Launch!

John P. and I were scheduled to got to a CRMRC launch in Vermont for John's L2 certification flight. Because of drought conditions and corn, the launch has been postponed. Both of us plan on going to Amesbury on Saturday.

Hello Frank. I settled on the LOC IV X2 (mostly built) and a HyperLOC 835. They are good and solid but I might still reinforce a few things. I'll be back in Amesbury Saturday with a Black Brandt II, Mega Mosquito & Super Big Bertha to launch. - Kevin

Hello Maxwell. I just Certified at L1 with an Apogee Zephyr. It's a good solid rocket with 1/4" fins that can handle a lot. That said, I lucked out, as my main chute didn't open (Shroud lines tangled with the shock cord because I added a beeper last minute) but the Zephyr landed in a soft, plowed field with no damage at all.

Kevin Scannell

Happy Birthday!

The Loc 4.0" Goblin or the Apogee Zephyr are both good choices. Look on the Loc and Apogee sites and watch the videos on how to assemble the rockets. This will give you an idea of what is involved in building the rocket.

Check the NAR.org website https://www.nar.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=114127&module_id=668315

Check the section titled HPR Level 1 Certification. There is a wealth of knowledge and the answers to many questions you will have.

Use Open Rocket to help select a motor. Thrust to weight ration should be 5 to 1. Speed off the rail should be 35-40 MPH. Chute deployment speed should be no more than 30 MPH. Your certification team will ask you about projected altitude, center of pressure, center of gravity, and questions about how you built the rocket.

Don't be in a hurry. You should get some experience flying mid power rockets. You should fly your level 1 rocket on a G motor as a test flight. It's nice to see people your age interested in model rocketry. Hopefully we can get you off to a good start.

Feel free to attend a CMASS Zoom meeting. You can send an email to officers@cmass.org for meeting information. Meetings are a great opportunity to get answers to questions.

Why not a LOC goblin. Mine flew great on an I175, 1464 ft. As for a mentor, you just need someone to observe and sign off on the flight.

Hello rocketeers, I just turned 18 the other day and Im eager to get my L1 cert! Im thinking of going with an Apogee Zephyr but Im not sure on the motor? Also doesn't there typically need to be some sort of mentor when going for a L1? Please let me know your thoughts and who I should turn to for this.