I’d like to try to secure a very close, convenient flying site, specifically one that allows permit-free public use. Currently I’m looking for guidance on how to approach the authorities about setting up such an arrangement.
My idea is that I might be able to take a handful of A- or B-powered rockets to fly from a public park or similar, on those occasions that I can’t make the local club’s launches or I’ve just completed something small and I want to see it fly today.
My guess: If I can secure a site, the site itself or the terms of use will be so restrictive that I won’t have a clear advantage over getting up early to drive 25 miles and fly with my LPR club during their weekend launches. At the same time, I also don’t think there’s anything wrong with asking around to see if anyone would be willing to work with me. I might get lucky.
While this is likely trivial for most people, I’m in California. We’re careful with fire and flying objects, for good reason, but in my case that means I will likely need to reach out to my local city council, the fire department, and the FAA at a minimum. We don’t have a proper airport here in Poway but we do have helicopter traffic to Pomerado Hospital, occasional rescue chopper flights over the mountains, and regular flyovers from MCAS Miramar to watch out for. I’d like to at least be away from the heliport if at all possible. We also have a number of horse ranches and equestrian trails in the southern and eastern edges of the city, I’d rather be far enough away from those to not pose a spook hazard. In light of these considerations, I think it makes the most sense to also seek guidance from the city in identifying a suitable site.
My city council representative’s website reads, in part, “He welcomes your phone call or email to schedule a meeting at any time.” I’ve got an email drafted, in which I briefly explained who I am and what I want. Any input on how to adjust my tone, approach, expectations, or information I should include would be welcome. At this point it reads:
To the office of (council member’s name),
I’m a resident of your district and I’m looking to set up a meeting. I’m a longtime model rocket hobbyist, and I’m looking to secure a safe, legal, convenient launch site within the city of Poway. I’d like to meet with you to discuss potential options.
I’m also prepared to cooperate fully with the fire department, the FAA, and other stakeholders as necessary.
Please let me know when you have some availability. I look forward to hearing from you.
(My name)
My idea is that I might be able to take a handful of A- or B-powered rockets to fly from a public park or similar, on those occasions that I can’t make the local club’s launches or I’ve just completed something small and I want to see it fly today.
My guess: If I can secure a site, the site itself or the terms of use will be so restrictive that I won’t have a clear advantage over getting up early to drive 25 miles and fly with my LPR club during their weekend launches. At the same time, I also don’t think there’s anything wrong with asking around to see if anyone would be willing to work with me. I might get lucky.
While this is likely trivial for most people, I’m in California. We’re careful with fire and flying objects, for good reason, but in my case that means I will likely need to reach out to my local city council, the fire department, and the FAA at a minimum. We don’t have a proper airport here in Poway but we do have helicopter traffic to Pomerado Hospital, occasional rescue chopper flights over the mountains, and regular flyovers from MCAS Miramar to watch out for. I’d like to at least be away from the heliport if at all possible. We also have a number of horse ranches and equestrian trails in the southern and eastern edges of the city, I’d rather be far enough away from those to not pose a spook hazard. In light of these considerations, I think it makes the most sense to also seek guidance from the city in identifying a suitable site.
My city council representative’s website reads, in part, “He welcomes your phone call or email to schedule a meeting at any time.” I’ve got an email drafted, in which I briefly explained who I am and what I want. Any input on how to adjust my tone, approach, expectations, or information I should include would be welcome. At this point it reads:
To the office of (council member’s name),
I’m a resident of your district and I’m looking to set up a meeting. I’m a longtime model rocket hobbyist, and I’m looking to secure a safe, legal, convenient launch site within the city of Poway. I’d like to meet with you to discuss potential options.
I’m also prepared to cooperate fully with the fire department, the FAA, and other stakeholders as necessary.
Please let me know when you have some availability. I look forward to hearing from you.
(My name)