R46 NEW NAR SAFETY CODE
FOR RADIO CONTROLLED
ROCKET BOOSTED GLIDERS
March 10, 1998
The following new safety code was approved by NAR Board on Jan 31, 1998.

Safety Code for Radio Controlled Rocket Boosted Gliders (R/C RBGs)
------------------------------------------------------------------

The following code is to be used in conjunction with the NAR Model Rocket
and High Power Rocket Safety Codes. In areas where the R/C RBG code
overlaps these other codes, the R/C RBG code takes precedence.

1 - Definition: A Radio-Controlled (R/C) Rocket Boosted Glider (RBG) is
defined as a rocket boosted model capable of gliding flight and equipped
with a radio control system capable of controlling the direction of flight
during glide and, optionally, boost.

2 - Radio Control: I will use only approved radio equipment operating
on frequencies allocated for use in flying models. I will check the
radio and reception range of any new model, repaired model, or any new
combination of model and radio system. I will only fly if the radio
system is operating properly and there is no interference. I will ensure
that a frequency control method is being used at the flying site, then
check I am transmitting on an unused frequency.

3 - Flightworthiness: I will check that the model is in safe and
controllable condition for glide as well as in proper trim for rocket
boost before each flight. I will not fly in the presence of spectators
until I can safely boost, fly, and land models of the type I am flying.

4 - Motor Thrust: My R/C RBG will weight no more than the motor
manufacturer's recommended maximum lift-off weight for the motors when
used in R/C RBGs.

5 - Launch Angle: An R/C RBG may be launched at angles of 30 to 45
degrees from vertical provided that it is capable of having its flight
path controlled safely during rocket boost and provided that the launcher
is pointed away from specified spectator areas. Otherwise the R/C RBG may
not be launched at an angle exceeding 30 degrees from vertical.

6 - Air-starts: During stable, gliding flight of the R/C RBG, an attached
motor may be air-started to increase the model's altitude or airspeed
without diving. This is permitted if:

 (a) The onboard R/C ignition system is designed to not to be triggered
accidentally, possesses an arm/disarm system, and is not armed until the
model is on the pad with the radio system turned on and verified.
 (b) The proposed airstart was reviewed and approved by the Range Safety
Officer (if present) prior to launch.
 (c) The model heading is not toward spectators.
 (d) The model is at least 100 feet above the launch site.
 (e) The pilot gives a loud countdown for the air-start.

If the model descends below the minimum altitude for air-starts or the
air-start fails, the model will be landed in a safe area, clear of
people, and only the pilot or pilot's appointed helper will be allowed to
approach the model until the ignition system has been disarmed.

7 - Launch: The pilot will verify the glider's radio system and
transmitter are turned on, in the desired configuration, and working
prior to signaling the Launch Control Officer (LCO) the model is ready
for launch. The LCO will coordinate with the pilot when to launch the
model, remaining alert to possible calls from the pilot for the count to
be stopped. Pilots may launch their models with their own launch
controller if the LCO agrees. In the event of an apparent misfire, the
pilot should remain ready to control the model until the ignition system
has been disabled.

Jim Cook, Secretary for
NAR Standards & Testing


Jack Kane, Chairman
NAR Standards & Testing
s-and-t@nar.org

Return to the S&T Chronology