I’VE REVIEWED SEVERAL POSTINGS regarding “Duty of the RSO”, RSO training, “Bozo filters”, certification time requirements and enforcement, public image of the sport, “Kids with G motors” and differences between TRA and NAR.

I think that two very important issues are being overlooked. First, there seems to be an assumption that some type of RSO is always present that can act as a “Bozo filter”. Second, the Prefect basically judges certification requirements. There is also an assumption that the Prefect/President will be sensible and responsible enough to make these judgements in a responsible and intelligent manner. This is sadly not always the case.

NAR asks its sections to establish some type of bylaws and organization, which helps provide some type of system of checks and balances. TRA does not involve itself with the internal structure and organization of its prefectures. Prefect status is established once and that individual’s competency is never up for review. I can understand how this stance was chosen, however, I think this is a tragic mistake. We must also be careful not to leave “the fox in charge of the hen house”.

Without some type of system to ensure that a local organization is not ran by some irresponsible and irrational dictator, not only do the individual participants suffer, but rocketry as a whole suffers. The activity of rocketry is viewed as how we as individuals and groups present it to the outside world. Launches and local clubs must be organized in some type of reasonable manner to prevent a “free for all” occurring and being witnessed by media, regulatory agencies, supporters of the fliers, and potential rocketeers.

Without sufficient and responsible organization, there is no assurance there will be a position to act as a Bozo filter. Small clubs can use the LCO as a safety inspector, but this can only occur in small organizations in which the LCO is not overcome by pad management, fire monitoring, launch and spotter duties. Keep in mind that like RSO, LCO is a position that is not guaranteed to be filled. “How can a launch occur without an LCO to push the button” you ask? I have witnessed large launches (12 pads/+90 flights) that had the controls on a “self serve” system. Whoever steps up fires the rocket(s), regardless of age or experience.

“Shouldn’t the President/Prefect ensure these duties are performed in the absence of volunteers?” I think he should, but consider the consequences if that individual is a “Bozo” or is too self serving and only concerned with staging his own big flights to put on his one man show. What if he becomes so self-righteous that he fails to obtain a waiver? Vote him out? You can’t if there are no by-laws and the national organization does not concern itself with internal matters, and therefore will not review and discipline without sizeable petition. Such a selfish attitude displayed by a local leader certainly does nothing to promote volunteerism and membership. This quickly becomes a “catch 22”.

I’ve read the posts about “Kids with G motors”. Take the before mentioned situation one step further and imagine the self inflating Bozo leader becoming a mentor to a careless juvenile to further practice bragging rights. Now you have ego and arrogance coaching inexperience and carelessness with an unlimited supply of high power motors.

Think about this scenario and how that could contribute to the lack of safety at a launch. I’m not exaggerating. This situation exhists today manifesting itself in consistent large crashing flaming rockets with large loose motors igniting after the vehicle has left the pad. If there are visitors or media present, these horrible images become a reflection on each and every one of us, regardless of other clubs and/or individual’s safety practices. It's my opinion that most launches are well ran and safe, but we're all just one accident away from excessive regulation.

Some argue that such calls for organization are burdening and too many rules and regulation spoil the “fun”. I ask these people to review their priorities and common sense in regards to safety. If parachutes hampered the fun of skydiving, would you jump without the chute? Many argue that helmets spoil the fun of motorcycling until they bash their head into a curb. Some state that elections and discussion of political issues cause separation of an otherwise united group. I think Saddam Hussein feels the same way.

Don’t misunderstand. I greatly appreciate and respect the national organizations and what they do. I fully support their efforts. I’m far from perfect. I constantly need help and advice. Not all of my flights have been without flaw. I either respect (without question) the established authority at launches or I leave. I volunteer and contribute how I can to those deserving. I vote when given the opportunity and fully accept and support election results.

In summary I urge each of you to do the following:

• Investigate the organizational practices of a local club before joining and finding out too late that your personal contributions have only aided in lengthening a careless dictator’s rule as opposed to helping rocketry and deserving individuals interested in the activity.
• Volunteer where you can to ensure that some type of RSO is present as opposed to an overwhelmed LCO and an empty chair at the registration table at launches.
• Respect the authority of RSO and appreciate the contribution of all volunteers. Don’t expect that if one volunteers one day, she/he is volunteering forever.
• I ask new club founders to lay in place some type of regulations or practices that prevent dishonest and self-serving totalitarian rule from being unseated.
• I ask national organization leaders to review their practices of checks and balances in regard to local chapters and lifetime appointed officers. Remember that these individuals and local organizations represent and display your beliefs and practices to the general public, regulatory agencies, and media.

My hat is off to all club founders and leadership that has not confused “Rocket Club” with “Fan Club”. I send a generous “Thanks” to all volunteers – YOU are what fuels rocketry.

Thank you for my opportunity to voice my viewpoint and your time to review it.