Material contained in The Model Rocketeer is Copyright © 1995 by the National Association of Rocketry. Permission is hereby granted for non-commercial reproduction, with proper credit, solely for purposes that will further the aims and objectives of the NAR. Editor: Mark Johnson Telephone: (316) 733-4804 3532 S. 154th St. E. E-mail: CompuServe: 76670,1775 Wichita, KS 67232-9425 Internet: 76670.1775@compuserve.com Publisher: National Association of Rocketry P.O. Box 177 Telephone: (800) 262-4872 Altoona, WI 54720 Local Cornerstones by Mark "Bunny" Bundick, NAR President As we head toward the end of the year, my and HQ Manager Marie Stumpe's administrative calendar become quite busy. In addition to the regular work of NAR Headquarters, we find ourselves conducting an annual mailing to manufacturers soliciting their participation in our "Discount Coupon" program, and preparing for an annual insurance renewal mailing to insured NAR members and all other Senior members. To put icing on the cake, we also prepare an annual renewal mailing to NAR sections. As we worked on that project this year, my thoughts turned to how NAR sections are key local cornerstones in the NAR's theme of safety, education and fun. Many of our ideas about safe range operations come from NAR sections. Their regular range operations provide a vast array of experience we draw on to improve our procedures. Many ideas embodied in the recently passed NFPA Code 1127, High Powered Rockets, came from sections with HPR experience. A section's program of education begins the first time two members share information about a particular plan, technique or tip. As sections grow and prosper, many "old time" members find themselves called on to become the resident expert in a particular subject, be it gliders, HPR, competition or finishing. Many sections also involve themselves in local school, scouting or youth group projects using our hobby to teach science or math. In my experience with NAR sections, it's the fun that keeps them going. Those of you already involved in an NAR section know that regular meetings can become a source of great stand-up material. When an unusual model shows up at your launch, it can virtually be certain a crowd will gather, and the flight rehashed at post launch bull sessions. When I read your newsletters, I've seen sections that have picnics, parties, and museum field trips. The fun seems to be at an all time high for NAR sections these days. If you are an NAR Section President or Advisor, I hope you'll find this year's section renewal process timely and effective for your members. You also have my personal thanks and gratitude for keeping your section active and organized. Your effort truly represents a grass roots cornerstone of our Association, and many of our programs would be but hollow shells without your hard work and dedication. While I know the work can seem overwhelming at times, I hope you can find, as I did when serving as a section president, the unique rewards that come only from dedicated service to the modelers of the NAR. If you're not involved in a section, and want to be, please feel free to request a current section listing from NAR Headquarters. If you find that an NAR section is not located near you, and you'd like to try forming one, NAR Headquarters would be happy to provide you with a packet of materials outlining some techniques to "get your section off the ground." You can also ask for a list of NAR members in your state. Soon, you too can be enjoying an NAR section, a local cornerstone of sport rocketry safety, education and fun. Aim high. Bunny NAR National Model Rocket Records As of November 6, 1995 Following are the current model rocket competition record performances. Records Subcommittee Chairman Dan Winings reminds competitors and Contest Directors that any returned flight that breaks a record in the owners’ age division automatically becomes the new record. Consult Rule 17 of the 1995 U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code (Pink Book) for complete details. The Records Chairman can be reached at: NAR Records Subcommittee Dan Winings 8910 Golden Oak Dr. Apt L Manassas, VA 22110 (703) 331-1463 A Division Rule Event Name Perf Date Record Holder 19. 1/4A Alt 58 m 06/05/93 S Smith 19. 1/2A Alt 95 m 05/18/91 M Whymark 19. A Alt 295 m 05/12/86 J Lyon 19. B Alt 510 m 08/11/81 H Rose 19. C Alt 202 m 05/31/81 C Ramos 19. E Alt 330 m 09/28/91 M Whymark 19. F Alt 1820 m 09/27/81 F Craven 19. G Alt 640 m 09/28/91 M Whymark 22. C PL Alt 489 m 08/09/89 J Marsh IV 23. B EL Alt 44 m 05/18/91 M Musarra 23. C EL Alt 363 m 08/06/92 A Miller 23. D EL Alt 428 m 04/27/91 A Miller 23. F EL Alt 508 m 09/28/91 M Whymark 24. D DEL Alt 412 m 08/07/90 J Marsh IV 24. F DEL Alt 765 m 05/26/90 R McBroom 25. 1/2A Clstr Alt 113 m 06/05/93 S Smith 30. 1/4A PD 38 s 09/22/91 A Miller 30. 1/2A PD 77 s 06/26/95 M Filler 30. A PD 180 s 08/03/92 S Smith 30. B PD 65 s 08/20/95 J Shapiro 31. 1/4A SD 20 s 09/22/91 A Miller 31. 1/2A SD 104 s 03/18/90 J Kmetz Jr 31. A SD 650 s 10/13/85 T White 31. B SD 65 s 08/08/88 J Kmetz Jr. 31. C SD 217 s 08/07/89 J Marsh IV 31. D SD 137 s 04/15/90 R McBroom 32. A HD 141 s 08/09/88 M Sias 32. B HD 155 s 05/08/93 M Filler 32. C HD 83 s 04/15/90 R McBroom 32. D HD 139 s 08/04/92 R Lemon III 32. E HD 124 s 04/28/91 A Miller 33. B SR Dur 8316 p 10/15/95 J Shapiro 34. B EL Dur 180 s 08/09/88 A Linder 34. C EL Dur 151 s 10/20/90 A Miller 34. D EL Dur 26 s 02/28/88 V Bernatchez 35. D Dual ELD 80 s 06/12/93 S Smith 36. 1/4A BG 55 s 05/08/93 S Smith 36. 1/2A BG 54 s 06/16/90 J Whymark 36. A BG 247 s 06/26/82 M Beyers 36. B BG 153 s 10/24/92 S Smith 37. 1/4A RG 17 s 08/05/92 A Miller 37. 1/2A RG 48 s 10/24/92 S Smith 37. A RG 49 s 09/30/79 J Whitehead 37. B R/G 22 s 06/26/95 M Filler 37. C RG 118 s 09/09/90 L Barber 37. D RG 30 s 10/03/92 S Smith 38. 1/4A Flex BG 62 s 05/08/93 S Smith 38. 1/2A Flex BG 169 s 05/17/92 S Smith 38. A Flex BG 120 s 10/03/92 S Smith 38. B Flex BG 487 s 06/13/93 S Smith 38. D Flex BG 249 s 08/04/92 S Smith B Division 19. 1/2A Alt 149 m 05/18/91 E Glembocki 19. A Alt 284 m 10/16/93 B Gormley 19. F Alt 1430 m 08/11/88 K Kmetz 22. C PL Alt 325 m 06/08/93 B Gormley 23. C EL Alt 216 m 06/26/95 S Smith 23. D EL Alt 316 m 07/04/81 C King 24. E DEL Alt 416 m 07/27/94 K J Gormley 30. 1/2A PD 80 s 09/24/88 E Glembocki 31. A SD 118 s 06/18/94 B Gormley 31. B SD 73 s 12/10/88 K Frazier 32. 1/2A HD 98 s 05/01/94 B Gormley 32. B HD 90 s 08/09/89 M Sias 34. B EL Dur 74 s 12/10/88 K Frazier 34. C EL Dur 53 s 10/29/95 S Smith 36. 1/2A BG 55 s 10/29/95 S Smith 36. A BG 88 s 06/18/94 B Gormley 36. B BG 132 s 08/08/89 M Sias 37. A RG 418 s 08/14/81 N Rivieccio 37. B RG 157 s 08/03/93 K J Gormley 37. C RG 99 s 05/19/91 B Gormley 38. 1/2A Flex BG 383 s 08/12/81 M Sykos C Division 19. 1/2A Alt 163 m 09/03/95 G Feveryear 19. B Alt 535 m 08/11/81 A Rose 19. C Alt 756 m 08/07/90 J Sexton 19. D Alt 1214 m 04/17/94 M McCauley 19. F Alt 1741 m 09/27/81 D Frost 22. A PL Alt 142 m 08/04/93 B Kreutz 22 B PL Alt 199 m 05/30/81 R Kaplow 22 D PL Alt 983 m 11/11/89 D Lucas 23. B EL Alt 133 m 06/21/86 J Warnock 23. C EL Alt 289 m 08/11/82 D Cook 23. E EL Alt 932 m 08/10/83 J Zingler 24. D DEL Alt 369 m 08/07/90 T Barber 24. E DEL Alt 590 m 04/24/94 G Feveryear 24. F DEL Alt 978 m 03/05/89 W Roush 25 1/2A Clstr Alt 222 m 08/05/93 B Kreutz 30. 1/2A PD 112 s 08/19/95 J Vincent 30. A PD 272 s 09/17/95 B Dauphin 30. B PD 106 s 08/20/95 K Smith 31. 1/2A SD 183 s 05/07/89 D Saukerson 31. A SD 249 s 05/17/87 D Domina 31. B SD 115 s 08/19/95 J Vincent 31. C SD 231 s 12/27/86 R Santella 31. D SD 335 s 12/03/88 T White 31. E SD 303 s 04/27/85 M Steele 31 F SD 238 s 07/26/94 T Barber 31. G SD 182 s 07/22/90 E Miller 32. 1/4A HD 31 s 10/10/93 J Distel 32. 1/2A HD 711 s 09/25/93 F Williams 32. A HD 126 s 06/26/95 G Feveryear 32. B HD 157 s 04/04/87 D Domina 32. C HD 198 s 05/21/92 E Miller 32. E HD 95 s 10/11/89 K Brown 33. B SR Dur 5346 p 10/15/95 D Shapiro 33. E SR Dur 45150 p 09/16/95 B Dauphin 34. B EL Dur 308 s 08/11/88 S Maxwell III 34. C EL Dur 622 s 09/06/81 A Nienast 35. D DEL Dur 273 s 06/26/93 B Kilby 36. 1/4A BG 207 s 09/14/91 J Vincent 36. 1/2A BG 447 s 09/22/85 L Fuke 36. A BG 311 s 09/09/89 T Barber 36. B BG 260 s 04/29/90 G Feveryear 36. C BG 157 s 10/20/90 T Barber 36. D BG 463 s 05/19/91 D Klouser 36. F BG 217 s 05/17/81 T Lee 37. 1/4A RG 16 s 06/13/94 J Distel 37. 1/2A RG 230 s 05/17/81 L Bercini 37. A RG 750 s 10/10/81 M Huber 37. B RG 276 s 09/16/95 A Jackson 37. C RG 240 s 07/26/94 K E Gormley 37. D RG 361 s 08/06/87 D Domina 37. E RG 951 s 09/26/93 F Williams 38. 1/2A Flex BG 670 s 06/18/94 D Winings 38. A Flex BG 1476 s 04/26/87 R Lambert 38. C Flex BG 427 s 07/03/82 J Zingler 38. D Flex BG 224 s 10/11/85 T White Team Division 19. 1/2A Alt 219 m 09/17/88 Neutron Tm 19. A Alt 414 m 05/11/86 Odd Couple Tm 19. D Alt 860 m 08/30/81 Lou Dick Tm 19. E Alt 1387 m 05/11/85 Lou Dick Tm 22. C PL Alt 553 m 08/09/89 Spaceman Spiff Tm 23. B EL Alt 69 m 09/03/95 Flirtn' With Disaster Tm 23. C EL Alt 91 m 06/26/95 Snowball's Chance 23. D EL Alt 526 m 05/11/86 Omega Alpha Tm 30. 1/2A PD 1052 s 09/27/87 Jankov Pavlov Tm 30. A PD 1039 s 04/25/82 Lou Dick Tm 30. B PD 618 s 03/31/85 Lou Dick Tm 30. C PD 447 s 04/14/90 Beach Bums Tm 31. A SD 74 s 06/26/95 Snowball's Chance 31. B SD 227 s 07/22/85 Dual Egglofters Tm 32. A HD 498 s 08/09/88 Robyn & Randy Tm 32. D HD 161 s 01/11/86 Lou Dick Tm 32. E HD 202 s 06/11/94 Los Cohetedores Tm 32. F HD 75 s 06/29/88 Jankov Pavlov Tm 29. B EL Dur 698 s 11/11/90 Southern Comfort Tm 29. D EL Dur 924 s 12/03/89 Ace Disaster Tm 36. 1/2A BG 75 s 10/29/95 Snowballs Chance Tm 37. B RG 179 s 08/09/90 Barber Girls Tm 38. B Flex BG 237 s 02/20/82 Lou Dick Tm Launch Windows Your Calendar of Upcoming Rocketry Happenings Events held by any NAR Section or NAR member may be listed in Launch Windows. Send your submissions to the Model Rocketeer Editor. Please send your 1996 calendars as soon as the information is available. National Events: Date: March 22-24, 1996 Meet Name: 1996 National Sport Launch Location: Argonia, Kansas Sponsor: KOSMO, NAR 427 and Kloudbusters, Tripoli Kansas Contact: Allen Swayze, 9600 E 47th S., Derby, KS 67037 or email 71435.527@compuserve.com Notes: FAA Waiver to 25000 feet or more. See announcement in this issue for more information. Date: August 2-10, 1996 Meet Name: NARAM-38 Location: Evansville, Indiana Sponsor: Launch Crue, NAR 519 Official Events:A ALT, C PL, B PD (MR), B SRA, C BG, C HD (MR), D SD, F DED, OSL, PMC, R&D, SPSC Fun Events: RC Glider, Aerial Photo, Duration, Altitude, Most Spectacular Flight, Star Trek, Spot by Launch Pad Notes: This is the big one, the NAR National Championships and annual meeting. FAA Waiver: To be applied for. Contact: NARAM-38, Chad Ring, Contest Director, R.R. 1 Box 7, Holland, IN 47541, (812)536-5291 or E-Mail at 102702.2532@compuserve.com Special Events: Date: December 23 Location: Lakewood, CA Event: Rocket Class Sponsor: SCRA, NAR 430 Notes: To be held at Iacoboni Library, 4990 Clark Avenue, Lakewood. Materials Fee $10. Contact: Martin Bowitz, (714)529-1598. NAR Sanctioned Competitions: Mid-America Region: Date: January 14, 1996 Event: Frostbite Snoopy XXX Location: Tuttle Crossing-Dublin, OH Class of Event: Local Contest Events: PreD, D BG, C SD Sponsor CSAR, NAR 113 Contact: Larry Rice, 1416 Aven Drive, Columbus, OH 43227 or call (614) 235-1339 Southwest Region: Date: December 2-3 Event: Joyful Noise Location: Johnson Space Center, TX Class of Event: Regional Contest Events: TBD Sponsor: NASA-Houston, NAR 365 FAA Waiver: Yes Contact: Sam Saenz, 5718 Fifth Street, Katy, Texas 77493-1916 (713)391-3317 Date: January 13, 1996 Location: Apache Junction, AZ Class of Event: Open Contest Events: SPSC, C ELD, B BG, OSL Sponsors: Southern Arizona Rocketry Assoc NAR #545 [contest], Superstition Spacemodelling Society NAR #506 [launch] Contact: Steve Lubliner, 9968 E. Domenic Lane, Tucson, AZ 85730 (520) 296-1689 or Tad Morgan, tmorgan@primenet.com. FAA Waiver: Yes Notes: Contest will be held in parallel with SSS's monthly sport launch at their site in Apache Jct. Raindate Feb. 10. Date: February 3, 1996 Event: Hearts and Darts Open Location: Houston, TX (JSC) Class of Event: Open Contest Events: TBD Sponsor: NASA-Houston, NAR 365 Contact: Sam Saenz, 5718 Fifth Street, Katy, Texas 77493-1916 (713)391-3317 Date: March 2-3, 1996 Event: Texas Top Gun Location: Houston, TX (JSC) Class of Event: Regional Contest Events: TBD Sponsor: NASA-Houston, NAR 365 Contact: Sam Saenz, 5718 Fifth Street, Katy, Texas 77493-1916 (713)391-3317 Sport Launches: Northeast Region: Date: December 16 Location: Raritan, NJ Sponsor: GSSS, NAR 439 Contact: GSSS Hotline - 908-658-9417, or send email to t.apke@att.com Notes: 80 N-sec/1 lb limits. Date: December 17 Location: Seven Fields, PA Sponsor: PSC, NAR 473 Contact: Art Nestor, 230 Arthur St., Zelienople, PA 16063 or call (412) 452-8310. Southland Region: Date: December 17 Location: Byron, GA (I-75 and GA Hwy 96) Sponsor GAMMA, NAR 494, and Tripoli Atlanta Contact: Keith English, 4045-A Napier Av., Macon, GA 31204 or call (212) 477-2229. Notes: Up to K motors welcome! Mid-America Region: Date: December 9 & 30 Location: Champaign, IL FAA Waiver: 3250 AGL, H motors, 10 lbs max wt Sponsor: CIA, NAR 527 Contact: Jonathan Sivier, 5 The Summit, Champaign, IL 61820 or call (217) 359-8225; Greg Smith, (217) 352-9655. Dates: December 16 Location: St. Louis, MO Sponsor: St. Louis Rocket Club Contact: Tom McAtee, (314) 895-4482 / m219487@SL1001.mdc.com; or Bruce Weidner, (314) 227-7999. Southwest Region: Date: December 2 & 17, January 6 & 21 Location: Allen, TX (Dallas) Sponsor: DARS, NAR 308 Contact: Scott Hunsicker (214) 434-1098; Jack Sprague (817) 497-7009 FAA Waiver: 5000 feet. 1/2A through K motors welcome. Date: December 2 & 16, January 6 & 20, February 17 Location: Houston, TX (JSC) Sponsor: NASA-Houston, NAR 365 Contact: Sam Saenz, 5718 Fifth Street, Katy, Texas 77493-1916 (713)391-3317 FAA Waiver: Yes Date: December 9 Location: Mesa, AZ Sponsor: SSS, NAR 506 Contact: Wally Etzel, 2863 E. Leonora, Mesa, AZ 85213 (602) 924-5820 Notes: Launch hours 8:00 AM - Noon Pacific Region: Date: December 3, 9 & 31 Location: Anaheim, CA Sponsor: SCRA, NAR 430 Contact: Martin Bowitz, (714) 529-1598. Notes: Maximum motor size: D. Maximum altitude: 2000 AGL. Date: December 9 Location: Lucerne Valley, CA FAA Waiver: 5000 ft. Sponsor: ROC, NAR 538 Contact: Ron Bremer (909)245-2098; Brett Wells (714) 528-9346; Rick O'Neil (714) 991-6600 Date: December 17 Location: Honolulu, HI Sponsor: Sky Performance, NAR 542 Contact: Helen Rapozo via Internet at helen@pulua.hcc.hawaii.edu or call (808) 944-3162. Notes: Special event: A Streamer Spot Landing Date: December 17 Location: Livermore, CA Sponsor: LUNAR, NAR 534 Contact: Jack Hagerty, Internet e-mail rml!jack@lll- winken.llnl.gov Notes: Waiver to 3000 AGL, H motor limit. NAR Insurance Expires at the end of the Calendar Year Don’t forget to renew your NAR insurance! Send $21 with your name, address, and NAR number to NAR HQ to maintain continued coverage in 1996. Launch and event Sponsors: Send your 1996 Rocketry Events to the Model Rocketeer Editor NOW for inclusion in Launch Windows! Don’t be left out of the fun! High Power Rocketry Examination Question Pool Steve Lubliner Previous articles on the upcoming revisions to the NAR high power certification have introduced the requirement for a written test at the "J"/"K" and "complex" certification levels. The questions below were submitted to various members of the NAR (including trustees and people who fly rockets) and Tripoli. The questions published in this installment passed the "beta" test either unchallenged or were subject to minor corrections. These questions should be considered "official" at present. Missing question numbers were challenged during the "beta" tests. Those questions will be revised or replaced and published in future NAR publications. The indicated number of questions from each section will make up the test; there will be 20 questions total. Initially, the preprinted tests will be provided with the certification documentation. Future possibilities include download of the test questions from a database and random composition of a test. Please contact me, Stephen Lubliner, if you have issues with the questions or are seeking other information about the NAR high power certification. I can be reached at 520-296-1689 or by mail at 9968 E. Domenic Lane, Tucson, AZ 85730. Finally, I am now connected on Compuserve at address 103056,621. Section A - Applicable Regulations (6 questions) A1)Which of the following National Fire Protection Association standards provides a code for high power rocketry? A) NFPA 1122 B) NFPA 1127 C) NFPA 1123 D) NFPA 1124 The answer is "B". NFPA 1127 is the Code for High Power Rocketry. NFPA 1122 is the Code for Model Rocketry; NFPA 1123 is the Code for Outside Display of Fireworks; NFPA 1124 is the Code for the Manufacture, Transportation, and Storage of Fireworks. A2) What part of the Federal Aviation Administration Federal Aviation regulations govern rocket activity? A) Part 95 B) Part 97 C) Part 101 D) Part 125 The answer is "C". Rocket activity is codified in Part 101, Moored Balloons, Kites, Unmanned Rockets, and Unmanned Free Balloons. A3) What is the maximum launch weight allowable for a rocket which does not require FAA notification or waiver? A) 4 ounces B) 4.4 ounces C) 1 pound D) 3.3 pounds The answer is "C". Part 101 does not govern the operation of model rockets weighing under 16 ounces (1 pound). A4) What is the maximum propellant weight allowable for a rocket which does not require FAA notification or waiver? A) 4 ounces B) 4.4 ounces C) 1 pound D) 3.3 pounds The answer is "A". Part 101 does not govern the operation of model rockets using not more than 4 ounces of propellant. A5) What is the maximum total impulse allowable for a rocket which does not require FAA notification or waiver? A) 80 Newton seconds B) 160 Newton seconds C) 320 Newton seconds D) There is no impulse limit. The answer is "D". Part 101 does not specify any impulse limits. A9) Which of the following is not a minimum requirement for high power certification: A) The ability to understand written English instructions B) A minimum of 18 years of age C) A citizen of the United States of America D) No felony convictions The answer is "A". Refer to paragraph 5-4.1 of NFPA 1127. A10) Which of the following is a requirement for the "safety monitor"? A) A minimum of 25 years of age B) A citizen of the United States of America C) A certified user of high power rocket motors D) All of the above are requirements for the safety monitor. The answer is "C". Per the definitions in NFPA 1127, paragraph 1-3, the safety monitor (or Range safety Officer) is a certified user of high power rocket motors. A11) What is the maximum total impulse permitted in a high power rocket per NFPA 1127? A) 81920 Newton seconds B) 40960 Newton seconds C) 20480 Newton seconds D) There is no limit provided the FAA altitude waiver requirements are not exceeded. The answer is "B". Refer to paragraph 2-8.2 of NFPA 1127. A12) What is the maximum allowable weight for a high power rocket permitted per NFPA 1127? A) 30 pounds B) 60 pounds C) 120 pounds D) There is no limit provided the rocket weighs less than the rocket motor manufactuer's recommended liftoff weight for the rocket motor(s) used for flight. The answer is "D". Refer to NFPA 1127, paragraph 2-8.1. A13) What is the minimum age for user certification? A) 16 years old B) 18 years old C) 21 years old D) 25 years old The answer is "B". Refer to NFPA 1127 paragraph 5-4.1. A14) Which of the following is not a required feature of a rocket motor ignition system? A) A removable interlock device is in series with the launch switch. B) The system is electrically operated. C) The launching switch will return to the "off" position when released. D) An audible or visual indicator shows continuity through the rocket motor ignitor. The answer is "D". Refer to NFPA 1127, paragraphs 2-12.1 and 2-12.2. A17) A launch site is defined as containing areas for which of the following activities? A) Launching B) Recovery C) Parking D) All of the above The answer is "D". Refer to NFPA 1127, paragraph 1-3, for the definition of a launch site. A18) A person shall fly a high power rocket only in compliance with: A) NFPA 1127 B) Federal Aviation Administration Regulations, Part 101 C) State, and local laws, rules, regulations, statutes, and ordinances D) All of the above The answer is "D". Refer to NFPA 1127, paragraph 2-2. Section B - Storage Requirements (1 question) B1) What is the maximum net propellant weight which may be stored in a indoor Type 3 or Type 4 magazine? A) 10 pounds B) 25 pounds C) 50 pounds D) 100 pounds The answer is "C". Refer to paragraph 2-18.3 of NFPA 1127. B2) Which type of storage magazine is refered to as a day-box? A) Type 1 B) Type 2 C) Type 3 D) Type 4 The answer is "C". A Type 3 magazine is a "day-box" or other portable magazine. B3) Which of the following are requirements for Type 3 magazine construction? A) Steel structure B) Wood lined C) Lockable D) All of the above The answer is "D". A Type 3 magazine is constructed from steel, no thinner than 12 gauge, and lined with 1/2" thick plywood or hardboard. Provisions for 1 lock, no hood, are required. B4) Which of the following is not a requirement for an indoor magazine? A) The magazine will be painted red. B) The magazine will bear the words EXPLOSIVES-KEEP FIRE AWAY. C) The magazine will bear the words "EXPLOSIVES-50 POUND MAXIMUM" D) The words "EXPLOSIVES-..." are printed in white letters at least 3 inches high. The answer is "C". Refer to NFPA 1127, paragraph 2-18.3. Section C - Range and Safety Practices (8 questions) C1) What is the maximum launch angle, measured from the vertical, for a high power rocket? A) 10 degrees B) 20 degrees C) 30 degrees D) 40 degrees The answer is "B". Refer to section 15 of the NAR High Power Rocket Safety Code. C2) What is the maximum wind velocity allowable for launch operations? A) 20 miles per hour B) 25 miles per hour C) 15 miles per hour D) 30 miles per hour The answer is "A". Refer to section 13 of the NAR High Power Rocket Safety Code. C8) Your launch site borders on an interstate freeway. What is the minimum distance allowable for location of a high power launch site from the interstate freeway? A) 750 feet B) 1500 feet C) 3000 feet D) 5280 feet (1 mile) The correct answer is "B". Refer to NFPA 1127, paragraph 2-14.3. C12) What is the minimum safe distance from a high power rocket containing two "K" motors? A) 50 feet B) 100 feet C) 300 feet D) 500 feet The answer is "D". Refer to the NAR High Power Rocket Safety Code and Table 2-15 of NFPA 1127. C13) Which of the following ignitors may be ignited by the continuity test of some launch controllers? A) Nichrome wire B) Flashbulbs C) Electric match D) Both "b" and "c" above The answer is "D". Refer to the "Handbook of Model Rocketry" by G. Harry Stine, 6th edition, Chapter 6 on "Ignition and Ignition Systems". Look at page 94. C14) In the event of a misfire how long should you wait before approaching the launch pad? A) 15 seconds B) 60 seconds C) 5 minutes D) No wait is required The answer is "B". Refer to paragraph 12 of the NAR High Power Rocket Safety Code. C15) Which of the following is most likely to cause catastrophic failure of a black powder rocket motor? A) Temperature cycling B) Electromagnetic fields C) Vibration D) High altitude The answer is "A". Temperature cycling is the primary cause of black powder rocket motor catastrophic failure. Temperature cycling cause expansion and contraction of the black powder grain and motor casing causing delaminations between the case and propellant grain and cracks within the grain. These delaminations and cracks expose additional burning surface which increases combustion pressures. The result is a motor failure. Note that shock or vibration can also damage a black powder rocket motor, however thermal cycling is the most likely cause of failure. Refer to the May/June 1992 issue of American Spacemodeling magazine, page 10, the article "A Theoretical Analysis of Why Black Powder Model Rocket Motors Fail". C16) Ignitors for clustered rocket motors should be wired together in: A) Series B) Parallel C) Short Circuit D) Open Circuit The answer is "B". If the ignitors are wired in series the first ignitor to burn out opens the circuit preventing any other ignitors from receiving electrical power. Parallel connections allow all of the ignitors to independently receive electrical power. C17) When should ignitors installed in rocket motors be checked for continuity? A) Any time B) Only in an enclosed shelter C) Only on the launch pad when ready for launch D) Ignitors should never be checked for continuity while installed in a rocket motor. The answer is "C". Continuity is typically checked by the launch controller when the rocket is placed on the launch pad. This is considered safe practice because the number of personnel around the model is at a minimum and the model is pointed skyward which minimizes the hazard in the event of inadvertent ignition. Section D - Model Rocket Stability (3 questions) D1) For a model rocket to be stable which of the following statements is true: A) The center of pressure (CP) must be behind the center of gravity (CG). B) The center of pressure (CP) must be in front of the center of gravity (CG). C) The rocket must have fins. D) The length of the body tube must be at least 5 times the model diameter. The answer is "A". Refer to the "Handbook of Model Rocketry" by G. Harry Stine, 6th edition, Chapter 9 on "Stability". Note references on pages 137 and 138. D2) An unstable rocket can be made stable by: A) Adding weight to the nosecone B) Removing weight from the nosecone C) Moving the fins forward towards the nosecone D) Making the rocket shorter The answer is "A". To make the rocket stable the center of gravity (C.G.) must be moved forward of the center of pressure (C.P.). Adding weight to the nosecone moves the C.G. forward. Removing weight from the nosecone moves the C.G. aft which is incorrect. Moving the fins forward towards the nosecone moves the C.P. forward which is also incorrect. Finally, making the rocket shorter reduces the correcting moments produced by the aerodynamic forces at the C.P.; the reduced moment makes the rocket less stable. D5) An unstable rocket can usually be made more stable by: A) Using a shorter nosecone B) Increasing the area of the aft fins C) Using a larger, heavier rocket motor D) Increasing the rocket diameter The answer is "B". To make the rocket stable the center of pressure (C.P.) must be moved aft of the center of gravity (C.G.). Adding larger fins on the aft portion of the model moves the center of pressure aft. A shorter nosecone removes weight from the nose moving the C.G. aft which is incorrect. A larger, heavier rocket motor has the same affect of moving the C.G. aft. Finally, increasing the rocket diameter has essentially no effect on its stability. D6) During boost a rocket powered by a solid rocket motor tends to become: A) Less stable in flight B) More stable in flight C) No change in stability D) Unstable The answer is "B". During powered flight the solid rocket motor consumes its fuel causing the aft end of the rocket to become lighter. This moves the C.G. forward which enhances stability. This can be seen in instances where a unstable rocket becomes stable partway during the rocket motor burn; this is also particularly dangerous because the now stable rocket may be pointed in any direction. D7) Which of the following is true of an unstable rocket? A) The center of pressure (CP) is behind the center of gravity (CG). B) The center of pressure (CP) is in front of the center of gravity (CG). C) The rocket has more than 6 fins. D) The length of the body tube is less than 5 times the model diameter. The answer is "B". Refer to the "Handbook of Model Rocketry" by G. Harry Stine, 6th edition, Chapter 9 on "Stability". Note references on pages 137 and 138. Section E - Rocket Motor Designations (2 questions) E1) What does the "H" in the motor designation H100-5 stand for? A) It is the first letter in the manufacturer's name. B) It indicates the total power range or impulse range of the rocket motor. C) It indicates the total thrust of the rocket motor. D) It indicates that the motor uses black powder as a propellent. The answer is "B". In a rocket motor designation the alphabetic character indicates the total impulse (or total power) for the rocket motor. High power rocket motors are rated as follows: "H" 160.01 to 320.00 newton-seconds "I" 320.01 to 640.00 newton-seconds "J" 640.01 to 1280.00 newton-seconds "K" 1280.01 to 2560.00 newton-seconds "L" 2560.01 to 5120.00 newton-seconds "M" 5120.01 to 10240.00 newton-seconds "N" 10240.01 to 20480.00 newton-seconds "O" 20480.01 to 40960.00 newton-seconds Note that the total allowable impulse doubles with each letter class. E2) What does the "100" in the motor designation H100-5 stand for? A) It is the peak thrust in pounds of the rocket motor. B) It is the rocket motor burn time in seconds. C) It is the average thrust in newtons of the rocket motor. D) It is the manufacturer's retail price code. The answer is "C". In a rocket motor designation the number before the dash is the average thrust in newtons of the rocket motor. Divide this number by 4.45 for the average thrust in pounds. E3) What does the "5" in the motor designation H100-5 stand for? A) It is the rocket motor burn time. B) It is the peak thrust (in kilograms) of the rocket motor. C) It is the average thrust of the rocket motor. D) It is the ejection charge delay time. The answer is "D". In the standard designation system for rocket motors the number after the dash indicates the delay in seconds between rocket motor burnout and ejection charge operation. Note that a "0" (zero) delay indicates a booster rocket motor; the propellant grain is exposed and no delay or ejection charge is used. A "P" may also be used; this indicates that the end of the motor where the ejection charge and delay train normally reside is plugged. Finally, some motors use a "S", "M", "L", or "XL" designation in lieu of a number to indicate the delay time. These letters stand for "short", "medium", "long", and "extra-long"; the actual delay time depends on the motor type. E4) What are the units of measurement for the "100" in the motor designation H100-5? A) newtons per second B) newtons C) newton-seconds D) feet per second The answer is "B". In a rocket motor designation the number before the dash is the average thrust in newtons of the rocket motor. Divide this number by 4.45 for the average thrust in pounds. E5) What is the maximum total impulse for a "J" rocket motor? A) 320.00 newton-seconds B) 640.00 newton-seconds C) 1280.00 Newton-seconds D) 2560.00 Newton-seconds The answer is "C". In a rocket motor designation the alphabetic character indicates the total impulse (or total power) for the rocket motor. E6) Assuming that each motor has the full allowable impulse, how many "H" motors have the same total impulse as a single "J" motor? A) 3 B) 1 C) 2 D) 4 The answer is "D". An "H" motor has a maximum allowable total impulse of 320.00 newton-seconds and a "J" motor has a maximum total impulse of 1280.00 newton-seconds thus it takes 4 "H's" to equal 1 "J". E7) The Department of Transportation explosives classification "EXPLOSIVES B" indicates what type of hazard? A) Mass detonating type explosive B) Mass fire and hot gas production C) Shrapnel or projectiles resulting from detonation D) Limited fire, hot gas production The answer is "B". Classification "EXPLOSIVES A" indicates a mass detonation hazard; this class has no use in high power rocketry. Classification "EXPLOSIVES B" indicates the production of large amounts of fire and hot gas; this is the classification typically given to high power expendable rocket motors and large (54mm or greater) reloadable motors. Classification "EXPLOSIVES C" indicates the production of limited amounts of fire or hot gas; Class "C" devices typically contain limited amounts of Class "A" or Class "B" materials. Model rocket motors are sometimes classified as Class "C" devices.