Advice, opinions and suggestions please

[Chud]

Greetings all! I am new to the forum, and relatively new to model rocketry. I have a question for the experienced rocketeers....but first a bit of info about me and my experience.
I have only been building and launching rockets since March...so just several months. Overall I have had mostly successful launches and recoveries (approx 9 rockets/approx 20 launches)....but have also lost a few rockets and some electronics as well...(2 altimeters/sonic beacon/small camera). I have done several of each of the different "skill level" rockets and will start on my first skill level 4 build in the next week or so. I do have an interest in the electronics aspect (altimeters/cameras) and now, due to the lost rockets/electronics, a tracking system. My "goals" include...possibly using my next kit (which I can test with a G motor and accepts H & I's) to attempt a Level 1 certification flight....perhaps in October at Air Fest in KS. I will be getting my membership to NAR or Tripoli in the next 2 weeks as well. Here are my questions.......

In regard to which organization to join....is one better than the other? Why choose one over the other...or does it matter?

and

Am I being a bit too aggressive on wanting to launch bigger, faster and higher flying rockets, considering my amount of experience?
Is there a suggested amount of time before one should think about pursuing a certification? Is the October cert flight plan realistic?

I am still learning alot of the mechanics and building methods and this forum has been great. I appreciate any and all constructive replies. Thank you.

[WillMarchant]

Hi chud, welcome on board!

People progress at different rates. I guess I'd encourage that you build skills in a logical fashion making sure you've mastered basic skills before moving on.

You might want to look at the http://www.nar.org/NARTREK/ program.

My personal opinion is that there s fun to be had with all sizes of rockets. MicroMax is exceedingly cool. But so is a large dual-deploy project. Lots of cool stuff to be done in between.

You probably want to join the national organization that your local flying club belongs to. Many people join both NAR and Tripoli. There have been several threads recently going over that choice.

The key is to have fun!
Best wishes,
Will

[qquake2k]

I joined the NAR simply because one of my clubs is an NAR section (the other is both NAR and Tripoli). It took me about a year to get my level 1 cert. I gained a lot of experience with several MPR kits, then built a Minie Magg for my cert rocket. My one regret was that it took me so long to get into reloads. I put it off for a long time because I was intimidated by putting the motors together. I wish I hadn't waited. There are so many more loads available than single use, it gives you a lot more versatility. And it is cheaper in the long run.

[Rocketbuilder]

Hi, Welcome to the forum!
As Will said, join the organization that the nearest club to you is part of. If you don't already know what clubs are in your area, go here: http://www.rocketreviews.com/rocketry-clubs.html
As far as your progress, if you are ready to build and launch larger rockets, and if it's something you want to do, go for it.
Though I only fly LPR and small MPR, from my knowledge of the subject I would say that you can probably get a rocket ready for certification by October, so long as you don't build too many rockets at once.

[Chud]

Thanks for the replies and the links. I will have to check which organization any local clubs belong to and go from there. One rule I have laid out for myself is...I cannot start on another rocket until any current rocket is finished, painted, launched and either lost, or launched, properly deploys and is recovered. Hopefully the latter lol. And yes...I can see reloading motors being WAY cheaper in the long run.

[llickteig1]

Depending upon where you are in Kansas and which club you expect to fly with will influence your national org decision. KLOUDBusters is a TRA club and all our launches are conducted under TRA rules. As an adult flyer, you must be a TRA member to participate. If you're gravitating toward high power, the opportunities are virtually limit-less with KLOUDBusters. If you live near another club in Kansas, then that might influence your decision.

To be clear, AIRFest is August 31 - September 3 (not in October, check out the Launch Schedule at http://www.kloudbusters.org) and even if you aren't ready to do your Level 1 launch that launch will be worth your time and effort to attend, even if it is just for a day or two. There will be flights beyond you wildest expectations. We just getting ready to restart our launch season and will have launches every month for the rest of the year. If you haven't been to Argonia yet, attending a launch there will give you a taste of what we're about. You can even just watch, learn, ask questions and figure out how to keep from losing your rockets. Again, you'll have to join TRA to participate, but we can take care of that on-site.

--Lance.
KLOUDBUsters

[Chud]

My mistake...Air Fest is Aug 31-Sept 3. (Why was I thinking October?) Lance, thank you for your reply and info. I am in KC KS and after looking a bit, not many clubs to be found. Even on the MO side...only a couple. Having visited the KLOUDBusters site, it does seem like a nice club. You really got me with the "flights beyond your wildest expectations" statement! LOL That's awesome! I've been toying with the notion of going to Argonia this year, but now I think I will commit to it....especially after your kind invitation. Quick questions if I may?.....must one be a member of KLOUDBusters as well as TRA to participate? Can one bring a few rockets to launch? Can all A-G motored rockets be launched during/at AIRFest? (provided you are a TRA member)
Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my questions and offer suggestions.

[Zeus-cat]

One rule I have laid out for myself is...I cannot start on another rocket until any current rocket is finished, painted, launched and either lost, or launched, properly deploys and is recovered.

You are new here so we'll give you a break, but that kind of nonsense talk tain't normally allowed in these here parts. A proper rocketeer has at least twice as many half built rockets as he has rockets in flyable condition.

[Chud]

Roger that!

[Davidtmp]

You are new here so we'll give you a break, but that kind of nonsense talk tain't normally allowed in these here parts. A proper rocketeer has at least twice as many half built rockets as he has rockets in flyable condition.

Shoot, I have 1 that just needs the shock cord attached, one needs launch lug and shock cord......MANY needs to be painted, and they are going on 25 years being built! A bunch that needs repair/rebuild.
My rule is they usually fly at least once before paint......why waste my time painting if it's going to crash?? Goes back to my Mini Mean Machine, got it all painted up and decals done, launched about 3 times and the ejection wouldn't pop out the chute. My anger management took over and then the rocket was reduced to about 6 inches.

[JPVegh]

One rule I have laid out for myself is...I cannot start on another rocket until any current rocket is finished, painted, launched and either lost, or launched, properly deploys and is recovered. Hopefully the latter lol.

Sounds like a very sensible rule to me. More power to ya!

[dave carver]

And 4 times that in unopened kits...ya gotta learn the rules ;p

I like the Builder's Specials, they are almost unlimited in the number of "kits" they encompass, then filling in with SEMROC assortment packs. I got all that, 4 "kits" cut out, none in the assembly stage, none in the filler stage which includes them needing primer, and about 10 that need finish painting. I have plans to fly on the 4th on a nice green baseball field launching from the dirt. I got a fleet of 20 or so unflown or repaired rockets to fly finished so by then I'll have 30 or so.

Wheeeee

[jsargevt]

Shoot, I have 1 that just needs the shock cord attached, one needs launch lug and shock cord......MANY needs to be painted, and they are going on 25 years being built! A bunch that needs repair/rebuild.
My rule is they usually fly at least once before paint......why waste my time painting if it's going to crash?? Goes back to my Mini Mean Machine, got it all painted up and decals done, launched about 3 times and the ejection wouldn't pop out the chute. My anger management took over and then the rocket was reduced to about 6 inches.

Funny, I won't fly unless they are painted. I trust that the kit/design I'm launching will fly successfully and most of the time the "crash" seems to be related to something dumb I have done (forgot wadding, didn't secure shock cord, didn't check shock cord, didn't build RMS motor correctly). I figure that each rocket should look good before it meets it's demise!

Granted, looking good is all relative. My "looking good" is most people's "crap".

[llickteig1]

My mistake...Air Fest is Aug 31-Sept 3. (Why was I thinking October?) Lance, thank you for your reply and info. I am in KC KS and after looking a bit, not many clubs to be found. Even on the MO side...only a couple. Having visited the KLOUDBusters site, it does seem like a nice club. You really got me with the "flights beyond your wildest expectations" statement! LOL That's awesome! I've been toying with the notion of going to Argonia this year, but now I think I will commit to it....especially after your kind invitation. Quick questions if I may?.....must one be a member of KLOUDBusters as well as TRA to participate? Can one bring a few rockets to launch? Can all A-G motored rockets be launched during/at AIRFest? (provided you are a TRA member)
Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my questions and offer suggestions.

KLOUDBusters membership is only $15 per year and covers all Fun Fly launches. The major two- or more-day launches typically have a flyer fee. There is a single day fee of $5 per day for non-member HPR flyers for Fun Flys.

--Lance.

[troj]

The KLOUDBusters are a fine group of folks, and it's well worth the drive down there.

We (The Heartland Organization of Rocketry) are also just a bit to the northwest of you, with our launch site being close to Beatrice, NE.

Regardless of what you fly, AirFest will be worth the trip!

-Kevin

[kruland]

Chud,

There is a NAR section in Kansas City. We fly 3rd Saturday each month at Shawnee Mission Park. The field is rather small and can only support G flights if (a) they are low, and (b) you know what you are doing. The group is full of really experienced individuals and best of all, you don't need to join any national organization to show up and fly. I'd love to see you out there. I'm the guy with kids in tow.

However, if you are planning on flying at Airfest, you have to join Tripoli.

Kevin

[Chud]

Sounds like i will have to make a trip out to S.M. park next time. Thanks for the info everyone.

[Scotty Dog]

One rule I have laid out for myself is...I cannot start on another rocket until any current rocket is finished, painted, launched and either lost, or launched, properly deploys and is recovered. Hopefully the latter lol. And yes...I can see reloading motors being WAY cheaper in the long run.

Welcome.
Good luck with the "RULE" ha ha ha ha ha
If you can pull that off,youll be the first rocketeer that I know of to live by that sword.

[Rocketbuilder]

Welcome.
Good luck with the "RULE" ha ha ha ha ha
If you can pull that off,youll be the first rocketeer that I know of to live by that sword.

Are you referring the one about having twice as many half-built rockets as ones in flyable condition? Check.

[Chud]

That would be worth seeing! You should film it.....that will be cool.