Model Rocket Contest Guide - Estes Rockets

1 Model Rocket Contest GuidePlanning Model Rocket Contests for School-sponsored Clubs and Other Youth Groups 2012 Estes -Cox By Robert L. CannonUpdated and edited by Ann O N T E N T SSection I: OrganizationContest CommitteePage 3 Launch SitePage 3 SpectatorsPage 4 Date and TimePage 5 SafetyPage 5 Model Rocket Safety CodePage 6 Tracking - Data ReductionPage 6 RecoveryPage 7 TimetablePage 7 PublicityPage 7 LaunchersPage8 CommunicationsPage 8 FinancesPage 9 Section II: Contest EventsMaximum AltitudePage 10 Parachute DurationPage 10 Glide DurationPage 11 Drag RacePage 12 Spot LandingPage 12 Set AltitudePage 12 Payload HandlingPage 12 Scale ModelsPage 13 CraftsmanshipPage13 Research & DevelopmentPage 14 Champion RocketeerPage14 Estes Industries 1968, 1990, 1999 C O N T E ST C O M M I T T E EAcontest committee should be organized to planall phases of the Model Rocket Contest and tosupervise all details of the Contest .

2 The commit-tee should designate judges to settle any ques-tions of eligibility for contestants, supervise safetyinspections of all models before flight, make cer-tain that no tracking team member or scale modelcontest judge or research and development con-test judge tracks or judges his own entry, and set-tle any disagreements between contestants. It isrecommended that the captain of each serviceteam be included on the Contest Committee.(Service teams are teams which are in charge ofdifferent aspects of running the Contest .)LAUNCH SITEThe location at which the Contest will be heldshould be selected long before the actual location should be large enough to provideample space for the models to return safely usingthe various recovery systems. Ample spaceshould be provided so that the tracking teams canmeasure off baselines equal to the highest antici-pated altitudes. If this cannot be done, baselinesas long as possible should be provided for themaximum possible accuracy in altitude determina-tions.

3 The area selected should provide a rela-tively flat launching area with unobstructed visibili-ty to the launching site from the tracking stations. The launch site for the Contest should be at least35 meters (115 feet) on a side. The launch area ssmallest dimension should be no less than one-fourth of the highest anticipated altitude. Nolaunches should take place from less than 10meters (33 feet) from any edge of the area potential fire hazards such as dry grass should betaken into consideration in selecting the launching the launching site is on school property, the properschool administrators should be notified well inadvance of the planned Contest . If school property isnot used, permission to use the proposed launch siteshould be obtained before any publicity about the pro-posed Contest is released. For those fortunate enough in having more than onelaunch site available, a check-chart similar to the oneshown may be of help in choosing the best possiblesite for your P E C TATO R SProvisions should be made to direct the spectators ifmany are expected.

4 This includes roping off or insome way controlling access to the actual launchingarea. Only one entrance into the launch area shouldbe provided. Someone should be at this entrance atall times to permit only authorized contestants and offi-cials to designated place should be provided for parking,and traffic controllers should be stationed if the meet isto be a large one.(A form similar to the one above will serve the commit-tee well in setting up the many functions, which makea Contest progress smoothly. It is suggested that thebasic form be drawn up with space for inserting thename of the team, then be printed or duplicated. Thespecific team name may be hand lettered onto asmany sheets as needed.)Trained students, possibly with adult assistance,should be in charge of crowd control and parking (ifnecessary). Persons appointed by the ContestCommittee should perform these is strongly recommended that the start of the Contest bedelayed or the Contest postponed in the event of winds ofover 20 miles per hour or other poor weather conditionsoccurring at the time the Contest is scheduled to facilities most often overlooked but important to thecomfort of spectators and contestants the meet isto be an all-day stadiums, football fields, or soccer fields aregreat places for Model Rocket & TIMEThe date and time of the Model Rocket meetshould be carefully selected.

5 If necessary atime may be selected outside of school hours. Ifmore than one school is involved, it is possiblethat the schools represented by the contestantsmight excuse the contestants to attend the con-test if the school officials are properly contactedin advance. Often a school will allow the stu-dents in all interested classes to attend between clubs which are not school-sponsored should probably be held on week-ends. The date and time selected should not bein conflict with a previously scheduled activitywhich many of the prospective contestantswould like to attend. Announcements about the Contest should indi-cate that the Contest would be postponed in theevent of bad weather. It is strongly recommend-ed that the start of the Contest be delayed or thecontest postponed in the event of winds of over20 miles per hour or other poor weather condi-tions occurring at the time the Contest is sched-uled to for the events in the Model rocketmeet should be carefully worked out beforedetails of the Contest are announced to the pub-lic.

6 It is better to schedule too few events andallow each contestant two flights than to try tohold far too may events resulting in haste, con-fusion, and frustration. S A F E T YModel Rocket contests are no more hazardousthan other sport activities customarily engaged inby school students. The safety record achievedby Model rocketeers is outstanding. However,adequate accident insurance for property damageand personal liability should be considered for theschool and/or members of the sponsor , over 300 million Model Rockets havebeen launched. No serious Model Rocket -causedaccidents have been reported. Sponsoringgroups not having suitable personal liability andproperty damage insurance should investigatesecuring coverage through a local agent orthrough the National Association of Rocketry.*Every contestant and every official, whether adultor youth, should be provided with a copy of theModel Rocket Safety Code and should faithfullyfollow the safety rules outlined in this code.

7 Trainedmembers should perform a safety checkon eachmodel Rocket for correct engine selection,secure engine mounting, proper igniter and pluginstallation, good parachute and wadding packing,aerodynamic stability, structural strength, andmake certain that the nose cone is sufficientlyloose for easy parachute ejection on a parachutemodel before it is allowed onto the launch equip-ment. Only standard Model Rocket engines will beallowed. Limitations may be placed on the enginetypes allowed if done before the Contest and if thelimitations are clearly specified in the announce-ments about the meet. All launchings shall bemade using electrically operated igniters. * The national Model Rocket Contest organizationis the National Association of Rocketry, PO Box177, Altoona, WI 54720. Persons or groups inter-ested in competition of a regional basis shouldinvestigate membership in this O D E L Rocket SAFETY CODE1. Materials- My Model Rocket will be made of lightweight materials such as paper, wood,rubber, and plastic suitable for the power used and the performance of my Model Rocket .

8 I willnot use any metal for the nose cone, body, or fins of a Model Motors/Engines- I will use only commercially-made NAR certified Model Rocket enginesin the manner recommended by the manufacturer. I will not alter the Model Rocket engine, itsparts, or its ingredients in any Recovery- I will always use a recovery system in my Model Rocket that will return it safelyto the ground so it may be flown again. I will use only flame resistant recovery wadding Weight and Power Limits- My Model Rocket will weigh no more than 1,500 grams (53ounces) at liftoff, and its Rocket engines will produce no more than 320 Newton-seconds ( equal pound) of total impulse. My Model Rocket will weigh no more than theengine manufacturer s recommended maximum liftoff weight for the engines used, or I willuse engines recommended by the manufacturer for my Model Rocket . 5. Stability - I will check the stability of my Model Rocket before its first flight, except whenlaunching a Model Rocket of already proven Payloads- Except for insects, my Model Rocket will never carry live animals or a payloadthat is intended to be flammable, explosive, or Launch Site- I will launch my Model Rocket outdoors in a cleared area, free of tall trees,power lines, buildings, and dry brush and grass.

9 My launch site will be at least as large asthat recommended in the following Launcher- I will launch my Model Rocket from a stable launch device that provides rigidguidance until the modelrocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. To prevent accidental eyeinjury, I will always place the launcher so the end of the rod is above eye level or I will cap theend of the rod when approaching it. I will cap or disassemble my launch rod when not in use,and I will never store it in an upright position. My launcher will have a jet deflector device toprevent the engine exhaust from hitting the ground directly. I will always clear the areaaround my launch device of brown grass, dry weeds, or other easy-to-burn materials. 9. Ignition System- The system I use to launch my Model Rocket will be remotely controlledand electrically operated. It will contain a launching switch that will return to Off whenreleased.

10 The system will contain a removable safety interlock in series with the launchswitch. All persons will remain at least 15 feet (5 meters) from the Model Rocket when I amigniting Model Rocket engines totaling more than 30 Newton-seconds of total impulse. I willuse only electrical igniters recommended by the engine manufacturer that will ignite modelrocket engines(s) within one second of actuation of the launching switch. 10. Launch Safety - I will ensure that people in the launch area are aware of the pendingmodel Rocket launch and can see the Model Rocket s liftoff before I begin my audible five-sec-ond countdown. I will not launch a Model Rocket using it as a weapon. If my Model rocketsuffers a misfire, I will not allow anyone to approach it or the launcher until I have made cer-tain that the safety interlock has been removed or that the battery has been disconnectedfrom the ignition system. I will wait one minute after a misfire before allowing anyone toapproach the launcher.