Pre-flight checklist

Here is the first draft of my pre-flight checklist.

Certain things will not go into this (like checking the parachutes – this will happen BEFORE I arrive :>), but this will be used to capture everything I’m going to need to do. I have a feeling my brain will turn into mud the day of the launch, so this document will be key.

If you think I’ve missed something, please tell me!

[ ] Check weather report!
[ ] talk with RSO
[ ] Provide Ham frequencies that will be used
[ ] Find compatible pad’s, and discuss timing
[ ] Ask RSO about any requirements he/she may have prior to prepping the rocket.
[ ] Provide hard copy of Rocksim data for altitude expectations
[ ] Assembly:
[ ] Dry fit components (clean/sand/tape/powder as necessary):
[ ] Nose Cone / Nose Cone Bulkhead
[ ] verify bulkhead fits and Eye-Nut Adapter will secure on allthread
[ ] Nose cone / upper airframe
[ ] verify shear pin holes line up between airframe and nose cone shoulder
[ ] uppper airframe / tri av bay (don’t bolt in, just verify all-thread slides in completely.
[ ] Upper airframe / booster
[ ] CTI 75mm 6F case / booster – slim line retainer

[ ] Electronics bay:
(make sure you have safety glasses & gloves for continuity tests)
[ ] Raven
[ ] Remove raven sled, and place HORIZONTALLY on table
[ ] Verify mounting hardware still tight and secure
[ ] Verify all wiring secure & terminal screws tight (tug on block wires to ensure they are seated)
[ ] Verify screw switch is OFF (at least 1/4 turn counter clockwise)
[ ] Install 9 Volt battery
[ ] secure 9 volt battery with tie wrap or duct tape
[ ] turn screw switch on (clockwise until hand tight)
[ ] ensure Raven beeps out appropriate voltage (9 beeps)
[ ] wait for Raven to enter pre-launch mode (low single beep every 2 seconds)
[ ] install Q2G2 ematch in Apogee terminal block, ensure Raven beeps out proper terminal and resistance. then remove
[ ] install Q2G2 ematch in Main terminal block (opposite pod end), ensure raven beeps out proper terminal and resistance, then remove
[ ] plug mini USB into Raven 2, and re-verify apogee and main settings via FIP
[ ] turn screw switch off (at least 1/4 turn counter clockwise)
[ ] install raven sled back into AV Bay, secure top screws, and ensure top and bottom o-rings are seated properly
[ ] ensure AV-bay hole is lined up with screw switch
[ ] Marsa4
[ ] Remove Marsa4 Sled, and place HORIZONTALLY on table
[ ] Verify mounting hardware still tight and secure
[ ] Verify all wiring secure & terminal screws tight (tug on block wires to ensure they are seated)
[ ] Verify screw switch is OFF (at least 1/4 turn counter clockwise)
[ ] Install 9 volt battery
[ ] secure 9 volt battery with tie wrap or duct tape
[ ] Install wildman charge lighters on apogee and main EXTERNAL bulkhead terminals (DO NOT USE Q2G2’s!!!!)
[ ] Turn screw switch on (clockwise until hand tight)
[ ] Ensure Marsa4 beeps out power detect (5 beeps)
[ ] Watch screen for channel 1 programming – ensure it is correct. Screen will have:

Chan1 Apogee
Baro Only
Delay 0

[ ] Watch screen for Channel 2 programming – ensure it is correct. screen will have:

Chan2 Main
Alt 700
Delay 0

[ ] Wait for countdown timer to reach 0 to enter pre-flight mode. DON’T TOUCH THE JOYSTICK!
[ ] Ensure Maras4 beeps out pre-launch mode (5 beeps)
[ ] Verify on screen POST tests screen will say the following:

Sensors OK – this indicates there are no malfunctions in the Baro or Accelorameter.
IC2 W OK – this indicates it would write data to memory properly
IC2 R OK – this indicates it could read data from memory ok

[ ] Wait for 3 LONG beeps from Marsa4 to indicate it will check the pyro continuity
[ ] Verify on screen that continuity has passed – screen will say

Pyro Test Pass

[ ] Verify Marsa4 enters launch mode, repeating 2 short beeps. if only repeating 1 beep, there is a problem with one of the channels
[ ] turn screw switch off (counter-clockwise at least 1/4 turn)
[ ] remove wildman charge lighters from external terminal blocks
[ ] install Marsa4 sled back into AV Bay, secure top screws, and ensure top and bottom o-rings are seated properly
[ ] ensure AV-bay hole is lined up with screw switch
[ ] GPS tracker / Comspec tracker
[ ] Turn on ComSpec receiver, tune to correct frequency and ensure channel is not being used (give frequency to RSO)
[ ] Remove tracking sled from AV bay
[ ] Power on GPS tracker, ensure communications with handheld tracker
[ ] Install battery in comspec tracker
[ ] ensure handheld comspec receiver is on correct frequency & listen for proper callsign beepout
[ ] install tracking sled back into AV Bay, secure top screws, and ensure top and bottom o-rings are seated properly
[ ] ensure AV-bay hole is lined up with screw switch
[ ] verify GPS & comspec tracker still have communication
[ ] Place AV Bay BOTTOM end up.
[ ] put on safety glasses & gloves!
[ ] Secure Q2G2 ematch to RAVEN external terminal block. route wires into bottom of Blastcap charge canister
[ ] Secure Wildman charge lighter to MARSA4 external terminal block. route wires into bottom of Blastcap charge canister
[ ] Measure out 4 Grams of BP and place into blastcap
[ ] Fill remaining empty space of blastcap with dog barf of wadding
[ ] pack down dog barf
[ ] wrap piece of tape around top of blastcap, securing ematch wires, allowing portion to overlap top.
[ ] close top of blastcap with overlapped tape. Add two more pieces of tape in an X configuration
[ ] cover top of terminal blocks with Tape
[ ] Turn AV bay pod over, with TOP end up
[ ] Secure Q2G2 ematch to RAVEN external terminal block. route wires into bottom of Blastcap charge canister
[ ] Secure Wildman charge lighter to MARSA4 external terminal block. route wires into bottom of Blastcap charge canister
[ ] Measure out 4 Grams of BP and place into blastcap
[ ] Fill remaining empty space of blastcap with dog barf of wadding
[ ] pack down dog barf
[ ] wrap piece of tape around top of blastcap, securing ematch wires, allowing portion to overlap top.
[ ] close top of blastcap with overlapped tape. Add two more pieces of tape in an X configuration
[ ] cover top of terminal blocks with Tape
[ ] Nose cone electronics
[ ] Turn on and secure GPS tracker into foam nose cone compartment. Thread antenna into foam hole
[ ] install battery into comspec nose cone tracker. secure into foam compartment
[ ] ensure GPS tracker and comspec tracker and transmitting properly
[ ] install nosecone bulkhead
[ ] thread Eye-Nut Adapter onto bottom of allthread
[ ] place two drops of threadlock onto allthread IN FRONT of Eye-Nut adapter

[ ] Attaching Harnesses & AV Bay

[ ] Attach one end of 25′ 1/2″ Kevlar shock loop to the TOP end of the AV bay (end with screws)with a 5/16″ quick link
[ ] Thread the opposite loop first through one “looped end” of the short (44″) Kevlar shock loop
[ ] Tie into place over short shock loop with one overhand knot about 5 FEET from Av bay quick link
[ ] Mount another 5/16″ quick link to the free end of the 44″ shock cord
[ ] Slip Kevlar chute pad over loose end of 25′ shock cord
[ ] attach 5/16″ quick link to end of 25′ shock cord and attach to kevlar bridle already mounted in the lower booster section
[ ] attach one end of 1/2″ 15′ kevlar shock loop to BOTTOM (opposite) Av Bay ubolt via a 5/16″ quick link
[ ] slide the second kevlar chute pad over the opposite shock cord end
[ ] Thread one end of the second short 44″ kevlar shock cord over the still loose end of the 15′ kevlar shook loop.
[ ] Tie a over-hand knot securing the 44″ kevlar shock cord 3 FEET from the un-attached end of the 15″ kevlar shock cord
[ ] attach a 5/16″ quick link to loose end of 44″ shock loop
[ ] thread loose 15′ kevlar shock cord loop through the coupler side of the upper airframe and out the top
[ ] pull triad av-bay (allthread ends first) into upper airframe and lock into position with washers and wingnuts using PVC driver
[ ] Visually verify AV Bay screw switch hole lines up with airframe hole for both altimeters
[ ] Add ‘remove before launch’ flags into each airframe hole
[ ] Powder booster coupler & inside upper airframe
[ ] Pack drogue parachute:
[ ] Fold parachute
[ ] Attach booster harness, drogue ebay harness, parachute, nomex with QuickLink
[ ] Burrito wrap & tape drogue chute assembly
[ ] Insert drogue chute assembly into booster side of upper airframe
[ ] Join upper & lower airframe
[ ] Insert motor into slimeline adapter
[ ] Secure slimeline motor retention ring
[ ] Powder nose cone shoulder & inside upper airframe
[ ] Pack main parachute:
[ ] Fold parachute
[ ] Attach nose cone harness, main ebay harness, parachute, nomex with QuickLink
[ ] Burrito wrap & tape main chute assembly
[ ] Insert main chute assembly into nose cone side of upper airframe
[ ] Insert nose cone
[ ] Fasten nose cone to upper airframe with 4 ea 2-56 X 1″ nylon shear pins
[ ] re-Arm & check altimeters (safety glasses, clear area!)
[ ] Power off altimeters, reinstall safety flags

[ ] Launch prep:
[ ] Documentation
[ ] RSO:
[ ] Flight card
[ ] LCO notification
[ ] RSO signature

[ ] 50 lb pad with 10′ rail @ 500′
[ ] Rail stop

[ ] Launch conditions:
[ ] Wind speed less than 8-10 mph
[ ] Ceiling above 8,000′
[ ] Pad anchored
[ ] Launch angle
[ ] Transport rocket to pad
[ ] Breathe
[ ] Load rocket onto pad:
[ ] Adjust rail stop
[ ] Unlock & lower pad rail
[ ] Place rocket onto rail down to rail stop
[ ] Raise & lock pad rail
[ ] secure external camera to rocket
[ ] Attach ignition leads & secure to pad/rail
[ ] Breathe
[ ] Launch:
[ ] Check FRS radio & GPS communications (again)
[ ] TAP coordinator
[ ] LCO
[ ] Receive LCO permission to proceed
[ ] Clear personnel from pad area
[ ] Arm & check altimeters
[ ] Retreat with list checker to launch head
[ ] Breathe
[ ] Receive LCO permission to launch (or watch as LCO / RSO arms & fires)
[ ] Arm launch controller
[ ] Fire!
[ ] Launch anomalies:
[ ] No
[ ] Yes:
Type : ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Remediation : ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Flight, including characteristics:
[ ] Preheater ignition : ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Ignition : ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Liftoff : ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Boost : ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Coast : ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Drogue deployment:
[ ] before apogee
[ ] at apogee
[ ] after apogee
[ ] didn’t deploy
[ ] clean deployment
[ ] didn’t see, recovered clean
[ ] problems: ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Check that 2 drogue charges fired
[ ] Drogue descent: ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Main deployment:
[ ] 1000′
[ ] 800′
[ ] didn’t deploy
[ ] clean deployment : ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] problems: ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Check that main charges fired (1000’/700′)
[ ] Main descent : ________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
[ ] Spot touchdown or last visible
[ ] Post Flight:
[ ] Coordinate retrieval with tracker, spotters & mule(s)
[ ] Find rocket
[ ] Check layout on ground:
[ ] All airframe pieces present
[ ] Drogue deployed
[ ] Main deployed
[ ] Motor retained
[ ] No damage
[ ] Check both charges fired (safety glasses, flashlight, clear area!)
[ ] Check altimeter readings:
[ ] G-Wiz MC: ______ (baro), ______ (accel)
[ ] RRC2X-40K: ______
[ ] Pack rocket
[ ] Return to launch area
[ ] Remove & power down tracking device, return to owner
[ ] Drogue & main deployed ‘as planned’ for cert
[ ] Recovered within 2NM of launch for cert
[ ] TAP L3 signature
[ ] Party!
[ ] Post-post flight:
[ ] Send L3 cert form to Tripoli
[ ] Clean rocket & motor
[ ] Contact photographers & videographers
[ ] Download Raven & Marsa4 data
[ ] Update website with launch report