TOP THREE QUESTIONS FOR BEGINNERS
Question #3:
What if a rocket motor ignites and the model
rocket accidentally hits someone?
Four factors assure that rockets rarely - if ever - hit people on the field; initial
guidance from the launch pad, a well-planned flight path and
quality construction.
Initial guidance.
When model rockets are
launched they are guided to a straight trajectory by a rod that
is attached to the launch pad. The rocket must clear the length
of the rod in order to fly freely in to sky. Because of this
design model rockets are locked into an upward trajectory by the
physical connection to the rod. Model rockets that are correctly
placed on a commercially produced launch pad cannot be knocked
over on the pad by wind or accidental contact by another rocketeer.
A Well-Planned Flight Path.
You can minimize any
chance of a model rocket floating down on your students or
audience by never launching straight up and over a group of
people. Always try to position the launch pad, rocketeers and
any spectators so the flight path of the model rocket occurs
left to right (or the opposite) across your launch field. This
is far better (and safer) than hoping that the wind will stay
constant enough to drop your model over and behind any
spectators.
Controlled Recovery.
Every model rocket contains a "recovery system" - typically either a parachute or streamer that is ejected during flight. The purpose of the recovery system is simple: to slow the downward flight of the model rocket so that recovery is safe and the model can be used again.
Quality Construction
Remember; the first step in
insuring a safe and straight flight upwards is to closely follow
the instructions when constructing the model rocket. Model
rockets are designed to have a high degree of stability and can
be easily built by a person with no craft experience whatsoever.
Kit instructions include easy-to-follow diagrams that illustrate
each step of the process as well as general information on the
materials that are included and those that you will need to
provide (usually just glue, sandpaper and a hobby knife).
Ensuring that each step is completed successfully and in order
is the key to keeping your finished rocket in the clouds rather
than on the ground.
In this chapter we’ve discussed the vibrant
and active community that is at the heart of model rocketry. In
addition we’ve looked at the incredible safety record that has
been achieved over the years due in large part to the careful
implementation of the Model Rocketry Safety Code. Finally we’ve
discussed some of the misconceptions common to those who have
never had the opportunity to fly a model rocket. Now we move
forward and begin to examine topics vital to those just
beginning the exploration of model rocketry. From “paper tigers”
to “rocket-fu” the next chapters will serve to guide you through
the transition from novice to veteran and will help you enjoy
the world of learning model rocketry has to offer.
