Happy New Year everyone.

As many of you know, Vince Chichack has been the Interim Chief Range Safety Officer (CRSO). Vince had agreed to fill this roll till the end of last year and Vince has now stepped down.

Words cannot express the depth of gratitude I feel for the multitude of contributions Vince has made to our community both recently and in the past. His time as CRSO was very productive. It saw the continuation of the work done by his predecessors Max and Wayne.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Vince for all he has done for us.

The search for a new CRSO has taken many months and I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors have confirmed Pierre Laurendeau as the CAR's new CRSO.

Pierre is a highly experienced L4 flier, an active RSO, RSO committee member, L4CC and has coordinated the CAR's Technical Safety Review process reviews. I have personally RSO'ed with Pierre and can attest to his skills, knowledge and integrity.

On behalf of the CAR, I would like to thank Pierre for stepping up and participating.

It has come to the attention of the CRSO recently, that the CAR High Power safety Code rule which states:

Smoking or open flames in within 10m of any high power rocket motor, motor reloading kit or pyrotechnic module is *not permitted*.

Currently this is not being constantly enforced.

One reason for this may be that it is not always clear where the high power rocket motor, motor reloading kit or pyrotechnic module is located. To aid the launch organizer, RSO, and spectators in identifying where 1.3C and 1.4C explosives are located, in and around the launch site, starting immediately all explosive users ( High Power Flyers ) are asked to display a “NO SMOKING” placard in their storage and reloading area at all launches.

The placard should measure at least 12 inches by 12 inches. This placard should be in color, red/white or red/yellow, to be easily visible. The placard should be displayed in such a manner that it is easily seen and should be displayed in the 1.3C and 1.4C users reloading area and storage area at the launch site.

At this time this is a recommendation but at some time in the future it may become a requirement.

It is strongly advised, in the interest of safety, that all 1.3C and 1.4C users follow this recommendation.