CONTEST EMAIL ARCHIVES

Date: 12/23/2008

Subject: TARC Is Underway!

Teacher and Students:

Happy Holidays!  I hope by now many of you have started working on your rockets.  We publish a recommended schedule of activities (http://www.rocketcontest.org/pdf/schedule_2009.pdf), which will help you stay on course to complete a successful qualification flight by April 6, 2009.  Below are some of the things you should be working on completing over the break.  If you have any questions, feel free to email rocketcontest@aia-aerospace.org. 

WEEK 1

• Ensure all team data (names, e-mail, etc.) on file with AIA is correct.
• Join TARC electronic forum (Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NARTARC/).

WEEK 2

• Assign team responsibilities (such as project manager, airframe, propulsion & ignition, launch system, fundraising etc.).
• Get a mentor (see the list of available NAR mentors at http://www.rocketcontest.org/pdf/mentors.pdf).
• Watch the instructional DVD "How to Build and Fly a Model Rocket" which is available on www.rocketcontest.org, or available to view online on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/AerospaceIndustries.
• Download the Team Handbook & Rules and the Frequently Asked Questions from www.rocketcontest.org, and have all team members read both.
• Begin research on rocket parts supply sources (starting with the three "official parts suppliers" listed in the TARC Handbook).
• Order one of the two available flight-simulation and rocket-design computer programs, SpaceCAD or RockSIM, at the TARC Team discount price directly from the vendor.

WEEK 3

• Purchase an inexpensive one-stage rocket kit to familiarize team with rocket building & flying, and build it. A good basic kit specifically for TARC teams is available from Aerospace Specialty Products.
• Locate a place to fly rockets (or a nearby NAR launch to attend and fly at, see the "Launch Windows" calendar at www.nar.org or contact the nearest NAR club or "section" listed at this same website).
• Develop a plan to raise required funds for purchase of rocket supplies (and hopefully for later travel to the flyoffs), covering at least 2-3 rockets and motors for at least 10 test and qualification flights.

WEEK 4

• 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 the rocket design and flight simulation computer program that you purchased, and have team members learn to use it.
• If you require "site owner" insurance for the place where you will be flying, have the teacher and at least three team members join the NAR, and order NAR site owner insurance.

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