Sunday, 9 August 2026

The launch remains listed on the official QRS 2026 calendar at 441–489 Cedar Grove Road, Cedar Grove. The present BOM outlook is promising: partly cloudy, around 6–24°C, a 10% chance of rain and generally light winds. Check again on Saturday evening and before departure Sunday morning, because weather forecasts occasionally display the stability of an experimental rocket. BOM Cedar Grove forecast

Confirm before leaving

• QRS has issued its final go/no-go announcement

• Launch-site access and ground conditions are suitable

• Starting and setup times are confirmed

• Your allocated RSO, LCO or setup duty is confirmed

• CASA airspace approval and current NOTAM are active, if this falls within your responsibilities

• Fire danger, wind and cloud-base conditions remain acceptable

• Vehicle has fuel and the Cedar Grove address is loaded into navigation

• Phone is charged and emergency contacts are available

Personal equipment

• QRS membership and TRA credentials, if required

• Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses

• Warm layer for the cool early start

• Sturdy enclosed footwear

• Drinking water and food

• Folding chair and shade

• First-aid kit and personal medications

• Phone, charger or power bank

• Insect repellent

• Notebook, pen and permanent marker

Rocket and flight equipment

• Rockets inspected for damage

• Motors, reloads and igniters packed separately and securely

• Motor hardware, closures, spacers and retaining equipment

• Recovery harnesses, protectors, parachutes and swivels

• Altimeters and trackers charged and tested

• Fresh deployment batteries

• Shear pins, rivets and replacement fasteners

• Black-powder charges prepared and safely contained, if applicable

• Arming keys, switches and deployment tools

• Launch lugs or rail buttons checked

• Flight cards, certification paperwork and simulations

• Tool kit, tape, cable ties, spare batteries and cleaning materials

• Tracker frequencies or identification labels recorded

On arrival

• Sign in and attend the safety briefing

• Check the active altitude ceiling and field boundaries

• Confirm wind direction and likely recovery area

• Present each rocket to the RSO fully prepared but electrically safe

• Arm electronics only in the designated area and when directed

• Report lost rockets, livestock hazards, fires or injuries immediately

• Help with final range inspection and pack-down

My short reminder: check RocketryChat or the latest QRS message before turning the ignition key, take a warm layer for the 6°C morning, and do not let a pleasant 24°C afternoon talk you out of carrying water and sunscreen. The field may be dry, so confirmation of the fire conditions and club go-ahead is particularly worthwhile.