This publication is primarily designed for use by teachers in planning model rocket contest forschool-sponsored clubs, but the ideas set forth are easily adaptable for use by other interestedgroups in planning contests.

Written ByRobert L. Cannon

Edited ByAnn Grimm

Catalog Number 2815Estes Industries 1968, 1990, 1999

MODEL ROCKET CONTEST GUIDE

®

C O N T E N T S

Section I: Organization

Contest Committee Page 3Launch Site Page 3Spectators Page 4Date and Time Page 5Safety Page 5Model Rocket Safety Code Page 6Tracking - Data Reduction Page 6Recovery Page 7Timetable Page 7Publicity Page 7Launchers Page 8Communications Page 8Finances Page 9

Section II: Contest Events

Maximum Altitude Page 10Parachute Duration Page 10Glide Duration Page 11Drag Race Page 12Spot Landing Page 12Set Altitude Page 12Payload Handling Page 12Scale Models Page 13Craftsmanship Page 13Research & Development Page 14Champion Rocketeer Page 14

Estes Industries 1968, 1990, 1999

®

CONTEST COMMITTEEA contest committee should be organized to planall phases of the model rocket contest and tosupervise all details of the contest. 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.)

L AUNCH SITEThe location at which the contest will be heldshould be selected long before the actual contest.The 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. 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 beingused.

Any potential fire hazards such as dry grass should betaken into consideration in selecting the launching site.If 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 contests.

SPECTATO R SProvisions should be made to direct the spectators ifmany are expected. 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 enter.

A 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 functions.

It 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 start.

Two facilities most often overlooked but important to thecomfort of spectators and contestants alike…if the meet isto be an all-day affair.

School stadiums, football fields, or soccer fields aregreat places for model rocket contests.

DATE & TIMEThe date and time of the model rocket meetshould be carefully selected. 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 themeet.

Contests 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 start.

A timetable for the events in the model rocketmeet should be carefully worked out beforedetails of the contest are announced to the pub-lic. 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.

SAFETYModel 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 group.Currently, 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.

Trained members should perform a safety checkon each model 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 organization.

MODEL 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. I willnot use any metal for the nose cone, body, or fins of a model rocket.2. 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 way.3. 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 ifrequired.4. 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 (4.45Newtons equal 1.0 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 stability.6. Payloads - Except for insects, my model rocket will never carry live animals or a payloadthat 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 site will be at least as large asthat recommended in the following table.

8. 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 eye

injury, 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. 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. 11. Flying Conditions - I will launch my model rocket only when the wind is less than 20miles (30 kilometers) an hour. I will not launch my model rocket so it flies into clouds, nearaircraft in flight, or in a manner that is hazardous to people or property.12. Pre-Launch Test - When conducting research activities with unproven model rocketdesigns 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 frompersons not participating in the actual launching.13. Launch Angle - My launch device will be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical. I willnever use model rocket engines to propel any device horizontally.14. Recovery Hazards - If a model rocket becomes entangled in a powerline or other dan-gerous place, I will not attempt to retrieve it.

L AUNCH SITE DIMENSIONSInstalled Total

Impulse(Newton-Seconds)

0.00 - 1.251.26 - 2.502.51 - 5.005.01 - 10.00

10.01 - 20.0020.01 - 40.0040.01 - 80.0080.01 - 160.00

160.01 - 320.00

EquivalentEngine Type

1/4 A & 1/2 AABCDEFG

2Gs

Minimum SiteDimension

Feet Meters50 15

100 30 200 60400 120500 150

1000 3001000 3001000 3001500 450

L AUNCH CONTROL OFFICERThe Launch Control Officer is in complete charge of all oper-ations. Everyone operates under his directions. He alwayschecks with the Range Safety Officer before permittinglaunches. He may personally press the launch switch foreach launch, may supervise the contestant pushing thelaunch switch, or may designate a Firing Officer to do theactual launching.

T R ACKING - DATA REDUCTIONIf altitude events are to be flown, one of the most importantthings to consider is the provision of an adequate number ofcompetent, trained trackers and data-reducers to staff thetracking teams and to run the data-reduction tables. Enoughpersonnel should be provided to allow rotation of staff so noone has to remain on duty all morning or all afternoon. Data-reduction consists of computing the altitudes reachedfrom the information provided by the trackers and accuratelyrecording this and other data for each flight by a member ofthe Data -Reduction Team. It is recommended that an adultsupervise the data reduction.

RANGE SAFETY OFFICERThe Range Safety Officer is a well-qualified youth or adultwho keeps constant check on the launch sites, the specta-tors, the weather, the recovery area, the tracking teams andall other areas which are involved in the launch to be certainthat no unsafe activity is permitted. He makes certain that allrockets placed on the launcher have passed inspection bythe Safety Inspection Team. He calls an immediate halt tolaunch operations if any unsafe conditions develop and doesnot permit launching to resume until the problem is solved.

R E C O V E R YTo return the model rockets to the launch area, therecovery team should have plenty of members avail-able who are well scattered throughout the recoveryarea.

TIMETABLEAfter selection of the different types of contests to beheld during the meet, the timetable for the meet shouldbe carefully worked out. Refer to the CONTESTEVENTS part of this publication for a list of possiblecontest events.

PUBLICITYAfter all details for the contest have been arranged,publicity should be released giving exact time and

place of the model rocket meet and information aboutthe events and qualifications for entrants and modelrockets. Entry forms, a list giving qualifications for con-testants and model rockets, and an information sheetgiving pertinent information need by prospective con-testants should be duplicated for distribution to all inter-ested persons. A note on the information sheet aboutpostponement in case of bad weather is a good idea.If decided upon in advance, a new date for the contestin case of postponement might be given. The instruc-tions and rules for the model rocket meet should speci-fy that safety inspections will be performed by qualifiedpersons on each model rocket before it is allowed tolaunch in any contest event.

The publicity releases should be given to newspapers,radio and television stations, and exhibited on schoolbulletin boards and neighborhood bulletin boards (whereavailable). Publicity releases should be distributedweeks before the actual contest is held. A list of avail-able publicity channels should be prepared and used.

L AU N C H E R SA number of qualified students should be selected andtrained long before the day of the contest to test all ofthe launchers used and to rig new ones if necessary.(The ESTES publication Model Rocket LaunchSystems is an excellent training aid for those handlingthe launching.) It is recommended that only a12-voltsystem be used. A fully -charged car battery is excel-lent.

A special launcher may be constructed using a num-ber of launching rods on one base, and utilizing aswitching mechanism to allow a single power supply tooperate each of a row of launchers in sequence. If adrag race is held, a pair of launchers can be wired tothe same switch for simultaneous ignition.

The students caring for the equipment should check tomake certain that adequate equipment is available forall needs, that all equipment is in proper working con-dition, and the power supplies are all fully-charged.This team sets up and tests all equipment well beforethe official time for the contest to start.The equipment testing should include a test of thepower supply to be certain adequate electrical current

is available, and test of each circuit to be certain thelaunch control equipment is wired properly to supplyadequate current to each launcher when the launchbutton for that launcher is pressed. Make sure that nocurrent reaches the clips when the safety key is off. Inaddition, all launchers should be checked to be certainthat they are firmly placed so they will not slip or moveabout accidentally. The tips of all launch rods shouldbe above eye level. All connecting cables should beplaced where they are not likely to be stepped on ortripped over.

C O M M U N I C ATIONSA two-way communication system between the data-reduction team and the tracking stations is very helpful.This system is especially advantageous in permittingmore accurate synchronization of maximum altitudereadings. If possible, the launch control site should beon the communication system; if not, possibly thetracking teams can hear the countdown procedurebefore each launch. Hopefully, the countdown andother pertinent information will be given over a publicaddress system. If neither the two-way system nor thePA is available, a system of hand or flag signals can beused to alert trackers just before each launch.

FINAN C E SAn entry fee may be charged for each contes-tant. Entry fees can be charged for each entryof a model rocket in the contest, rather than fora contestant. No entry fee of any kind need becharged if the funds available to the sponsoringgroup are adequate to pay for all expenses,including prizes. If an entry fee is charged itmight pay for a specified number of rocketengines and igniters.

One of the planning committee members can beplaced in charge of issuing the engines andkeeping track of whom has received theengines.

Do not be discouraged if you find it difficult tosecure sponsors and finances for your firstmodel rocket contest. The first time is the hard-est. Once others have seen that you can put ona safe, successful contest, they will be more

willing to support your efforts for future contestwith their time, energy, money, and publicendorsement.

Such school or school-oriented organizations asStudent Councils, Science Clubs, QuarterbackClubs, Parent-Teacher Associations, and othersimilar groups will sometimes provide moneyand other assistance for model rocket contests.

Occasionally, when a model rocket contestinvolves a great many youngsters and parents,a printed program can be provided.Advertisements on this printed program can besold as a source of additional income.

Please do not expect Estes Industries to donateprizes. Much as we would like to do this, thenumber of contests worthy of this supportmakes it impossible for us to donate suitableprizes.

MAXIMUM A LTITUDE

In the Maximum Altitude Contest, the contes-tants attempt to send their model to the highestaltitude possible.

Normal countdown and launch procedures arefollowed for events of this type. To make thecontest fair, the single stage model rocketsshould use the same type of model rocketengines (engines of the same total impulse clas-sification).

If a sufficient number of model rockets areentered, a heat (one set of rockets placed on thelaunching pads at one time) of similar modelrockets might be launched in series.

If desired and if time permits, a series of altitudecontests may be conducted, each using a differ-ent class of total impulse rocket engines.

All model rockets in a particular contest arerequired to use rocket engines of the same totalimpulse classification. Each contestant, howev-er, is permitted to choose a rocket engine withhis choice of time delay to ejection.

A standard payload (usually a standard one-ounce weight) might be required for all models inone altitude event. This event would be openonly to rockets with a payload compartment.The one-ounce weight or a similar standard pay-load could be carried by each rocket. Payloadevents are usually conducted as a separate con-test event.

For events using two-stage rockets, similar rock-et engines should be used for each model rocketentered. The lower stage engines would beones using no delay. The same rules apply tothree-stage rockets.

Rockets containing cluster of rocket enginesshould be limited to the same total impulse whenin competition with other models for maximumaltitude.

PA R ACHUTE DURATIONThe most common type of duration contestis the event using model rockets employingparachute recovery systems. In this contestthe entrants try to construct model rocketand parachute combinations which willremain in the air for long periods of time.The winner of this contest is the rocketwhich remains in the air the longest timeafter the instant of engine ignition.

Should a model rocket drift out of sight, theofficial time ends at the time the rocket driftsout of sight. At least one timer using a stop-watch or a watch with a sweep second handis necessary. Having several official timersis desirable as the results from each (timer)can be averaged to provide a more accuratetime for each flight, from the moment of igni-tion to the moment the rocket touches theground. Having several qualified timers willallow several model rockets to be in theprocess of descent at the same time if eachtimer observes a different model rocket. Useof engines of a too high total impulse classi-fication may result in many model rocketsbeing lost because they drift out of sightbefore returning to the ground. Another haz-ard to be avoided whenever possible is lossof model rockets to one of the famous RETs(“Rocket Eating Trees”).

The requirement that all rocket engines be ofthe same total impulse classification is suit-able. All rockets may be required to be ofthe same type, but this is not essential andoften is not practical.

Contests using two or three stage rockets oreven cluster model are possible. Any timemore than one engine is permitted in a model,a limit should be set on total impulse allowed.The contestants can use any set of enginesas long as the sum of the total impulses of theengines does not exceed the limit.

GLIDE DURATIONThe goal in this contest is to make modelrockets using a glide recovery system whichwill stay in the air as long as possible.Design improvements and finishing skills areconstantly sought to make gliders which willstay in the air longer than the other entries.

The model rockets entered in glide durationcontests are called boost-gliders. They takeoff vertically or nearly so in the normal man-ner for model rockets (the boost phase of theflight). However, these model rockets returnto the ground by gliding through the air (theglide phase of the flight). Skill in buildingmodel airplanes or model gliders helps amodel rocketeer build better entries.

Three main types of boost-gliders exist.These are the front-engine boot glider, therear engine boost glider and the pop-podboost glider. As the name suggests, the frontengine boost glider has the model rocketengine mounted near the front. The rearengine type has the model rocket enginemounted near the rear, and the pop-pod typehas the engine mounted in a fairly typicalmodel rocket (the pop-pod) which drops off atthe top of the flight when the glider isdetached. The parachute contained in thepop-pod returns the rocket portion of thevehicle gently to the ground.

All model rocket gliders entered in the contestshould use engines of the same total impulseclassification. However, open contests arepossible in which the more powerful rocketengines may be used. The possibility exists,however, that a model rocket boost glidermight not take the stress of the powered flightwith larger engines. Also, the higher the glid-er is when it starts its descent, the greaterthe chance of losing it, because it glides outof sight.

D R AG RAC EIn this event, two model rockets are launchedsimultaneously. One point is awarded for therocket first achieving motion at launch. Onepoint is awarded for the rocket reaching the low-est altitude. One point is awarded to the rocketreaching the ground last. Each rocket mustreturn by a safe recovery system which deploysat an altitude of at least 50 feet.

A countdown is used before launching and bothlaunch buttons are pushed simultaneously onthe launch command. Pushing the launch but-ton prematurely disqualifies the rocket. Toinsure greater accuracy of timing for the ignition,a device might be made which will make theelectrical connections to both launchers simulta-neously thus eliminating human error in timingwhen pushing the launch buttons. Severaldevices may be used. One of the easiest tomake may be constructed by rewiring twoElectro-Launches to a double-pole, single throwor a double-pole, double-throw switch.

The rockets should use the same type of rocketengine. Whether or not the rockets competingwith each other are the same type of model isleft to the judgement of the contestants andjudges.

Each tracking team for this contest must be cer-tain that it accurately tracks the rocket to whichthe team has been assigned.

S P OT LANDINGA selected landing point is marked (as with aflag), and the winner is the rocket which landsclosest to the selected spot. Only rockets usinga safe recovery system are permitted. Therecovery system must become operational at analtitude of at least 50 feet. The launching rodmay not be adjusted to an angle of more than 30degrees from the vertical. This contest requireslaunching rods which can be adjusted for angleof launch. Adjustable rods are desirable for anyevent.

SET A LTITUDEContestants try to cause their rockets to reach a

pre-selected altitude. Careful considerationmust be given to selecting the right model rocketengines. Any rocket using a safe recovery sys-tem is permitted.

Previous experience is very helpful for rocke-teers in selecting the proper rocket engines.The tracking teams and data-reduction teammust be very careful when working on thesecontests. The difference between the set alti-tude and the altitude reached by the rocket isused to determine the winner. The winner is themodel rocket whose achieved altitude is closestto the prediction selected and announced inadvance by the Contest Committee. It makesno difference whether the altitude reached isabove or below the set altitude.

A variation on this contest is an event whereineach contestant predicts and announces the alti-tude his rocket will reach before it is launched.Judging is based on whose rocket has the leastpercentage of error from its predicted altitude.This percentage error is found by dividing theactual error by the predicted altitude.

PAY LO AD HANDLINGThis type of contest requires well-built modelrockets, wise selection of engines, skill in prop-erly packing the payload, careful handling of allsteps in the rocket preparation, launching andrecovery operations and careful balancing of the

rocket for proper placement of the center of gravity.Original designs and multi-stage rockets are permit-ted.

The purpose of this type of contest is to safely carryspecific objects as high as possible as payloads onmodel rockets. This contest requires model rocketswhich can copy in miniature the launches of instru-mented high-altitude sounding probes and of satel-lites.

A standard payload used is the one-ounce weight.Careful balancing of the model rocket is necessaryfor proper performance during the powered phase ofthe flight. The eight must be secured in place beforebalancing to insure that the weight will not shift, thuschanging the rocket’s center of gravity. The payloadmust be removable.

A more difficult payload sometimes used in a specialevent is a raw chicken egg. The eggs used in thedifferent rockets should be of the same size andweight. Any egg which is found cracked or brokenwhen the rocket is recovered disqualifies the flight.Great care is need in handling this payload to pre-vent damage to the egg. A medium size egg is com-monly used.

Whatever point system is selected for judging shouldbe determined and announced before the contestbegins. The highest successful flight might be thewinner. More elaborate contests are possible. Forexample, points might be awarded for altitudeachieved, flight duration, closeness of model rocket’slanding to a pre-determined spot and nearness ofmaximum altitude achieved to a previouslyannounced altitude.

SCALEEntries in this contest must be actual scale modelsof existing or historic full-sized rockets. Points areawarded for each category of craftsmanship - accu-racy of scaling (each contestant is responsible forproviding dimensions and detains of the original full-size rocket as well as detailed plans of his model),smoothness of finish, painting, etc. Points are alsoawarded for flight performance. Flight performancepoints are usually based upon altitude achieved.The points for altitude achieved MAY be “weighed”based upon the total impulse classification of theengine used to favor smaller engines. In other words,the altitude reached by a rocket using a 1/4A engine

could be multiplied by 4; the altitude achieved by arocket using a 1/2A engine could be multiplied by 2;the altitude achieved by a rocket using an A enginecould be multiplied by 1; the altitude achieved by arocket using a B engine by 0.5; etc. All of the scoringcategories and the system for awarding points shouldbe decided upon and announced in advance. Well-qualified judges are necessary for this contest.

To simplify judging, it is possible to require that eachentrant build a model of the same rocket. In a caselike this it is important to notify everyone well inadvance to give all contestants a fair chance to obtainthe model kit or parts and build it.

CRAFTSMANSHIPThis contest is open to all model rockets exceptthose made from kits of pre-formed plastic parts.The judging is based upon the skill with which therocket was made as evidenced by properly shapedand sized finds, strength and smoothness of joints,smoothness and attractiveness of painting and deco-ration, beauty of the finished model, etc. Each modelmust be flown after judging and before announce-ment of the judges’ decision. Any rocket failing toperform safely and properly is disqualified from thecontest before the judges’ decisions are announced.Well-qualified judges with model rocketry experienceand a good appreciation for artistic beauty are sug-gested for this contest.

RESEARCH & DEVELO P M E N TThis is the most flexible of all the divisions as faras the types of entries accepted. Specified cat-egories might be set up in advance to makejudging less difficult.

New designs, new techniques, the results ofdata collecting experiments, well-constructeddisplays illustrating important scientific principlesinvolved in model rocketry or relating a fact ortheory pertinent to model rocketry or similar pro-jects are acceptable material for entries.

The best-qualified judges available should beutilized for this event. No judge for this contestmay have an entry in this contest.

Possibly a stipulation may be made in advancethat no prizes need be awarded and/or multipleprizes may be awarded at the discretion of thejudges.

CHAMPION ROCKETEER OFTHE MEETThis prize, when awarded, will go to the con-testant accumulating the most points duringthe meet. The number of events in which acontestant must compete to qualify for compe-tition for this award must be announced inadvance. Competition in an event is consid-ered to be a successful flight (not disqualifiedfor any reason) even though the flight may nothave received a prize in that event. The pointsystem for the first place, second place, thirdlace, etc., and for participation in each eventshould be announced in advance. Of the con-testants successfully completing the requirednumber of events, the contestant accumulatingthe most points is the winner. The award pre-sented for this should be the nicest of theawards presented.

Use only those suggestions from this publication which you need. Many successful model rocketmeets consist of only one or two of the contests mentioned.

Other types of contests may be held. The imagination of the organizing group is the major factor indetermining which contest may be held. The Estes Guide for Aerospace Clubs contains additionalideas for contests.

The following pages provide suggestions for two of the forms which can be used by contest judges.

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adj

ustm

ents

for

desi

red

fligh

t pat

h an

d fo

r ex

istin

g w

eath

erco

nditi

ons.

10)

Che

ck e

ngin

e fo

r pr

oper

fit i

nbo

dy tu

be.

9)

Inst

all a

n ig

nite

r in

the

engi

ne.

8)

Pla

ce th

e ro

cket

on

the

laun

cher

.C

lean

and

atta

ch th

e m

icro

-clip

s.

7)C

lear

the

area

, che

ck fo

r lo

w fl

ying

airc

raft,

ale

rt r

ecov

ery

crew

and

trac

kers

.

6)A

rm th

e la

unch

pan

el.

5)

4)

3)

2)

1)

LA

UN

CH

!

LA

UN

CH

!

12)

Pac

k fla

mep

roof

rec

over

y w

addi

ngin

to th

e bo

dy tu

be. I

nser

t the

para

chut

e or

str

eam

er.

11)

Inst

all t

he n

ose

cone

or

payl

oad

sect

ion.

Che

ck c

ondi

tion

of th

epa

yloa

d (if

any

).

10) A

pply

eno

ugh

mas

king

tape

toth

e en

gine

(s)

for

a tig

ht fr

ictio

nfit

in th

e bo

dy tu

be(s

). W

hen

laun

chin

g a

mul

ti-st

age

rock

et b

esu

re th

at th

e en

gine

s ar

e in

thei

rpr

oper

rel

ativ

e po

sitio

ns a

nd th

ata

laye

r of

cel

loph

ane

tape

isw

rapp

ed ti

ghtly

aro

und

each

engi

ne jo

int.

9)

Inst

all a

n ig

nite

r in

the

engi

ne.

8)

Pla

ce th

e ro

cket

on

the

laun

cher

.C

lean

and

atta

ch th

e m

icro

-clip

s.

7)C

lear

the

area

, che

ck fo

r lo

w fl

ying

airc

raft,

ale

rt r

ecov

ery

crew

and

trac

kers

.

6)A

rm th

e la

unch

pan

el.

5)

4)

3)

2)

1)

LA

UN

CH

!

LA

UN

CH

Flig

ht N

umbe

rF

light

#1

Flig

ht #

2F

light

#3

Flig

ht #

4

Dat

e of

Lau

nch

Laun

ch L

ocat

ion

Pay

load

Des

crip

tion

Wei

ght

Type

Col

orR

ecov

ery

Sys

tem

Eng

ines

No.

of

Type

1st S

tage

2nd

Sta

ge3r

d S

tage

Tota

l Wei

ght

Met

hod

of L

aunc

hLa

unch

Ang

leP

redi

cted

Alti

tude

WE

AT

HE

R

Hum

idity

Tem

pera

ture

Vis

ibili

tyR

emar

ks

Win

d V

eloc

ity

Win

d D

irect

ion

FL

IGH

T D

ATA

Com

pute

d A

lt.

Flig

ht D

urat

ion

Sta

bilit

y In

form

atio

n

Alti

tude

Est

imat

ed

Trac

king

Info

rmat

ion

Flig

ht P

erfo

rman

ce

INDIVIDUAL EVENT SCORE SHEETContest Name

Place Held Date Time

Entries Qualifiers1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

CONTEST WINNERSPLACE

Judging Staff

NAME ADDRESS NO. OF POINTS

Weighing Factor

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

For use in determining Champion Rocketeer of the meet

68I30AGS