Sportsman Club, Mansfield WA
Article: 0484
By David Randall, October 2009
Description
The Sportsman’s club is a facility just outside the town of Mansfield that offers a grassy field for parking and camping, a small oval dirt race track used as the launch site, and an “away cell” location for high altitude or complex rocket projects. The location is sufficient in size to support several hundred flyers and spectators.
Location
The Sportman’s club is located approximately 1/8 of a mile West of the town of Mansfield on State Road 172.
Facilities
Water: no available water
Electricity: no
Sewer/RV Dump: no
Porta-potties: Yes, brought in for launches
Cellular Service: Yes
Food: Mansfield has a grocery store and bar. The grocery store hours are 8 am – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The bar serves food, but individuals younger than 21 are not allowed inside. The bar will make up takeout food, and the grocery store makes sandwiches. During Fire in the Sky, there is often a mobile “cafe” set up onsite with snacks, drinks and food for sale.
Gas:The gas station in Mansfield is open during the day. Gas stations are also located in the town of Waterville approximately 22 miles West of Mansfield and Coulee City, approximately 20 miles Southeast of Mansfield.
Restrictions
Fires: No open fires allowed. BBQ and off-ground contained fires OK unless restricted by hosting club or fire marshall.
Fireworks: No fireworks allowed.
Flight Waivers
Normal launches have an FAA waiver of 8,000′ AGL at the racetrack and extension (keyhole) and 14,000′ AGL at the away cell from 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Please check for further details at each launch.
Reference Map
Maps and Directions
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GPS Information
Sportsmans Club Lat 47 deg 48′ 55.18″N; Long 119 deg 25′ 37.87″W
Environment
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.
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.