 6:00pm (seasonally dependent)
Teardown: Begins at or prior to end of scheduled launch
For launch updates, call our METRA Hotline at 800-881-9028.
The GO / NO GO for a current launch will be posted in our our Website and on the Hotline.
*********** Please read: METRA Range Rules *********** A Note about "Volunteering" *********** info concerning certification flights NOTE: Anyone who would like to make a certification attempt for ANY level is REQUIRED to work at least one field duty position per attendance day. Certification flights are flown between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM Saturday and Sunday but may be subject to change without notice. NAR L3 certifications: contact Gene Costanza or Dan Michael (NAR L3CCs). *********** You MUST notify the RSO and Prefect if your altitude may meet or exceed 5000ft prior to a flight! METRA's Launch Waiver is 12000' AGL/12500' MSL but we also maintain a conditional 24000' AGL waiver. If you have intentions of exceeding the 12000' AGL waiver, you will need to provide a minimum of 14 days notice to Dennis Lappert. This is a procedure the Prefect needs to follow to ensure the airspace will be available. ***********
Memberships Senior Member (18 & over) = $30.00/year Note: Junior Members are members under 18 who do not have a parent or guardian who is a Senior Member. Family Members are members of any age who have a parent or guardian who is a Senior Member. *********** Non-Members Non-members can fly at METRA lunches with a few provisos: - A Senior flying fee + $5 would apply. - Certification flights are disallowed on a non-member pass. - A METRA membership form and waiver would have to be signed and a NAR/TRA membership card would have to be produced (if applicable). - Even if you are certified L1 or above,you can only fly up to a G impulse on a non-member pass. - We only allow a single non-member pass per season. - A non-member flyer would be fullly insured for that launch given the above conditions. - A non-member can show up to a launch and we can get everything in order at the field, i.e. a non-member wouldn't have to make prior arrangements via email, phone, etc. - If you have any questions, please email me any time.
Finding Your Rockets
You MAY BE REQUIRED to have some sort of locating device (active or passive) in your rocket depending on random criteria (including, but not limited to, anticipated altitude, weight, overall design, etc.). This will be determined by the attendant RSO, or a METRA officer, BOD or other member.) Miscellaneous/Lodging info: We usually have at least one rocket vendor at each launch. Sanitary facilities (porta-johns) are available on-site. We now have a special METRA Corporate Rate at the Hampton Inn in Middletown. You can even reserve online <HERE> and qualify for the Special METRA Rates! Hampton Inn Middletown
This NEW hotline number is available 24/7!
METRA exists only through the dedicated efforts of its membership. METRA members are encouraged to volunteer for a share of the work load.Setup and tear down are jobs that even children can pitch in on. Range duties include LCO, Pad Manager, and RSO (this position requires a L2 and a knowledge of flight readiness). We are in constant need of volunteers at each launch. PLEASE step up to the plate and take a swing at one of these tasks. If we all take a turn, we'll all have a chance to fly. Range duty positions require little more than a few instructions and some common sense.
ALL cert flights be prearranged with the Prefect. Please contact Dennis Lappert.
Range Fees
Low Power
High Power *
1 Day
2 Days
1 Day
2 Days
Junior Member
Free
Free
N/A
N/A
Family Member (Under 18)
Free
Free
N/A
N/A
Family Member (18 & Over)
$5.00
$10.00
$10.00
$ 15.00
Senior Member
$ 5.00
$ 10.00
$ 10.00
$ 15.00
* Includes Low Power
Junior Member (non-voting & under 18) = $10.00/year
Additional Family Members = $5.00/year each
Membership runs calendar year January 1 thru December 31.
See our download page for membership applications.
NOTE: YES, you may join at any launch.
Use of a "beeper" is highly recommended! The club has also purchased a 50' fiber glass pole. This is a fairly expensive ($300+) piece of equipment, hence it can ONLY be dispensed by one of our field personnel. Using it to recover a rocket means you assume responsibility for returning it in a condition similar to how you took it out! If you aren't comfortable with that, please ask someone to help you. Donations to the club for use of the pole are gladly accepted!
Lodging can be found within a few miles of the site in either direction. Contact us for some suggestions.
20 Crystal Run Crossing
Middletown, New York 10941
1-845-344-3400