Information on model Rocketry

Model Rocket Safety Code

Basic parts of a model rocket

The basic flight path of a model rocket

1. 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. I will not use any metal for the nose cone, body, or fins of a model rocket.
2. Motors. I will use only commercially-made, NAR-certified model rocket motors in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. I will not alter the model rocket motor, its parts, or its ingredients in any way.
3. Recovery. I will always use a recovery system in my model rocket that will return it safely to the ground so it may be flown again. I will use only flame-resistant recovery wadding if wadding is required by the design of my model rocket.
4. Weight and Power Limits. My model rocket will weigh no more than 1,500 grams (53 ounces) at lift-off and its rocket motors will produce no more than 320 Newton-seconds (71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse. My model rocket will weigh no more than the motor manufacturerÕs recommended maximum lift-off weight for the motors used, or I will use motors recommended by the manufacturer for my model rocket.
5. Stability. I will check the stability of my model rocket before its first flight, except when launching a model rocket of already proven stability.
6. Payloads. My model rocket will never carry live animals (except insects) or a payload that is intended to be flammable, explosive, or harmful.
7. 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. My launch area will be at least as large as that recommended in the accompanying table.
8. Launcher. I will launch my model rocket from a stable launch device that provides rigid guidance until the model rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. To prevent accidental eye injury, I will always place the launcher so the end of the rod is above eye level or I will cap the end 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 to prevent the motor exhaust from hitting the ground directly. I will always clear the area around 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 controlled and electrically operated. It will contain a launching switch that will return to "off" when released. The system will contain a removable safety interlock in series with the launch switch. All persons will remain at least 15 feet from the model rocket when I am igniting model rocket motors totalling 30 Newton-seconds or less of total impulse and at least 20 feet from the model rocket when I am igniting model rocket motors totalling more than 30 Newton-seconds of total impulse. I will use only electrical igniters recommended by the motor manufacturer that will ignite model rocket motors 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 pending model rocket launch and can see the model rocket's lift-off before I begin my audible five-second countdown. I will not launch my model rocket so its flight path will carry it against a target. If my model rocket suffers a misfire, I will not allow anyone to approach it or the launcher until I have made certain that the safety interlock has been removed or that the battery has been disconnected from the ignition system. I will wait one minute after a misfire before allowing anyone to approach the launcher.
11. Flying Conditions. I will launch my model rocket only when the wind is less than 20 miles per hour. I will not launch my model rocket so it flies into clouds, near aircraft in flight, or in a manner that is hazardous to people or property.
12. Pre-Launch Test. When conducting research activities with unproven model rocket designs or methods I will, when possible, determine the reliability of my model rocket by pre-launch tests. I will conduct the launching of an unproven design in complete isolation from persons not participating in the actual launching.
13. Launch Angle. My launch device will be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical. I will never use model rocket motors to propel any device horizontally.
14. Recovery Hazards. If a model rocket becomes entangled in a power line or other dangerous place, I will not attempt to retrieve it.
15. LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS

The parts of the basic rocket

(from the Estes Alpha Model Rocket Guide)

Basic Flight of a model rocket

(from the Estes Alpha Model Rocket Guide)

Back to Top