The FAA has granted a waiver for high power rocket flight to 18,000 feet for your event. Flights up to that altitude are expected. What is the minimum launch site dimension?

The FAA has granted a waiver for high power rocket flight to 18,000 feet for your event. Flights up to that altitude are expected. What is the minimum launch site dimension?

• A. 1800 feet
• B. 4500 feet
• C. 9000 feet
• D. 18,000 feet

Answer: (C)

When a waiver allows high-altitude flights, you must provide a launch site that safely contains the ascent and recovery envelope. The minimum launch-site dimension is set as half of the maximum altitude allowed (in feet). So for a waiver up to 18,000 feet, you need at least 9,000 feet of launch-site dimension. This provides enough horizontal space to accommodate wind drift, plume spread, and potential off-axis components so the rocket remains within a safe area. Therefore, 9,000 feet is the correct minimum. Smaller figures would not give adequate safety margins, while 18,000 feet would leave no room for drift.

When a waiver allows high-altitude flights, you must provide a launch site that safely contains the ascent and recovery envelope. The minimum launch-site dimension is set as half of the maximum altitude allowed (in feet). So for a waiver up to 18,000 feet, you need at least 9,000 feet of launch-site dimension. This provides enough horizontal space to accommodate wind drift, plume spread, and potential off-axis components so the rocket remains within a safe area. Therefore, 9,000 feet is the correct minimum. Smaller figures would not give adequate safety margins, while 18,000 feet would leave no room for drift.