Based on the discussion over here ( https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/do-you-consider-mpr-a-pre-requisite-for-hpr.160426/ ) I went back and did some checking on just how close did my 4H club come to the HPR line and did I accidentally lead them over it.
The club members didn't do any building without supervision, and all rockets were assembled with either JB weld or BSI 15 minute epoxy. I wasn't an experienced HPR builder, but I am a Mech. Engineer who's worked in manufacturing on equipment for 20 years, what I would consider handy (grew up in the country fixing all sorts of things, working on cars, etc.) and have used epoxy for all sorts of things.
Our goal was low and slow display launches with one launch per model (a 4H sponsor received the rocket for permanent display after the flights).
My question, and where I may have led the group into HPR accidentally, is on NAR Level 1 and the requirement for rocket weight.
Per NAR's website a Level 1 certification is required if a person wants to "3. Launch rockets that weight more than 53 ounces".
Does this mean empty or loaded for flight?
What was built and launched:
LOC IV on a G74
Based on what I can find online this would have weighed 35.1 oz plus paint and dog barf. I don't think we hit 53 oz.
LOC T-LOC 4" on a F26
Based on what I can find online this would have weighed 39.6 oz plus paint and dog barf. I don't think we hit 53 oz.
Apogee Zephyr on a G78
Based on what I can find online this would have weighed 48.4 oz plus paint and dog barf. I think we probably hit 53 oz with this one.
We were launching away from the spectators on a closed site, but I think we may have pushed through the rules a little if the weight limit is based on a fully flight ready rocket.
Either way if the club continues this fundraiser I'll be keeping a closer eye on the weight requirement moving forward.
The club members didn't do any building without supervision, and all rockets were assembled with either JB weld or BSI 15 minute epoxy. I wasn't an experienced HPR builder, but I am a Mech. Engineer who's worked in manufacturing on equipment for 20 years, what I would consider handy (grew up in the country fixing all sorts of things, working on cars, etc.) and have used epoxy for all sorts of things.
Our goal was low and slow display launches with one launch per model (a 4H sponsor received the rocket for permanent display after the flights).
My question, and where I may have led the group into HPR accidentally, is on NAR Level 1 and the requirement for rocket weight.
Per NAR's website a Level 1 certification is required if a person wants to "3. Launch rockets that weight more than 53 ounces".
Does this mean empty or loaded for flight?
What was built and launched:
LOC IV on a G74
Based on what I can find online this would have weighed 35.1 oz plus paint and dog barf. I don't think we hit 53 oz.
LOC T-LOC 4" on a F26
Based on what I can find online this would have weighed 39.6 oz plus paint and dog barf. I don't think we hit 53 oz.
Apogee Zephyr on a G78
Based on what I can find online this would have weighed 48.4 oz plus paint and dog barf. I think we probably hit 53 oz with this one.
We were launching away from the spectators on a closed site, but I think we may have pushed through the rules a little if the weight limit is based on a fully flight ready rocket.
Either way if the club continues this fundraiser I'll be keeping a closer eye on the weight requirement moving forward.