Washington Aerospace Club
National Association of Rocketry Section 578
Tripoli Rocketry Association Prefecture 41

Mansfield Sportsman Club Launch Site

Our FAA waiver for the Sportsman Club site allows us to fly to 14,000 feet AGL (16,275 feet MSL).

The launch site is located just outside the town of Mansfield, Washington, close to an unused dirt race track approximately 2 miles NW of town.

Sportsman Club

Directions:

From Seattle: From Spokane: From Portland:
  1. East on US I90; ~84 miles
  2. East on WA Hwy 970; ~10 miles
  3. North on US Hwy 97; ~35 miles
  4. East on US Hwy 2/97; ~29 miles
  5. East on US Hwy 2; ~23 miles
  6. North, then East on WA Hwy 172; ~21 miles
  7. turn left ~1 mile before Mansfield
  1. West on US Hwy 2; ~100 miles
  2. North on WA Hwy 17; ~14 miles
  3. West on WA Hwy 172 to Mansfield; ~13 miles
  4. turn right ~1 mile past Mansfield
  1. East on US I84; ~102 miles
  2. North on US Hwy 97; ~61 miles
  3. North on WA Hwy 22; ~3 miles
  4. North on US Hwy 82; ~50 miles
  5. West on US I90; ~5 miles
  6. North on US Hwy 97; ~49 miles
  7. East on US Hwy 2/97; ~29 miles
  8. East on US Hwy 2; ~23 miles
  9. North, then East on WA Hwy 172; ~21 miles
  10. turn left ~1 mile before Mansfield

Environment:

Click for Mansfield, Washington Forecast Flying season temperatures average from a low of 45 to a high of 80, with extremes from 30 to 100 degrees. Winds average 5-15 mph, lower in the AM or mid-day, with peaks to 25 mph, and higher with local wind-devils or squalls. Be prepared for wind: use sturdy canopies & tents, with guy lines. There is a neglible chance of rain. However, if it does rain, it could be heavy.

Most of the surrounding area is state land cultivated with wheat, with occasional fallow fields or rocky uncultivated areas. The terrain is slightly rolling, with few fences. There is one marshy area close to the launch site, and a small pond on the south side of the main east-west road, about 500 yards SW of the launch site.

Do not capture or disturb local wildlife under any circumstances. Rattlesnakes are native to the area. If you come across one, back away slowly and notify the RSO of its location. Please make sure your children are aware of the hazards associated with rattlesnakes. Ticks can also be an issue - please be aware of mitigation & inspection procedures.

Logistics:

Mansfield has a grocery store and bar. The grocery's hours are Monday through Friday 6AM to 8PM, Saturday 7AM to 8PM, and Sunday 8AM to 5PM. The bar serves food, but individuals younger than 21 are not allowed inside. They will make up takeout food, and the grocery store makes sandwiches. The gas station is open during the day, but has a cardlock pump that is open 24/7 to anybody with a credit card.

Potable water is not available at the site, but it is in town (roughly 2 miles away). Please plan accordingly, and bring plenty of water.

Due to the dry nature of the area, open fires & fireworks are not permitted at the launch site.

Concessions & Porta-Potties may be available at certain launches

Several of us had good cell phone reception on the Verizon network while on the site survey.

Lodging:

The town of Mansfield has no lodging, but an un-verified list of regional hotels and campgrounds is available. During the Memorial Day weekend, lodging is likely to be scarce. Overnight camping is available at the site, with some restrictions. Please talk to the person at the check-in/Pad Manager table for details.

Special Thanks:

Thanks to the efforts of several very determined individuals, notably Robert Nech and Kent Newman, this new launch site is now available for NW rocketeers. If you have a chance, please thank these two gentlemen for their work to secure and get a waiver for this site. And thanks are also due to the Mayor of Mansfield, Tom Snell, who has worked with us to bring this about. Tom and others in Mansfield saw the Discovery Channel shows on high power rocketry and realize they are bringing both an exciting and educational activity to their town.

We are invited guests of the town of Mansfield. This area continues to be a wonderful resource for high-power rocketry in central Washington. Please conduct yourselves as respectful invited guests so the town will continue to be welcoming to our group and our hobby.

Mansfield Home Page Sims Corners Webcam

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