CONTEST EMAIL ARCHIVES
Date: 12/20/2006
Subject: TARC Program Update and Mentor Information!
IMPORTANT Info for TARC Teams:
* If you have not yet connected with a NAR Mentor or have been unable to locate one near you, please also contact us ASAP at rocketcontest@aia-aerospace.org. Be sure to include your Team Number in the subject line.
* If you have a NAR Mentor please let us knows who it is by emailing us their name and email address. This information will then appear on the Team Information webpage. Be sure to include your Team Number in the subject line and send to rocketcontest@aia-aerospace.org.
* Teams that are new to TARC, especially those with little to no prior rocketry experience, will find that they can learn a lot about the basics of model rocketry from the volunteer members of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). NAR has a nationwide network of local clubs, called "sections," with experienced rocketeers standing by to provide advice and make their launch sites available for your flights. Many adult NAR members will be mentors and available to assist individual teams in their local area. These local club sections are listed at the NAR web site and so is a list of mentors, under the Team America section on the NAR web site at www.nar.org .
TARC Schedule - Week 5 & 6
At this stage in the competition, your team should be working on and completing the following actions:
* Obtain a comprehensive book on model rocketry, such as G. Harry Stine's "Handbook of Model Rocketry" (available at a TARC Team discount from NAR Technical Services www.nar.org/NARTS), and have all team members read it.
* Load your rocket design and flight simulation computer software onto your computer and have team members learn to use it.
*If you are able to launch with a NAR section scheduled launch, you may require "site owner" insurance for the place where you will be flying. Your supervising teacher and at least three team members will need to join the NAR and then order NAR site owner insurance.
Over the winter break and by the first week of January, you should be working on and completing the followings steps:
* Fly a basic one-stage model rocket to get an understanding of the basics of model rocketry.
* Using the rocket design and flight simulation computer software and the knowledge gained from reading and from building basic rockets, develop a first design for TARC entry.
* Using your software, conduct flight simulations of your design with various rocket motors on the TARC approved motor list, to determine the best motor(s) to use.
* Locate sources for the materials needed to build the TARC design (starting with the official vendors in the TARC Handbook) and purchase required parts and rocket motors.
* Order your ALT 15K/WD official altimeter from Perfectflite at the special TARC price.
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