Launch Site Information
At the Tripoli Phoenix Eagle Eye Launch Site, we enjoy a 48,000' AGL (50,000'msl) FAA waiver and a large recovery area. Our flying season runs from October to April. Please see the calendar page for specific dates. The bulk of the club membership camps out Saturday night, and there is a good mix of RV and tent campers. There is usually a camp fire and often stargazing, night RC foamie wing combat and bonkers RC car stunts. This means it can also be quite noisy late into the night. We allow generators, loud music, late night ATV rides as well as general hooting and/or hollering. Ear plugs are recommended for light sleepers, but we really recommend giving in and being part of the problem.
Waiver
The waiver is open on launch weekends on Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sunday from 9am until generally noon. Sunday is a much more relaxed day with much fewer launches while people are packing. Launching on Sunday is reserved for people who were there on Saturday, or club members who need minimal assistance. Arriving unannounced on Sunday mornings could result in an empty launch site, or a closed waiver.
The outstanding waiver we have comes with some compromises. The airspace above our site is military airspace belonging to Luke AFB. It is FAA controlled on the weekends, as long as Luke has no operations that day. Keep in mind that, while rare, restrictions can be placed on when and how high we can fly. Launches could even be cancelled with short notice.
Equipment
Currently the club provides 1010 rails and 1/4" launch rods, a tower that will accommodate 3 and 4 fin rockets up to 5" in diameter and an Altus Metrum TeleLaunch launch controller for member use. If you need any special equipment, please bring it or make prior arrangements with club members.
Amenities and accessibility (or lack thereof)
The Eagle Eye Site is rugged and unimproved. It is accessible by car, but pulling large trailers can be challenging, especially if there has been recent rains. There is no shade, no porta-potty and no water on site. Please plan accordingly! Please pack out all trash and leave the site nicer that you found it. Please don't make any additional fire rings. Please drive slow at the site to keep dust at a minimum.
The site also has some other challenges when it comes to fire restrictions and rain. Launches will be cancelled when there is a fire danger or rain has made the road off Eagle Eye Rd inaccessible or probe to damage.
Please refer to this website, the Facebook page or email for any changes.