SEARS

The SouthEast Alabama Rocketry Society (SEARS) is aNational Association of Rocketry(NAR) Section #572. SEARS is also associated withTripoli Rocketry Association(TRA) Prefect 38. SEARS has abouttwenty five membersacross SE Alabama, NW Florida and SW Alabama. SEARSlaunches monthlyfrom a 400 Acre sod farm inSamson, AL.

We welcome beginners up to level 3 fliers to launch with us. The whole family is welcome. You do not have to be a member to come out to watch orfly rockets. However, if flying rockets is your hobby then we recommend that you join NAR or Tripoli andthenjoin the SEARS club.

SEARS members enjoy introducing new people to the hobby. We will showbeginnershow to load your rocket on our pads and fill out flight cards. You will get a brief on our safety rules. If you will be attending your first SEARS launch, please viewIntroducing SEARS. We provide all the launch equipment you would need for low, mid, and high power. We have non-gox hybrid support equipment also. If you are pursuing a high power certification, we have a number of experienced flier to consult with and witness your certification flights.

SEARS is commited to outreach to schools and youth groups. We give rocketry demos and talks throughout the year. We have worked with schools, universities, churches, Scouts, 4-H, Civil Air Patrol and others. Rocketry is hands-on fun and offers educational benefits. We mentorTeam America Rocketry Challengeteams each year. Our launches are an excellent means for TARC teams to learn rocketry and make their practice & qualification flights.If your group would like support in an educational rocketry program pleasecontact us.

The club is spread out geographically, therefore regular meetings are not possible. We have an ocasional on-field meeting as needed. Typically we gather at Crews BBQ in Samson for a early supper after launches. You can join us foron-line rocket chateach Thursday at7 PM Central.

 The current SEARS President is Greg Lane of Panama City, FL. The Section Advisor and Treasurer is John Hansel of Lynn Haven Florida. Chris Shor of Navarre, FL is the Tripoli 38 Prefect. Chris is attending Auburn and is also our on-field vendor.

SEARS does not have annual dues. We do collect a range fee of $10 at the launch from fliers over nineteen years of age. This covers porta-potty fees and maintenace of the launch gear.  SEARS members have volunteered to support the club in various ways.  We appreciate their efforts. We especially appreciate Randy Wiggins transporting and storing the club launch gear. Ocasionally we solict donations to cover a special need for the club. We greatly appreciate the use of the sod farm from Mr. Todd Green the owner.  It important for us to avoid any damage to the field and keep Mr. Green happy.

Map at this link http://goo.gl/maps/7BEXk or put Sod Road Samson AL in your GPS.

Directionsto Launch Site: From the intersection of AL 52 and AL 87

(downtown Samson, AL), go west on AL 52 9/10 miles and turn right onto County 17, Go 8/10 miles on County 17; (with a cemetery on the right), turn left onto a wide graded dirt road. You will come to a short paved section and at 4/10 miles onto this road turn left at the SEARS rocket sign. Continue on one lane dirt road, cross railroad track and continue straight ahead past the sod farm offices into the middle of the field. Stay on the road and observe the signs.

Our vendor for rocket motors and kits is Chris Short seehttp://www.csrocketry.com

http://www.sears572.com/about