Sugar Springs Airpark · 5M6
Model Rocketry at Sugar Springs Airpark (5M6)
1. Permission First
Secure Advance Permission
Contact Airport Management in advance; never arrive to launch without prior authorization.
Review and Sign the Official Policy
Participants are provided the complete 5M6 Model Rocket Operations Policy and must sign for receipt.
Event-by-Event Approval
Permission is granted only for specific sessions and may be withdrawn if conditions become unsuitable.
2. Rocket Specifications & Technical Limits
Class 1 Rockets Only
Must comply with FAA regulations and the Michigan Model Rocket Act.
Michigan Weight & Propellant Limits
Limits include a maximum gross weight of 16 ounces and a maximum of 4 ounces of propellant.
3. Site & Environmental Conditions
Use Only Designated Launch Areas
Rockets launched only from specified areas; runway setup strictly prohibited.
Check for Parked Aircraft
No rocket activities if aircraft are parked in the grass parking area.
Wind Speed Restriction
Surface winds at the launch area must remain below 5 mph.
Fire Safety & Burn Bans
Launches prohibited during burn bans or high-danger dry conditions; a serviceable household-type fire extinguisher must be present.
4. Operational Safety Checklist
Aviation Radio Monitoring
A functioning aviation-band radio must continuously monitor the 5M6 CTAF on 122.9 MHz.
Visual Airspace Watch
Maintain continuous visual watch of the airport traffic pattern and surrounding airspace.
Required Safety Gear & Supervision
All participants must wear high-visibility safety vests; a responsible adult must supervise.
5. Aircraft Priority
Absolute Aircraft Priority
No launches permitted while aircraft are approaching, departing, taxiing, or operating in the traffic pattern.
Immediate Cease-Fire
Rocket activity must stop immediately when conflicting aircraft activity is observed or heard.
Final Authority
Airport management reserves the right to delay, restrict, or terminate activities at any time; the decision is final.
Policy Note: This page is a summary of the official policy document. Participants receive and sign the complete 5M6 Model Rocket Operations Policy before launching.