NORG - Announcement / Invite

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Nite Owl Rocketry Gild (NAR Section #799) as of March 20, 2017 obtained a Fire Permit and also soon after on March 24, 2017 a Park Permit to conduct four (4) Model Rocketry Sport Launch Events featuring night launch or "nite flite" activities at The Gallows Hill Park in Salem, MA this Spring and Fall of 2017.

INVITATION: NORG officially invites CMASS Members (and others) to participate in our 2017 Launch Schedule on four dates & times on the following Saturdays 90 minutes before and after sunset at the Gallows Hill Park in Salem, MA: April 8th (5:45 - 8:45 PM), May 6th (6:15 - 9:15 PM), September 9th* (5:30 - 8:30 PM), and October 7th* (4:45 - 7:45 PM). All rain dates are Sunday the Next Day. *-- These dates may be bumped to Sunday due to priority field use for Baseball. Notice for cancellations due to weather or baseball can be found on the official NORG website: www.niteowlrocketrygild.wordpress.com or www.cmass.org at least 3 days in advance or as forecasts allow.

PURPOSE: To promote night flight model rocketry and increase model rocketry participation in our local community. Moreover, to allow more frequent and sustainable events thru the support of local NAR Sections. The first two NORG events are FREE and should be considered a membership drive.

ABOUT NORG: In the past we were a small loose association of friends, family, and neighbors who had a wide range of experience with model rocketry. We planned events as our schedules and resources allowed. As of August 2016, we became an official NAR Section in the hopes of gaining better insurance, organization, and resources.

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER: His name is Joseph N. Majahad and he is both a CMASS Member (not as active as he'd like to be) and a NAR Member. He self describes as a "Born Again Rocketeer" (although prefers the term of a "Prodigal Projectilist" -- better alliteration and allegory). His starter kit was the "Red Max" in the late 70's. Twenty years later he was re-introduced to the hobby and soon afterwards stumbled into "nite flite". One way or another he has been pursuing rocketry and "nite flite" ever since. He'll be wearing dual hats of Safety and Range Control Officers for the upcoming events.

ABOUT THE FIELD: The field is a small venue (D Engines or smaller) in the historic Gallows Hill Park of Salem, MA and is located off Mansell Parkway near Highland Avenue (Rte. 107) and Boston Street. (MAP to be posted on official NORG website.) Look for the water tower as the dominate landmark or e-mail "This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." for directions or questions. For those who remember NORG 2007 we needed a FAA waiver. That is no longer a requirement because our rocketry is considered "Class 1". As always, good rocketry etiquette requires paying attention to aircraft to note it's direction and altitude and pause activities accordingly. There is free parking (30 lined car spaces in lot) adjacent to the field. However, until we establish a routine size of participants try to car pool when you can and don't count on all those spaces being available. Be kind to the neighborhood!

WHAT TO BRING/KNOW: Bring your love of rocketry and a bird whose characteristics are well known to you (~600 feet max altitude), your listening skills (best rocketry etiquette), and your own launch pad and controller (British rules -- you may be sharing them). This is a more intimate or smaller setting (perhaps 30 people -- perhaps 1/2 including spectators) and you will be allowed to conduct your own countdown to launch (a great opportunity for kids). There will be no P.A. system but there will be an orientation on safety and range etiquette; so come early! The field is not known for mosquitoes but bug spray is always prudent to have at dusk. Know your bird's vital stats (or bring an index card) for safety check. This is especially important if you are participating in night flight activities. Your model must have some sort of electronic illumination source for "nite flite". Bring a small flashlight (for working on model) and a LED safety light (or glow stick) to be visible on the field for safety. The first 2 events are free to participate. Please sign up to become a member and vote over our Summer Break on NORG's Club Officers, Charter, and have a voice about what our membership dues should be. Minors 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Those under 13 must have adult supervision to launch their models. Have fun!

Joe,
Thank you for your work setting this up.
I look forward to attending some of these launches.
The Salem NORG launches of the past were a lot of fun.
Unfortunately, I will be out of the area (at LDRS ) on the first date.