Time to move soon...where (best) to fly if living in DC? What clubs/prefectures?

[Viperfixr]

It's been nine months since I left lovely Las Vegas for Qatar, and the awesome Tripoli Vegas prefecture. The Air Force just let me know my next assignment will be in Washington DC and I am not overly excited . I am a southwest boy at heart. Really not thrilled about DC, the traffic, cost of living and long commute. And, wearing 'blues' everyday instead of a combat utility uniform; I told the AF that I was allergic to polyester, but they did not listen. I've avoided DC for nearly 26 active duty years, so it's probably time to pay those dues. I expect that we will settle down somewhere in the Arlington to Springfield VA area, kinda near the five sided puzzle palace.

I am trying to find the silver lining in area positives. So, help me find a place to fly HPR rockets in this area! Any regional launches somewhat nearby? Pros and cons to each area? EX anywhere? Places with high waivers for MD shots? Any and all info welcomed.

 

[dhbarr]

MDRA!

 

[Bat-mite]

MDRA has a 17,000' waiver in the winter months. Our summer sod farm also has a 17,000' waiver, but due to the trees and neighbors, we limit flights to 4000' unless permission is given by the BoD. Since MDRA is not a NAR section or a TRA prefecture, we allow EX motors. TAPs and L3CCs are usually on hand to certify people. AMW-ProX is our on-site vendor. Lunch is sold, and portable restrooms are on-site at both locations.

https://mdrocketry.org/

https://amwprox.com/

Also, LDRS is being held at MDRA's winter field this year: https://ldrs36.org/

 

[NateLowrie]

MDRA has a 17,000' waiver in the winter months. Our summer sod farm also has a 17,000' waiver, but due to the trees and neighbors, we limit flights to 4000' unless permission is given by the BoD. Since MDRA is not a NAR section or a TRA prefecture, we allow EX motors. TAPs and L3CCs are usually on hand to certify people. AMW-ProX is our on-site vendor. Lunch is sold, and portable restrooms are on-site at both locations.

https://mdrocketry.org/

https://amwprox.com/

Also, LDRS is being held at MDRA's winter field this year: https://ldrs36.org/

MDRA is an awesome club. Regarding the waivers, it's one of the highest on the east coast you will find. Only downside. You may also want to check out Battle Park. There are a lot of people that fly at both.

 

[Crazyrocket]

Agreed with MDRA and Battlepark. Both are good clubs.

 

[rstaff3]

You can also fly up to J's with a low waiver at NOVAAR @ The Plains, VA. Can be closer or further than the other options depending where you live in the DMV area.

 

[Handeman]

BattlePark is down RT 29 from DC. Probably 90 min. from Springfield. There is a 15,000 ft waiver. We are on farmland so the flying season starts the end of October when the crops are off and end around the 1st of April when planting starts. Being from the SW, it might take you a little time getting used to the Virginia clay, but it is nice and soft when a little wet and well plowed.

 

[Woody's Workshop]

I've avoided DC for nearly 26 active duty years, so it's probably time to pay those dues.

If you don't mind me asking, what age did you join, and when (or if) do you plan on retiring?
Anyone I've known that went into the air force only stayed 4 to 6 years and then went into the private sector for more money.
Unless you had a 4 year college degree and was assigned a rank?

 

[Viperfixr]

If you don't mind me asking, what age did you join, and when (or if) do you plan on retiring?
Anyone I've known that went into the air force only stayed 4 to 6 years and then went into the private sector for more money.
Unless you had a 4 year college degree and was assigned a rank?

At my current grade (O-6), I cannot exceed 30 years of commissioned service. The next assignment will take me to 29 years, maybe 30 if allowed to stay for four years in the next job; my first, four years at a service academy do not count (grrr). However, CINCFAM (Commander in Chief, Family) may tell me it is time to retire sooner than that--I'll see how much longer her patience holds out! Either way, this is likely the last assignment, which is a scary thought. Almost time to figure out what I want to do when I grow up.

As for clubs, sounds like two, great options nearby! I've been very lucky with my last two, ICBM Tripoli South Carolina and Tripoli Vegas. It's great to hear how great the new options are. I've never been to an LDRS thanks to the military and locations never lining up, so I am hoping LDRS returns near to the east coast somewhere between 2018-2020.

 

[stantonjtroy]

Even if LDRS doesn't make it back around in the near future, MDRA has 2 big,3 day launch events each year; Our Red Glare Launches (This in addition to monthly flights). We have flyers from all over the country, And world for that matter, come out. As soon you're in the area, come check us out!

 

[zeotherm]

Yeah, I've been flying (occasionally) with MDRA for a handful of years now. Everyone there has always been awesome not only to me, but to my kids who absolutely love when we go "to the big rocket launch." A really great group of fliers! My goal is to make more launches this year, hope to see you there

 

[Rocket2Russia]

Best wishes on your assignment in Virginia. NARHAMS flies LPR in Greenbelt, MD and LPR and MPR in Mt. Airy, MD. It might not be exactly what you are looking for but it's a fun time, the folks are awesome, and annual dues are just $5. MDRA's fields will be about 1.5 hours from you but once you get over the Bay Bridge it's an awesome drive. There is also the added incentive of stopping in Annapolis on the way home for dinner. Annapolis is one of my favorite places on Earth and an awesome place to kayak.

I saw that you made a reference to MD shots. I assume that MD doesn't mean Maryland or Medical Doctor. Can you enlighten this young Jedi who is in his mid 50's) as to what is meant by "MD"?

Welcome to the eighth largest radio and television market in the country.

 

[dhbarr]

MD=min dia

 

[rstaff3]

You could have an MD shot by an MD in MD... LOL

 

[dhbarr]

You could have an MD shot by an MD in MD... LOL

Put it in a Mad Dog and slap malt liquor graphics on it.

 

[BigDuphis]

+1 to MDRA and NARHAMS. I fly with both groups and all great people. I grew up flying at goddard in the early 80's with NARHAMS. Greenbelt/Goddard visitor center is rated for D power (recommend lower altitude), Mt. Airy and Westminster are rated for G (recommend a chute release). MDRA's limitations have already been discussed. I'm not hpr certified yet, so I mainly go to mdra to fly my mpr higher, and watch the cool stuff go off. NARHAMS is also a good group to visit if you have any interest in lpr contest flying (they host ECRM).

 

[zeotherm]

Since I've been out of the hobby for a few years, I totally forgot about the NARHAMS folk. Super nice, I've flown with them in Mt. Airy a handful of times and it is always fun too.