[tccrockets] UAVs at TCC launches

  • From: "Richard King" <drrbk@xxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <tccrockets@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Sat, 24 May 2014 21:44:29 -0700

At DA this year, we saw something different than in the past.  Call them what 
you will – quad copters, UAVs, drones, RC doo-dads – there were several 
instances where as the LCO, I was asked if I was OK with the little buggers 
hovering near the flight line while big projects were about to launch.
First, let me say that in general, I think these things are WAY COOL! (yes, I 
want one very badly and am certain that it’s only a matter of time....).
Secondly, the worst case scenario is the drone got too close to a rocket going 
up and there was contact.  I will place my bet on the rocket.  While I would 
gladly claim victory in such a situation, I can appreciate that not every 
rocketeer could feel the same way.
I hate adding rules to things, but was just thinking about where this could 
take us.  Keeping drones at the flight line seemed acceptable enough for me.  
But let’s think about this.  Remember back in the day when we had the “danger 
cam” video camera set up near the launch pad to capture all the blast and 
didn’t really care if the camera (some old rig) got nailed?  Thought that was 
cool?  These drones could really bring the drama!!!  Did I mention I want one?  
I think I heard my wife say it was OK.....  or was it OK to move out..... 
anyway, I would like to get some input about this issue before someone throws a 
fit or the owner of a drone violates someone else’s boundaries.

Richard King

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