Rocket Derby Preparation guide

The motto "Be Prepared" is applicable in all areas of life and the Rocket Derby is no different.  On Saturday, April 14th we are going to gather in Amesbury, MA to launch 435 Thing-a-ma-Jig models and 33 PayLord cluster models.   That is 468 models in all. 

In order to do that in the 6 hours that we have to launch,
we are going to have to AVERAGE
a launch every 46 seconds from start to finish.

No easy task and one that will not be possible without proper preparation.  This page will serve to provide you with important information to be ready for the launch.

Some important points to consider:

- It is important to begin LAUNCHING at 10:00 am sharp. In order to do that we have to have Scouts ready, with their rocket prepped for launch, checked in and loaded on to the pads before 10:00.  Please keep this in mind as you plan your day.

- Organization is key.  Be sure that you know what is expected of you on the field and during the launch.  You should be familiar with your kit (all information is provided in the downloads) as well as the CMASS organization and field.  This page will help with that.

ITEMS THAT ARE REQUIRED:

• Filled out Flight Card - We recommend that you fill this out at home and bring it with you.  You can bring it and fill it out on the field, but that just takes more time.  Please do NOT expect the club to have enough spare cards for everyone.  We are providing this downloadable form so that you can come prepared.
• Your model rocket. If you don't bring your model you can not fly.
• Your model's Flight Prep Sheet.  (included with the instructions in the PayLord).  Without this sheet you will not have the information you need to prepare your model for flight.  We do not have enough time to provide this verbally to several hundred Scouts.
• Boy Scouts: Masking tape (needed for flight prep to friction fit the motors)

ITEMS THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Repair tools - There is always the chance that you will damage your model while transporting it to the field and while awaiting your launch time.  We can not provide enough glue, tape and tools for several hundred models.  You should either plan on bringing your own supplies or for your pack/troop to bring supplies.  Items of value include: white glue, super glue (CA), sand paper, masking tape
• Warm clothing - Weather in New England in April is unpredictable at best and, when predictable, cool and damp.  Dress accordingly so that you stay warm and comfortable for the whole day.
• Food/snacks - Bring water, snacks and whatever else you think you may need.  There is no opportunity to obtain these items once you are on the field

ITEMS THAT WILL BE SUPPLIED TO YOU ON THE FIELD:

• C6-5 model rocket motors (1 for the Cub Scouts, 3 for the Boy Scout Troops)
• Igniters and igniter plugs
• Recovery wadding

STEPS TO LAUNCH YOUR ROCKET

These steps detail what you will need to do in order to get your rocket ready to fly and then into the air on launch day.  Please review and know these steps so that you are prepared to fly when you get the field.

1. Have your model rocket and filled out flight card (see below) ready
2. You will receive your motor(s), igniter(s) and plug(s) as well as necessary wadding
3. Install your igniter into the motor (reference the flight prep sheet - we will also have folks on hand to help)
4. Install your motor(s) into your model (reference the flight prep sheet - we will also have folks on hand to help)
5. Boy Scout Troops: Connect the igniter wires as shown in the flight prep section of your instructions for cluster ignition.
6. Remove your parachute and repack, putting recovery wadding into the rocket FIRST and then your parachute.
7. Boy Scout Troops:You will receive an egg as your eggstronaut.   Pad your payload section as you desire and install your egg.  Tape or otherwise secure your payload bay as you feel is needed.
8. When your rocket is fully prepared bring it and your filled out flight card to the Range Safety Officer (RSO) table for inspection and pad assignment
9. When you are assigned a pad, walk around the OUTSIDE PERIMETER of the launch area to your pad.
10. When the pad is clear approach and lower the launch rod (there is a large knob on the pad, when turned the rod will lower itself for easy access)
11. Raise the rod back into a vertical position and lock in place (turn the knob to tighten)
12. Remove any old igniter wires and place in the provided trash cups on the pad.
13. Attach the 2 micro clips to your igniter wires.
14. Step back from the pad 20 or more feet and wait for the announcement of your launch
15. After launch, recover your model and congratulations!

FILLING OUT YOUR FLIGHT CARDS:

The Flight Card is not all that complicated but there are questions on there that are foreign to anyone not involved in rocketry.  These explanations should help

• Fill in your name as the owner and then check off KIT
• You can use the models kit name (Thing-a-ma-Jig or PayLord) or come up with your own name for YOUR rocket.  Put that name under "Model's Name"
• If you are a member of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) put your member number where it asks for "NAR #", otherwise leave blank
• Check off PARACHUTE
• Check of SINGLE-STAGE
• Boy Scout Troops: Check off CLUSTER
• Boy Scout Troops: Check off PAYLOAD: and fill in the blank with EGG
• For Engine Manufacturer put ESTES
• Engine type is C6-5
• Boy Scout Troops: Add "cluster of 3" under Engine Type also
• Ignore Electronics
• Fill in any comments you wish to have read over the PA system during your launch
• For "Rod Needed" check off 1/8" for the Thing-a-ma-Jig and 3/16" for the PayLord

That's all there is to it.  Each sheet contains 2 cards so you can share them or use one as a back up.  If at all possible, please print the card on stiff card stock as they work out MUCH better if it is a windy day.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES ON THE FIELD (DO's and DON'T's)

DO

• Have fun
• Be respectful
• Clean up after yourself
• Leave only footprints
• Take only photographs

DON'T

• Leave trash anywhere on the field (this includes igniters and spent motors)
• prep your rocket at the FlisKits booth as it will be too crowded.  Please prep your rocket near your troop or pack.
• Run.  Running causes accidents and broken rockets.   Please do not run
• NO GLASS - Please do not bring any glass containers on the field.  For soda, please use cans or plastic.

If you have any specific questions, please contact Jim Flis of FlisKits or your council leaders.

NOTES:

• Motor distribution will be decided shortly and published here
• Motor preparation instruction and methods will be publish here shortly.