Tripoli Central California's
Independence Day 2015 aka "4th of Juplaya"
This is one of our new yearly TCC Club launches out at Blackrock on
the weekend of Independence Day (4th of July).
We also have a
commitment from Bay Area Rocketry to attend for the weekend as our vendor this year.
Launch Dates
- Friday 07/03 (6AM to 6PM - Site B+ (150K+) from 10AM-12PM)
- Saturday 07/04 (6AM to 6PM - Site B+ (150K+) from 10AM-12PM)
- Sunday 07/05 (6AM to 6PM - Site B+ (150K+) from 10AM-12PM)
The FAA has approved our flight operations from surface to 150K (146K
AGL) and the range will be open from 6AM - 6PM for all 3 days of the
event (the whole weekend). You will however have to bring your own
launch equipment or make prior arrangements with others.
Launch Site A (BALLS Site)
- DMS N40 52' 59.73" W119 2' 4.73"
- DD N40.883258, W119.034647 (40.883258, -119.034647)
(Alternate site available for large projects)
High Altitude Waiver
If you are planning high altitude flights up to 50K AGL, please send
your package with all supporting paperwork or your prior approval from Kent Newman to James Dougherty and Richard King .
If you're flying over 50K AGL, you will need approval by the Tripoli
Class 3 Committee 90 days prior to flight. Since the FAA was delayed this
year in issuing our COA, please get your Class 3 package together ASAP
and we will have it submitted (I already have mine approved from last
year so if you have questions or need an example, email James Dougherty off chat).
Launch Equipment
The club DOES not plan to bring launch equipment to the event this
year; it's strictly bring your own gear (like BALLS). However, if
there are people willing to haul equipment, we can arrange for 1-2
pads and you may be able to bargain with people for use of their gear.
Launch Fees
Launch fees: $20 for the entire weekend!
Certifications
Level 1-3 Certifications available by prior arrangement (email James Dougherty to set it up).
Getting to the Black Rock Desert
Blackrock is a dry lake bed about 100 miles North of Reno outside a desolate town known as Gerlach - the only civilization in that area. If this is your first time out to the Blacrock Desert, then arrange to stay at Brunos, use a rental car (and include the damage waiver); this is not an event for small children or pets.
See the AeroPAC launch site for getting there - Omit Step E and travel to Site A coordinates above.
View Larger Map
What to Bring
Going to Blackrock is like going to the moon! That being said there is a strict pack-in/pack-out policy; anything you bring you have to bring back out with you.Here is a typical checklist:
- Ez-up
- Cooler with Bottled water, Gatorade, Pallet of extras, you can pick up Ice in Empire. Make a trip to Walmart or costco.
- Water, oh yes, did I say water?
- Sunscreen
- Food (BBQ's are great on the Playa)
- Battery chargers for your phone (cellular coverage may be available this year)
- Sleeping bag, clothes and sundries (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc)
- Trashbags, Toilet paper, Paper towels
- Rockets
- Launch Pad/Tower, Launch Mission Control, Ground support equipment
Cell Coverage
Starting this year, we've heard reports of good playa cell-phone
coverage. Here is a map for the theoretical coverage out there; recent
reports have confirmed this may match reality, but be prepared for no
cellphone coverage driving to Gerlach and possibly in the areas near
Blackrock or away from the new cell towers.
Contact
If you're on the playa, either call 408-476-7391 or call the Iridium Satellite Phone (Non International, 2-Stage): 1-480-768-2500,881632668865
Iridium Satellite Phone Direct: +8816 3266-8865 (From US: 011-8816-3266-8865 or use the number above).
NOTE: it is best to use the 2-stage number above, depending on your mobile service provider, dialing the Iridium Satellites can cost as much as $6/minute!