So you want to join Stratofox?

Yes, we're a group of hobbyists. But circumstances force us to expect somewhat significant qualifications for joining the team. We'll use this page to tell you about them. Hopefully with this info you'll have a better idea what to expect.

In general, membership in Stratofox is considered a privilege and is available by invitation only. But it's possible for individuals with skills relevant to the team to ask and then get an invitation.

Things we'll look for in new team members

We expect that anyone interested in joining Stratofox is interested in aviation or space, or in helping the group in its pursuit of those interests.

You have to plan on participating - no spectators.

Many events in which we participate require invitation. We get invited as a team. So we also depend on getting invited back again as a team to those events. This is the case with all rockets and balloons which are built by anyone other than our own members. In some cases, these events take place under an FAA Space Launch permit, usually with restrictions that people present in the launch area must be participants. Even at other events, all our team members reflect on Stratofox's ability to get invited back again. In remote wilderness-like areas, while we try to help each other on the team, we can't have people along who only need help and are unable to offer any.

You must not be bothered by camping and off-road driving.

Stratospheric balloons and rockets often land away from roads. When we're on a search mission, you can expect the unexpected.

You must have skills or equipment which the team can use.

Out of necessity (and personal interest), we are a highly technical group. While we're open to consider other skills and equipment as needs and offers arise, some things which have already proven useful are...

• an Amateur Radio ("Ham Radio") licence (It takes only a written test which technically-inclined individuals can pass with 1-2 weeks of evenings studying. See RadioExam.org for advice and practice exams for getting your license.)
• navigation experience - maps, GPS, compass, etc
• a 4x4 vehicle and off-road driving experience
• a high-power rocketry certification (through Tripoli or NAR)
• formal search & rescue training
• emergency medical training, such as Wilderness First Responder, EMT, or minimally CPR & first aid
• understanding of electronics
• a pilot license (Private Pilot or above)
• an airplane
• experience with logistical planning for multiple-day multiple-vehicle trips

You don't need to have all of the above - that isn't possible anyway. But if you don't have at least one, think about what else you can do that the team can use. We'll ask.

If the qualifications look OK to you, read on...

How to join Stratofox

One way or another, in order to begin the process of joining, a Stratofox team member has to refer you. If you haven't met team members already, then you can subscribe to the Stratofox Talk mail list and introduce yourself. You can also meet Stratofox team members at any monthly sbay.org pizza meeting.

Upon being referred, you'll become what we call a Stratofox Invitee. Invitees are potential new members who haven't participated in an event yet. Whenever possible, we keep invitees aware of upcoming events and opportunities to participate.

After participating in a Stratofox event where enough members got a chance to meet you, you can be voted on to the team based on the following criteria:

• How well you performed the role you volunteered for
• How well you helped the team achieve the goals of that event
• How well you got along with the team

Once you pass that vote, you'll become a full member of the Stratofox core team.

More details than you want to know

All the nitty-gritty procedures are in Stratofox's charter.

Update history

• created - Feb 29, 2004
• partly rewritten, moved to wiki - Apr 22, 2006
• intro statement added clarifying that membership is a privilege - May 11, 2006
• added "More details than you want to know" section with link to the Stratofox charter