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About Tripoli-Colorado
Tripoli Colorado is one of the oldest prefectures of the Tripoli Rocketry Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and operation of non-professional high power rocketry. Host of LDRS VI, VII, VIII, IX, and XVI, the annual national Tripoli launch and meeting, Tripoli Colorado sets the standards with their impeccable safety record and vast pool of rocketry experience.
Meetings
Tripoli Colorado generally meets on the 5th Saturday of the month during flying season, and the last Saturday of each month during the Winter. There are occasional exceptions to accommodate various holidays and launches, so be sure to check the Launch Schedule for complete meeting information. Meetings are held at the Englewood Library and they start at 10:00 AM. As there are not many five week months during the Summer, it is important that all Tripoli Colorado members try to attend. Meetings are always informative, and frequently entertaining and educational as members and vendors "take the stage" to demonstrate HPR construction techniques and products.
Launches
Click here for a PDF map of the launch site.
Tripoli Colorado generally launches on the 4th Saturday of the month from April through October, starting at 8:00am, weather permitting. There are frequent exceptions, so be sure to check the Launch Schedule for complete launch information. Our normal FAA waiver is 6,000 feet AGL, with a high altitude window of 14,200 feet AGL available upon request. The Tripoli Colorado launch site is approximately 2 hours Southwest of Denver on a private buffalo ranch near Hartsel, Colorado in South Park. At 8,800 feet MSL, our launch site offers some interesting opportunities and challenges to the HPR flyer. It can also be extremely tough on your body. Bring plenty of fluids and sunscreen - regardless of the ambient temperature. There are no facilities or restaurants for 15 miles in any direction - something to keep in mind when bringing the family down. Non-flying visitors are generally welcome, but keep in mind there are inherent risks in high power rocketry, and this is probably not the best place for young children or pets. Speaking of pets, the natives (buffalo) are not. Nor are they shy or small, and they can ruin your whole day, so leave them alone. Please be sure to pack out your trash! Do not leave spent igniters or junk lying around for the Buffalo to get into. Our launch site is the envy of the entire country - there will be zero tolerance on behavior which imposes upon our gracious hosts.
Launches are open to non-members. Adult flyers may fly (up to their certified HPR level) for $5 a day as long as their national TRA or NAR membership is current. Be sure to bring your membership card to the launch for proof of certification and insurance! Children 18 and under are insured under Tripoli's policy and are welcome to fly at no charge. For hybrid flyers, Tripoli Colorado has the complete GSE for Hypertek - nitrous fills are $5 per flight. Finally, be sure to bring your FM walkman to listen to Launch Radio, our low power transmitter for LCO operations.
DO NOT camp at the launch site. Ever. Period. No exceptions. It is a private, working ranch, and the landowner doesn't need overnight guests any more than you need a couple hundred head of buffalo in your front yard. The Chaparral campground is just 2 miles East if you must be the first on the range in the morning.
DO NOT speed past the ranch house. The posted speed limit is 25, and there are often cattle and assorted animals on the road. You'll get to the launch site quick enough.
DO NOT begin the trek to Hartsel without checking here first for launch status! Colorado weather can change instantly, forcing the cancellation of a launch - particularly in the Spring and Fall months. Go / no-go launch status will always be listed here by 9:00pm the evening before. Note no launch operations in Hartsel can proceed without a Club Officer on site. Do not try to "go solo".
DO NOT forget to bring your current TRA or NAR membership card to show proof of insurance. No card, no fly.
Membership
Tripoli Colorado dues are for a calendar year (Jan-Dec) and run $25 for individuals and $35 for families. Note these dues do not include membership in the national Tripoli Rocketry Association. If you wish to obtain HPR certification, membership in TRA or NAR is required. There are no launch fees for Tripoli Colorado members, and they enjoy access to extensive club equipment, including Level 1, 2, and 3 certification hardware, hybrid hardware, and transmitter and altimeter payloads.
To join Tripoli Colorado, fill out the Membership Application, then either mail it along with payment to the club Treasurer, or bring it to a launch.
Greg Jeziorski, Treasurer
20126 E. Lake Cir.
Centennial, CO 80016