TRIPOLI VEGAS conducts several Rocket Launches throughout the year.  Most often monthly Local Launches for the members.  These are conducted on Saturday and Sunday after the third Thursday of each month.   While specifically conducted for the members of TRIPOLI VEGAS, all people are welcome to visit and fly rockets, provided they abide by the club's policies.  For an explanation of our launches, and policies, please check below the Launch Calendar.   

Saturday is for certified launches and Sunday is for research launches

2010 Launch Schedule
(Dates are subject to change)

Last Update 26 Jan 2010

Jean Dry Lake
Local Launch
8am - 1pm

canceled 

2-20, 21

3-19,20, 21

SpringFest Info

Jean Dry Lake
Local Launch
8am - 1pm
(If Delamar is a go this will be canceled)

LAUNCH TYPES & POLICIES

TRIPOLI VEGAS conducts basically three types of rocket launches.  All of them are open to the public but hold the guidelines listed here.  

LOCAL LAUNCHES:

These are held usually on the first Saturday ( certified ) and Sunday ( research ) after the third Thursday, at Jean Dry Lake just South of Las Vegas near Jean, NV.  These local launches are mainly for club member activities.  Anyone is invited to attend and see what High Power Rocketry is all about however, due to Insurance Regulations and Policy, only Tripoli members and qualified NAR members will permitted to fly High Power.  Anyone in attendance may fly Class C Model Rockets ONLY (that is A thru G motors).  FAA waiver is in affect with a clearance up to 7,500 feet and "windows" to 19,000+ feet at various times during the day.  All participants and visitors are asked to abide by any, and all, rules.  

REGIONAL LAUNCHES:

These are much larger in activity than local launches and draw many more people from all over the Southwest, however, many people attend from places as far away as East Coast.  They usually last two or three days and launch fees are rigidly enforced.  Anyone is invited to attend and see what High Power Rocketry is all about however, due to Insurance Regulations and Policy, only Tripoli members and qualified NAR will permitted to fly High Power.  Anyone in attendance may fly Class C Model Rockets ONLY (that means A thru G motors).  Rocketry activities are usually much busier than at local club launches and visitors are encouraged to be alert.  FAA waiver is in affect with a clearance up to 7,500 feet with several "windows" to 19,000+ feet at various times during the day.  All participants and visitors are asked to abide by any, and all, rules.  There is a launch fee for ALL persons wishing to fly.  

Tripoli Vegas sponsored Regional Launches are held at Jean Dry Lake  bed, just east of Jean, NV, about 20 mins.  south  of Las Vegas.

Tripoli Vegas proudly sponsors (2) Regional launches each year.  The first is in March and is called "SPRINGFEST", it been called the official start of  Rocketry season by HPR mag.  It is a three day event with the last day being an Research Launch.  The second  is "HOT AUGUST FIGHTS" held in Hmmm, August  and it's also a dinner and a movie on Saturday night.  

RESEARCH LAUNCHES:

Tripoli Vegas, in addition to the two research launches days mentioned in the Regionals, also sponsors the Delamar Research Rocket Launch.  For the last few launches the FAA has granted us a 20,000 ft.  waiver ( Delamar only ).You'll may get to see proto-type rocket motors from the big manufacturers like Aerotech or Kosdon.  Plus Nevada AeroSpace Science Associates and other experimental groups.  These motors are big, ranging from M to R class motors.  

These are strictly business rocket launches.  Visitors, while not encouraged to attend, will not be turned away.  It must be known in advance that the activities conducted at Research Launches are exactly that, Research! Very large, powerful and thus dangerous rockets are launched and non-members must be 100% aware of their surroundings.  If children attend these launchs they must be closely supervised.  FAA waiver is in affect up to 20,000 feet and a launch fee is applicable to ALL flyers.  

The great thing about the Delamar dry lake bed is that it is relatively close to Las Vegas.  We are talking about an 80 minute drive at the speed limit.  That means you can enjoy Vegas at night and fly rockets during the day.  Or, if you're like us, tired of gambling, camp out on the lake bed to enjoy a spectacular view of the stars at night.  Did I mention that Delamar is less than 50 miles from the famous AREA 51? If you are real lucky, you might spot a new Stealth or Aurora jet Flying overhead and who knows, maybe a real UFO.  It is not uncommon to see military night maneuvers over the lake bed.  It is just something you've got to see!