Some rockets are built at school events, scout meetings etc. Many are made at home from kits.
| Rocketeers of all ages are welcome. It is however advisable for
the very youngest to become gradually acclimated to the sound of the
launch. Some parents casually observe in the car at first without too much attention paid
to the launch. Covering ears of the smallest may be useful until they get used to
the whoosh. Playing with a model rocket at home while making sound effects is also
useful. The rocketeer who launched more rockets in one day than I've ever seen launched by two people before was also one of the youngest. Keeping his dad busy reloading, he gleefully announced and recovered his flights. It is amazing that the the young and old rocketeers possess that same gleam in their eyes when their models go up. |
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| Organized launches begin with registration. (Adherence to NAR/TRIPOLI safety rules is required at most launches and has kept the sport exceptionally safe.) Many sites charge a small registration fee for adult participants with high power models to launch. This partially offsets the cost of launch equipment and insurance. Like spectators, kids with rockets to fly are often free. |  |
| A flight card is filled out for each model flown. Many attendees bring no rocket or only one. Others bring a whole fleet to display and fly. |
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Next, the flier preps their rocket - parachute, motor, etc. (Igniters for the larger motors |
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| A simple inspection of each model is completed by a range
safety officer (RSO) who then signs the flight card for each model.
A wealth of knowledge is present at established launches and is free for the asking. Usually, repairs for most simple problems are possible with quick setting epoxy, sandpaper and other supplies brought to or available at the launch. |
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| Models are assigned to pads and the rocketeers place the models on the pads and connect the igniters in preparation for launch. All participants remain behind the flight line except when preparing or retrieving rockets. |
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| Each flight is announced. When the range is clear of personel, clouds, aircraft, etc. the pad is armed by the launch control officer (LCO) and the countdown begins. The model owner him/herself is often given the option to push the launch button. |  |
What comes next is "ooohs, aahs, open mouths and general wide eyed excitement". Soon kids are running back for more flight cards and mom or dad can't wait to start building "one of those big rockets." Did you notice that
there isn't even Come on out and join us!
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| In addition to flying, many rocketeers display their models
under canopys, on stands, in pickups and on blankets. The high power launches
provide a majestic spectacle to all who participate.
Rocket vendors are also present with motors and kits.
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| As should be obvious from this upscale contest, even small rockets have a tendency to grow to enormous size. |  |
