A few questions

[Maagic]

Since my previous model rocketry experience never surpassed launching rockets with anything more than a "C" motor, I've run into a few things reading about mid/high power rocketry that I'm not too familiar with. So I thought I'd ask a few questions here... like they say, the only dumb question...

Ok according to NAR regulations they say if I have a rocket that weighs more than 1 pound or uses more than 4 oz of propellant I need a FAA waiver. Fair enough. Is there also a height requirement? I read somewhere that if it goes over 1000 feet you need a waiver also. Since I'm getting a LOC Aura tomorrow and plan on running it on G motors I will need to know this

Also while reading construction tips on the Aura they said to use fillets on the fins. What are these exactly? Also how do I go about using fiberglass for reinforcement?

Finally, my launching pad. I have a launch pad from my old Estes starter kit. It has a 1/8 inch launch rod. The bigger rockets I have now require a 3/18 inch rod. I purchased a 3 foot piece of brass bar stock at Lowes (was only $4... could not justify spending $20 on a rod at Hobby Lobby) and it fit fine in the larger hole on the launch pad assembly. Do you think this will suffice? Or should I just get the larger launch pad that Hobby Lobby carries?

Thanks for reading/answering.

[willmarchant]

Hi Maagic:
They're good questions!

I think that http://www.publicmissiles.com/images/HPR_metric8.pdf is a really cool summary.  Note the very important difference between FAA "notification" and "waiver"!  Take a look at appendix 6 of http://www.aia-aerospace.org/aianews/features/team_america/pdf/2006_handbook.pdf for information on "FAA notification."  LOC claims the Aura is 8 ounces, so you'll be under a pound, I expect.

What G motors are you planning on using?  Some require a high power certification.  G33 and G75, if memory serves.

Brass is pretty soft.  3 feet is pretty short for "mid power" rockets.  Do you have a local club?  That way you can use their launch equipment!  Besides, rocketry is a social sport... 

I recommend getting a copy of the latest edition of Stine's Handbook of Model Rocketry, to brush up on stuff.  I like Canepa's http://www.modernhpr.com/ book as well.  There is a bunch of good construction stuff at http://www.info-central.org/infocentral.shtml

Also take a look at the Aura review at http://www.rocketreviews.com/reviews/kits/loc_aura.html before slamming a G into that puppy... 

Have fun!
    Will

[rocketkyle]

The G motors you can use without certification are the ones for the 29/40-120 case and 38/120 case (i think...). G33J and G64W for the 29/40-120 and the G61W and G67R for the 38/120. The 38/120 case might require certification, not sure. All of the Ellis Mountain G's are safe to fly without certification. Fillets are simply a run of epoxy around the fin/body joint. You can make it smooth by running a finger with rubbing alchohol (gloved finger!) down the fillet when the epoxy is almost set.

Good luck with your Aura!

[Randy]

As long as you can use a 3/16ths rod, you can pick up a 4' stainless steel rod that's plenty strong enough at Ace for about $2-$3 and as long as you fly with a club, you won't have to worry about your own waiver, etc. just know the limits of the field you're flying from.

I would recommend a better pad than a starter set type of pad. Too low, too weak. If you can come to a club launch, don't worry about the rod or pad right away, there will be plenty of pads you can fly from.
You are welcome to use mine anytime.

Randy

[Blake]

If you would like to get some ideas for a personl pad look through some of the photo albums on http://birminghamrocketboys.com/BRBGallery/main and you will see a bunch of different pads. Most are homemade. The ones that are PVC are very cheap to build, between 10 and 20 dollars and can be build to be very sturdy.

[Maagic]

What G motors are you planning on using?  Some require a high power certification.  G33 and G75, if memory serves.

Brass is pretty soft.  3 feet is pretty short for "mid power" rockets.  Do you have a local club?  That way you can use their launch equipment!  Besides, rocketry is a social sport... 

Also take a look at the Aura review at http://www.rocketreviews.com/reviews/kits/loc_aura.html before slamming a G into that puppy... 

Have fun!
    Will

Not exactly sure what size G motor to use. I can't find any locally. Our Hobby Lobby only carries up to E size and I bought the last pack of those last week. Where do you guys buy your stuff?

Making a launchpad actually sounds like a darn good idea. I install appliances with a friend so have access to pvc and glue and stuff.

We don't have any clubs around here that I know of. BRB was the closest I could find. I'm gonna try to see if I can bum a ride down there for the March launch (I don't have a car )

I read that review about 10 times and it's got me itchin to get out and launch my little rockets in the back yard It's either too windy or raining here lately. My Aura should get here tomorrow. The main reason I wanted to cram a G in it was because they said it will go around 5000 feet and possibly supersonic if the wind blows just right (or doesn't in this case). That's a coolness factor I can't deny myself.

Oh I thought of another question. These reviews talk about Level 1 certification. What is that and how do I go about getting certified (to fly rockets I mean heh)

[willmarchant]

Ah, you've been bitten by the altitude urge, eh?     My guess is that rocket will "disappear", never to be seen again, on a G.  But different people like different things about this hobby.  I like to see the whole flight.  Others want speed and altitude.  So you need do what you enjoy!

There are only a couple of G motors that require a high power certification.  So there is no rush to certify.  The traditional wisdom is that you need to build up some experience with "mid power" F & G kits and motors before moving on to high power. 

You can certify high power with either NAR or TRA.  They each accept each other's certifications.  The page at http://www.nar.org/hprrocs.html talks about the NAR program.  Take a look at http://www.tripoli.org/cert/howto_level1.shtml for a summary of the TRA process.  Tim Quigg's book http://tinyurl.com/8wtqt is a nice summary of the process.  Canepa's Modern High Power Rocketry is also very good.  And I always recommend Stine's book.  If you don't want to buy them you can ask your local library to get them through inter-library loan. 

Have you tried the http://www.nar.org/NARsect.html and http://www.tripoli.org/prefecture/us.shtml pages to find a local club?

[Maagic]

Have you tried the http://www.nar.org/NARsect.html and http://www.tripoli.org/prefecture/us.shtml pages to find a local club?

Nada... the NAR page listed one in AL (bham) and three on the tripoli page, nowhere near here. Ah well...

[birming8]

I'm from Maagic's area and can attest to their not being a club closer than B'ham or H'ville. Might be time for him to find 5 friends and start  a new chapter 

[willmarchant]

Or car pool to the launches?  That will certainly save on gas.  It might encourage a local team to work on some group projects...

Take a look at http://www.nar.org/sectguide/index.html and http://www.tripoli.org/prefecture/whatis.shtml and http://www.tripoli.org/prefecture/start.shtml for info about starting rocket clubs.