The Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center ROCKET CLUB     The Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center Rocket Club Section 691   Great Family Fun Why Join? We're the only local tri-state area Rocket Club with educational classes on successfully building and launching your model rockets. From beginners to advanced we offer great tips on how to certify for your Level 1-2-3 in High Powered Rocketry as well. UPCOMING MEETINGS Sat. May 3, 2008 (10 AM) METRA has a GO for launch today. John and Neil will NOT be at the field due to rain/drizzle occuring. Another e-mail will be sent with our next RCC Rocket launch. Next launch at METRA (Pine Island) June 7 Bring your "Big Daddy" and 6.5 ft rockets to launch. Neil and John will help prepare your rockets for flight. ****WEATHER WATCH - Please Check Back For Possible Rain Cancellation**** METRA Rocket Launch up at Pine Island NY Come up to see some monster High Powered Rockets Launch NOTE: DUE TO INSURANCE METRA NOW REQUIRES ANYONE WHO WANTS TO FLY (including Estes types of rockets) TO PAY A FLIGHT FEE AND SIGN A WAIVER. For details go to www.metrarocketclub.org The LHVCC Rocket Club will still fly at Rockland Community College and another larger field is being worked on right now for our members. Click here to see what we did at previous meetings and local launches.   SA-14 Missile Launched on a AMW K-1000 Sparky See photos below...   9.5 Ft. Tall Dinosaurs Rock-et Launched on a Loki L-930 See photos below... Click Here To See Complete Details Of Neil Browns Level 3 Flight ROCKETRY CLUB The Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center is a fully functioning National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Section #691 Club in our tri-state area.  The main reason for forming a "Section" is simply because rocket activities are more fun in a group! A group gives you a strong sense of community, a bigger pool of ideas, and a source of enthusiasm that makes every sport launch, building session, or get-together better. Forming a NAR Section also gives us the Insurance Coverage we require to hold launches in our area.  As a member of the LHVCC Rocketry Club you get: 1. Free access to our launch equipment at our local launches. 2. We will conduct local launches at Rockland Community College during the year as well for Free. 3. Discounts to all of our upcoming Rocketry Classes. 4. Awards for our "Members Only" Contests - free rocket kits, meteorite, parachutes, and more. 5. Expert GUEST SPEAKERS at our monthly meetings. 6. Tips of how to achieve your Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3 Certification in High Powered Rocketry. 1-Year Membership = $60 cover 1 parent and up to 2 of your children. Any additional children of yours are $20 each. Call John at The Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center To Join. Tel. (845) 357-3416 You may join the rocket club and be part of all internal activities.  In order to fly your rockets with us, you will be required to be a NAR Member for insurance purposes.  Click NAR logo below for complete details. All LHVCC Rocket Club Members get an Immediate 10% Discount off any model rockets and 5% off any mid-high powered rockets purchased through Hanger 11 Hobbies. You Also Get... Access to all of our Educational Material i.e. Rocketry Books, RockSim Computer Software, and more.            A tried and true path to Model Rocketry Learning with our NARTREK Achievement Awards.  Bronze, Silver & Gold Levels of Rocketry Achievement will be awarded to those who complete each module with your name and achievement level clearly seen at the LHVCC. Here's an example of what you need to accomplish in order to get your BRONZE Rocketry Award: Example: The Bronze Level Everyone begins at the simplest level. To fulfill the requirements of the Bronze level, you must: Perform a 60-second parachute duration flight with a kit model. Perform a 30-second streamer duration flight with a kit model. Perform a two-staged flight with a kit model. Perform a large model flight (D motor or above) with a kit model. Upon completing these requirements you move to the next level: Silver.   What is NARTREK?  NARTREK stands for "National Association of Rocketry Training Rocketeers for Experience and Knowledge." It consists of a series of achievement levels in rocketry, each requiring more skill to complete than the previous one. As each level is finished, you receive an Achievement Certificate and a jacket patch certifying your accomplishment. You are under no time limit. You progress at your own pace. NARTREK. is a self-paced program designed to improve your knowledge and skill in rocketry step by step. is for all modelers -- young and old! is a program for modelers working alone -- as well as for modelers affiliated with NAR Sections. operates on the honor system. is administered from a central point by a staff of experienced volunteers who will work with you by mail to help solve your problems. uses commercially-available rocket kits whenever possible. uses existing publications and books available from NAR Technical Services, manufacturers, and other easily available sources. is designed to be low-cost to you. NAR makes no profit from the NARTREK program. You buy your own kits, motors, equipment, and publications. NARTREK is a program designed for you, with patches and certificates for each achievement level and recognition of your progress in NAR publications. When you complete the entire NARTREK program, you will be capable of designing, building, and safely flying nearly every type of rocket. You will be ready to progress into the most advanced areas of rocketry -- national and international competition, advanced technical research, historical research, and more. If you are in Middle School, we are forming a team to compete in the nationwide .  This is the most prestigious Rocketry Event in the country with a  prizes totaling $60,000.  Teams compete to build their own rocket, lift a hens egg to exactly 850 ft., and keep it aloft for 45 seconds.  Click logo for TARC website or click here for quick details. Neil Brown President Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center Rocket Club NAR 85853; TRA 10899 - Level 3 High Powered Rocketry Certified Board of Directors Vice President - Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center Launch Dates: May 3 & 4 Directions to METRA Launch Field: High Powered Launches Take the NY Thruway to Exit 16 (Harriman/Woodbury Commons) Continue on Route 17 West until Exit 123 Take Exit 123 and continue on Route 17M West for 3.4 miles Make a left at the traffic light onto Route 12 (you will see “Soons Orchard” signs at the intersection area) Continue on Route 12 straight through the next intersection and at the “Y” bear to the left (still on Route 12) Take Route 12 for 6.2 miles (it will “feel” longer so watch your odometer) Look for a “Rocket Launch” sign on the left and turn left onto a dirt road (there is usually a large metal ramp/farm implement near the dirt road entrance) Take the dirt road for about a mile and go over a small bridge with wooden planks on the roadbed After crossing the bridge turn to the right and you will see the launch area straight ahead Click on photo below to see video teaser of NERRF 3    Click photo above for NERRF Movie! You can always find the LHVCC Rocket Club at the METRA launch with the Giant DINOSAURS ROCK-et and the Dinosaur Skull on the Truck!! Aidan, Ben and Aliza recovering a mid-power rocket at one of our launches.   Neil Brown and John Huibregtse teaching the Rocketry Class at the Challenger Center. Rocket Building Session during the Winter Season John Huibregtse helping members of our Rocket Class prepare their rockets for launching. Click Below On Our Highly Recommended Rocketry Websites You Should Visit                                                Important Rocketry Websites you need to know about:  www.NAR.org  National Association of Rocketry.  The LHVCC Rocket Club is based upon the rules and regulation of the NAR.  There is a lot of great information within this website.  Please become familiar with all the information within.  REMEMBER: YOU MUST BE A NAR MEMBER TO LAUNCH YOUR ROCKETS!!!  http://nar.org/nartrek/index.html  What is NARTREK? NARTREK stands for "National Association of Rocketry Training Rocketeers for Experience and Knowledge." It consists of a series of achievement levels in rocketry, each requiring more skill to complete than the previous one. As each level is finished, you receive an Achievement Certificate and a jacket patch certifying your accomplishment. You are under no time limit. You progress at your own pace.  http://nar.org/nartrek/cadet.html  What is the NARTREK Cadet Program? NARTREK Cadet differs from the standard NARTREK Program in that: it is designed specifically for modelers under age 18; and it is open to both members and non-members of the NAR. NARTREK Cadet consists of a series of four achievement levels in rocketry, each requiring more skill to complete than the previous one. As each level is finished, you receive an Achievement Certificate and an enameled pin certifying your accomplishment. You are under no time limit. You progress at your own pace. ANY MEMBER THAT COMPLETES A SECTION OF THE NARTREK PROGRAM WILL HAVE THEIR NAME AND ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL CLEARLY VISIBLE WITHIN THE LHVCC ROCKET CLUB DISPLAY.  http://www.esteseducator.com/cfusion/publications.cfm Everything you would ever want to know about MODEL ROCKETRY is right here.  It’s all free and downloadable.  Three publications that I would recommend are as follows: Model Rocketry Technical Manual Model Rocketry Study Guide The Classic Collection   http://www.tripoli.org/ WHICH ENGINE?  Model rocket engines are divided into categories based upon the total impulse they produce in the measurement of Newton-seconds.  These categories, determined by the NAR, are standardized for all manufacturers in the model rocket industry. TOTAL IMPLUSE CAN BE DESCRIBED AS A MEASURE OF TOTAL ENERGY CONTAINED IN A MOTOR.   Total impulse is measured in Newton-seconds.  One Newton-second is the amount of force necessary to accelerate one kilogram of mass at a rate of one meter per second per second. For Parents who want to try their skill at High Powered Rocketry this is the National Association you need to join.  If we have at least 5 Parents that what to go for their Level 1 in High Powered Rockets I will hold a special class for you on this topic to get you through to your Level 1 and on to your Level 2 in High Powered Rocketry. Section 691   DINOSAURS ROCK-et Nov. 4, 2006 METRA Rocket Launch - Pine Island, NY 9.5 Ft. Tall; 7.5 inches wide, LOKI L930 Motor; Dual Deployment Photos by Paul Tuzzolino - Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center Board of Directors   Bringing the Dinosaurs Rock-et to the RSO table.   Weighing in at 41 lbs. Hal of Bubba's Bagels helps to bring the Dinosaurs Rock-et out to the launch pad 600 ft. away.  Dan Micheals , Hal and I positioning the rail buttons onto the massive Trailer Launch pad.      Upright into position. It takes 3 of us to lift it up.   Arming both Altimeters.     Just in case I lost the rocket - one last photo next to it.   3-2-1 Launch                   Almost at apogee.   Oh NO!!  No parachute deployment at apogee Houston we have a PROBLEM!!!    The Dinosaurs Rock-et is tumbling to earth. By a MIRACLE - the nose cone popped off dragging out the Main Chute.     How lucky can a person be!!               Check out the drag marks on the ground after landing.     Hal and I examining the rocket.   We'll get it ready now for the 2007 season.   To Build Rockets like the one above and below call my friend Bobby at Hanger 11 Tel. (845) 926-1959 Click on Logo below to visit Hanger 11 Hobbies   High Powered Rocketry SA-14 Missile 8-ft tall, 6 inches wide, weight 25 lbs Powered by an AMW K-555 Sparky (2nd launch photo K-1000 Sparky) Dual Deployment ... Altimeter - drogue parachute (48- inches at apogee), Main parachute (120 inches) set at 800 ft. Photos by John Huibregtse (Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center) HIGH POWERED ROCKETS ARE NEVER LAUNCHED AT SCHOOLS Click on above to view actual launch of the SA-14 Missile. It is the 2nd flight on this short video. About 200 Ft. of Sparky Flame Level 2 Certification Flight This video can be purchased from Rocketry Magazine - Click link below: http://www.libertylaunchsystems.com/Video/ My Little "CREW" Tommy, Aliza, Aidan, Emily, & Jeremy Aidan Brown holding the SA-14 Some really big rockets at the METRA Launch Flight card prepared. Mounting the 25-lb SA-14 High Powered Rocket onto the launch pad. Here I am arming the Altimeter - waiting for the "beeps" to indicate that it is working.   Igniters are taped to the rocket prior to bringing it out to the launch pad. The large igniter is set deep into the engine and taped for extra security.  Now I'm attaching the igniter wires to the clips which will send the charge to fire up the igniter. Armed and ready - we are 400 ft. away from the rocket. and the count down begins... 5 4 3 2 1 BLAST OFF!!!! Here's the second flight on July 15, 2006 on a AMW K-1000 - Altitude 2262 Ft. Over 150 Ft. of SPARKS Shooting out of the Aft Section of the Rocket!!! Successful Dual Deployment Drogue Parachute (small parachute in the middle) at Apogee (2,500 ft.) Main 120-inch parachute at 800 ft. Note the long shock cords - almost 50-ft. Nice soft landing on the Pine Island Farm.   Final Flight of this 10 Ft. SA-14 AMW L-1075 Green Gorilla CRASHED!! TEAM AMERICA ROCKETRY CHALLENGE $60,000 in Annual Prizes for Students • This event is an annual nation-wide rocketry-based aerospace design and flying challenge competition for student teams of 7th-12th graders. • It is conducted during each school year starting in September, leading to a competitive face-to-face fly-off for the final prizes among the top 100 teams nationally. This is held in late May at The Plains, VA, near Washington, DC. • It is sponsored by the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) on behalf of America’s aerospace industry, and by the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). PURPOSE The purpose of the Challenge is to teach students aerospace science by having them design and build a safe and stable model rocket that lifts a fragile payload (one raw egg) to exactly 850 feet and has a flight duration of exactly 45 seconds, at the end of which it returns this payload to earth safely and undamaged. • Models must be made of non-metal materials such as balsa, paper and plastic, must weigh no more than 3.3 pounds at liftoff, and must use commercially-made, NAR safety-certified model rocket motors widely available in local hobby stores. • Altitudes are determined by a small, accurate commercially-made electronic barometric altimeter carried within the rocket, and read after the flight. ELIGIBILITY & ENTRY • Entry is open to groups of 3 to 15 students (7th - 12th grade) who must enter as a team sponsored by a public or private school, home school association, or non-profit youth group, under the supervision of an adult from that school or group. • Visit the event website <www.rocketcontest.org> to register. Entry opens in early September and closes in late November. Visit the NAR website <www.nar.org> for information about America's largest sport rocketry organization.   Model Rocket Safety Code Materials. I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of my rocket. Motors. I will use only certified, commercially-made model rocket motors, and will not tamper with these motors or use them for any purposes except those recommended by the manufacturer. Ignition System. I will launch my rockets with an electrical launch system and electrical motor igniters. My launch system will have a safety interlock in series with the launch switch, and will use a launch switch that returns to the "off" position when released. Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I press the button of my electrical launch system, I will remove the launcher's safety interlock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60 seconds after the last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket. Launch Safety. I will use a countdown before launch, and will ensure that everyone is paying attention and is a safe distance of at least 15 feet away when I launch rockets with D motors or smaller, and 30 feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain about the safety or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the stability before flight and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a safe distance. Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a launch rod, tower, or rail that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up, and I will use a blast deflector to prevent the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To prevent accidental eye injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the launch rod is above eye level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not in use. Size. My model rocket will not weigh more than 1,500 grams (53 ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse. If my model rocket weighs more than one pound (453 grams) at liftoff or has more than four ounces (113 grams) of propellant, I will check and comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations before flying. Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, or near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or explosive payload in my rocket. Launch Site. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area at least as large as shown in the accompanying table, and in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20 miles per hour. I will ensure that there is no dry grass close to the launch pad, and that the launch site does not present risk of grass fires. Recovery System. I will use a recovery system such as a streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns safely and undamaged and can be flown again, and I will use only flame-resistant or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket. Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.