Rocketry made fun!

Warning!
Rockets are NOT toys!

Model rockets are dangerous, but they are also can be educational and fun.
With this tutorial you can educate yourself about model rocketry. But before you launch your first rocket, you should know:

1. Safety procedures
2. Parts of a rocket
3. Launch procedures
4. Rocket recovery

As a rocketeer, you are responsible for any damage occurred by your rocket to any public, private and personal property, intentionally (which is a criminal offense) or unintentionally.

Note to all young Rocketeers - IF you are under the age of ten,
ALL launches must carried out WITH Adult Supervision.

Rocket Engine Safety

       Yes, model rockets are dangerous, but with the proper knowledge you can enjoy a lifetime of flying model rockets.

       With every packet of rocket engines are a set of instructions on how to properly handle these engines. These instructions are for your safety. Please read them.

       Please use extreme caution when handling these engines. Do not ignite them in anyway than described in the instructions leaflet. You should only ignite the engines with the electrical igniter provided with the engines. Extra igniters are sold separately at any hobby store.

Engine Designations

       Hobby rocket engines comes in various sizes. All engines are designated with a letter-number-number classification. The letter represent the engine size; "A" engines are the smallest and they go to the largest which are designated "D". The first number designates the engines power in Newton thrust. A higher thrust will result in higher liftoff acceleration, and can be used to launch a heavier model. Within the same letter class, a higher average thrust also implies a shorter burn time (e.g., a B6 motor will not burn as long as but have more initial thrust than a B4). Motors within the same letter class that have different first numbers are usually for rockets with different weights.For example a heavier rocket would require a engine with more initial thrust to get it off of the launch pad, whereas a lighter rocket would need less initial thrust and would sustain a longer burn reaching higher altitudes. The last number designates the time between the end of the thrust and the ejection time in which streamer or parachute is deployed.

Note: The duration of a typical engine is between 1 - 3 seconds. However, after the discharge of the recovery system, the flight may be prolonged for several more seconds.

       An engine with the designation A8-3 is a typical "starter" engine. The rocket that uses an "A" engine will be small and will not fly high. Flight height will depend on wind and air resistance. These rockets are popular because they can be recovered easily and redeployed. Larger engines means higher altitude and longer time in search and recovery, but that will be discussed on another page.