One of the more common questions asked by members of the
public is “how do I find people in my area who fly model
rockets?”. Fortunately - with nearly 5 million flights per year
- the model rocketry community is both well organized and easy
to find.
Certainly the largest and oldest sport
rocketry organization in the world is the
National Association of Rocketry
(NAR). Based in Altoona, WI, the NAR is the parent organization
which oversees the activities of hundreds of regional clubs and
nearly 80,000 members worldwide. NAR clubs (or “sections”) can
be found in almost every state (Utah has one - Illinois has
three - Texas has seven).
The NAR promotes (and requires each member to adhere to) the
Model Rocket Safety Code. The Code consists of an easy-to-follow
set of rules which ensures that each launch is safe for
participants and the public alike. Based on motor size, the NAR
has separate safety codes for low power and high power rocketry
as well as a safety codes governing radio-controlled rocket
gliders.
In addition to promoting model rocketry education, training
and certification, the NAR conducts independent safety and
reliability testing of all commercially made model rocketry
motors.
The NAR hosts numerous national launches, conventions and
educational seminars around the country each year. A complete
listing of national and regional NAR events can be found on the
Associations’ website at
www.nar.org.
The Tripoli Rocketry
Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the
advancement and operation of amateur high power rocketry. These
rockets are the “big boys” and require considerable time,
technical expertise and investment. The motors used in high
power rocketry cannot be purchased without the correct
certification. In addition, high power rockets require a larger
launch area than conventional model rockets and often require
coordination with the FAA (Federal Aviation Admin.) to ensure
airspace safety.
