To address drifting due to winds greater than 10 mph from the northwest, which measures are recommended?

To address drifting due to winds greater than 10 mph from the northwest, which measures are recommended?

• A. Limit flights to lower altitudes so rockets stay on the field
• B. Move the launch pad closer to the NW edge of the field, provided there are no roads or houses within 1500 feet
• C. Don't fly on days with problematic winds
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

When wind is blowing from the northwest at more than 10 mph, the rocket will drift toward the southeast. To keep the flight within the designated area and reduce risk, you use a combination of approaches. Limiting altitude shortens the time the rocket spends drifting in the wind, so its horizontal displacement is smaller. Placing the launch pad toward the upwind edge (the northwest) helps ensure that the drift direction keeps the rocket within safe boundaries, as long as there are no roads or houses within the 1500-foot safety radius. And of course, if winds are problematic, postponing flights avoids exposure to unpredictable drift. Taken together, these measures address the drift risk, which is why all of them are recommended.

When wind is blowing from the northwest at more than 10 mph, the rocket will drift toward the southeast. To keep the flight within the designated area and reduce risk, you use a combination of approaches. Limiting altitude shortens the time the rocket spends drifting in the wind, so its horizontal displacement is smaller. Placing the launch pad toward the upwind edge (the northwest) helps ensure that the drift direction keeps the rocket within safe boundaries, as long as there are no roads or houses within the 1500-foot safety radius. And of course, if winds are problematic, postponing flights avoids exposure to unpredictable drift. Taken together, these measures address the drift risk, which is why all of them are recommended.