Level 3 check list

What are some of the things YOU would include on a preflight check list??

I've actually gone to the pad without my motor. So that should probably be pretty high on the list. Which saved me in the long run. While taking the rocket off the pad I had a rail button fall off. I had tightened it but in so doing it stripped out of whatever was holding it.
So before going to the pad:
Motor
Motor starter
Tape - sometimes needed to hold said starter
Screwdriver to arm electronics, or magnet or web page, whichever is needed
Sandpaper just in case
Extra screwdriver so when you can't find the first because it is in your pocket...or your hand

Prepping At your table:
All chutes packed
All rubber bands or tape removed from chutes (been there)
A/V bay sealed
A/V bay hardware tight
Sheer pins installed
RIivets/screws installed
Terminal connections good - knots, loops, quick links, swivels (forgot one once, but caught it before leaving the table)
E matches installed
Charges installed
Charges WIRED TO APPROPRIATE CHANNEL

At the pad pretty much the biggest is make sure you arm the electronics. I forget to turn on my JLCR, after I test it, more times than I care to admit. Wished it beeped. But that's before going to the pad. And I usually spot my Altimeter 3 laying on my table some time after my rocket is airborne..

Looking back...I am horrible at this hobby. LOL

I have a checklist made up I will dig out and send ya

There is a sticky on the high-power forum with all the L3 documentation that people have posted. Feel free to look at post #25 if you want to see my checklist.

OverTheTop said:

There is a sticky on the high-power forum with all the L3 documentation that people have posted. Feel free to look at post #25 if you want to see my checklist.

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Unfortunately the links in that post are dead with the error "Can't find the server at www.rocketryfiles.com"

Tobor said:

Unfortunately the links in that post are dead with the error "Can't find the server at www.rocketryfiles.com"

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The owner of that website, Mark Koelsch, passed away and I do not believe anyone has since maintained that domain.

David Schwantz said:

What are some of the things YOU would include on a preflight check list??

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NAR has a pretty decent starting point for the checklist in their OUTLINE for NAR Level 3 Certification Package:

1. Pre-launch checklist; typical checklist items include:
   1. Equipment list including
      1. Motor preparation materials, e.g. lubricants
      2. Tools for airframe assembly and inspection
      3. Electrical test items for voltage and resistance tests
      4. Loose hardware (e.g. for motor retention, shear pins)
      5. Safety equipment (e.g. face shield)
      6. Comfort items (e.g. chair, table, shade)
   2. Safety practices
      1. Identify items where pyrotechnics or hazardous items are being prepared,installed or tested
      2. Identify precautions, e.g.
         1. Safety equipment to be used
         2. Safety procedures to follow
      3. Require coordination of radio frequencies with other modelers to preventinterference
   3. Motor preparation per manufacturer’s instructions
      1. Igniter installation is deferred until the model is on the launch pad
      2. This item might be left until after the airframe is prepared in case of anairframe problem
      3. Install and secure the motor in the airframe
   4. Electronics preparations
      1. Verify safe status prior to commencing activity
      2. Verify battery capacity or replace
      3. Inspect electronics for damage, mounting integrity
      4. Test to verify built in test indicators
      5. Verify safe status when checks are complete
      6. Prepare any non-flight critical electronics, e.g. location transmitters
   5. Pyrotechnics
      1. Observe safety practices prior to handling pyrotechnics
      2. Test and/or inspect bridgewire (e.g. flash bulb, electric matches) items
      3. Verify electronics are safed prior to connections
      4. Verify electronics are safed after connections
   6. Recovery system
      1. Inspect all components for damage (e.g. tears, burns, cuts)
      2. Inspect for tangles
      3. Verify all hardware is properly secured and risers are connected
      4. Pack all parachutes/risers
      5. Verify heat protection (e.g. wadding, shields) is in place
      6. Verify closures are properly secured
         1. Install shear pins as required
         2. Verify friction fits
   7. Final assembly
      1. Verify electronics remain in a safed condition
      2. Verify igniter is available for installation (not installed)
      3. Verify CG location; is it forward of the aft allowable limit?
      4. Verify alignment of launch pad interfaces (if applicable)
2. Launch checklist
   1. Equipment list including
      1. Ladders, step stools for loading and access
      2. Standoffs
      3. Special launch rails, rods
      4. Launch pad tools (e.g. wrenches, allen wrenches)
      5. Recovery support items, e.g. radios
   2. Place model on launcher
   3. Verify launch angle/trajectory
   4. Install igniter
   5. Arm recovery systems
      1. Verify all removable items are removed
      2. Verify switch locking devices or connector bayonets are engaged
      3. Verify any built in test or power indications are normal for flight
      4. Verify that permission exists for radio frequency usage
   6. Turn on non-flight critical electronics/payloads
   7. Connect igniter to launch system
   8. Verify Flight Witnesses are ready
   9. Indicate flight readiness to LCO/RSO
3. Post flight checklist
   1. Verify all pyrotechnics are discharged
      1. Safe the pyrotechnic systems if live devices are present
      2. Attempt to identify the reason for the unfired pyrotechnic
   2. Record or save any flight data indicates that will be lost after power removal
   3. Remove power from electronic systems
4. Contingency checklist
   1. For misfires, launch aborts, or crashes
   2. Safe pyrotechnic systems to allow safe handling and/or disassembly
   3. Disconnect and remove motor igniter(s)
   4. Note operating time to determine if flight batteries need charging or replacement
      1. Include re-inspection requirements
      2. Consider any other time critical items, e.g. memory storage capacity

May also want to include 1/8" - 1/4" dowels for igniter support. I always use dowels to support my igniters. 100% ignition every time.

Guess I should double up on igniters next time since I've probably jinxed myself. LOL

There is a sticky thread where people have uploaded their L3 docs. Why not read some and even copy/paste?

Bat-mite said:

There is a sticky thread where people have uploaded their L3 docs. Why not read some and even copy/paste?

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I meant to add that recommendation to my post. Here’s the link. It’s always better to learn from others than to create mistakes that are have already been made!


L3 Certification Documentation Links - No Third Party Comments Please
https://www.rocketryforum.com/index...inks---No-Third-Party-Comments-Please.137458/

Hey Rich, even your link does not work.

David Schwantz said:

Hey Rich, even your link does not work.

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Anything using the domain "rocketryfiles.com" will not work.

My link on the L3 thread still works...here it is:
https://1drv.ms/b/s!As0VzLtQxW0-g-FmkzrjHoi_0UcVBg

Like I said on the thread, link looks creepy but it's just Microsoft OneDrive.

Word of caution -- I got pretty anal when writing this up. If you want to overload your L3CC or TAP, this should do the trick.

Dad Man Walking said:

My link on the L3 thread still works...here it is:
https://1drv.ms/b/s!As0VzLtQxW0-g-FmkzrjHoi_0UcVBg

Like I said on the thread, link looks creepy but it's just Microsoft OneDrive.

Word of caution -- I got pretty anal when writing this up. If you want to overload your L3CC or TAP, this should do the trick.

Click to expand...

A person can't be too anal when developing a checklist! It's the things we "ass-u-me" that bite us in the end.