For the folks out west who have fields measured in miles, nothing. Out east (And Potter does not really count as "east"). It becomes a bit more challenging. My question is why is there a mandate for different distances for EX vs Commercial? Do we really think that if like sized commercial and Ex motors catastrophically fail they will have different, for lack of a better phrase, blast zones? The distance only seems to apply to motors. I personally would rather see a difference for the case when people use home grown recovery electronics. I have way less concern with respect to a rocked going bang on the pad or disintegrating on the way up than on an uncontrolled trip back. The downward trip on an unproven system makes me much more queasy.
Oddly the discussion has drifted way from the OP about drag races. As I see it both organizations need to adhere to the appropriate NFPA ruling concerning multiple launches. I do find it mildly disconcerting that there is the possibility that our organizational leadership fostered the rule change that resulted in the restrictions without the input of the membership. That is why I suggested an RFP process. That does not mean we vote on everything. What it does mean is that every board level transaction that affects the membership's activities is above board and open for discussion. I do believe there is a place for both organizations, NAR has traditionally catered to a slightly more conservative group along with the contest enthusiasts. My take on TRA is it started when a certain group wanted to color outside the lines. Those two groups still exist and as such both organizations have their purpose. BTW, I think the leadership of both organizations have a tendency to pat us on the head and tell to not worry as they are taking care of things. And whenever the term "executive session" is invoked, my skin crawls. I do not believe the elected leadership of either organization has the privilege of keeping secrets from the member base.
I, for one, do not care much for the mass launches for many of the reasons that have been mentioned in various locations (and I have participated in a few). No, I don't want them banned nor I am not going to pack up my stuff and go home if one takes place. My main objection is that regardless of the distances used, they are disruptive to the flow at an event and can deny pad time to folks who are not interested in the activity. I do see an elevated safety risk inherent in them for many reasons, so I do believe steps should be taken to offset that risk and increased distances is the easiest one to take (and not necessarily the most convenient).
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