What is rocketry? How does WAC fit in?

Rocketry is a hobby where people launch rockets together! This involves building a rocket (or several) in a group or on your own, then traveling to a rocket launch to FLY and safely recover the rocket. Launching a rocket is an incredible experience of flight, and hobby rockets are often used as educational tools for science and engineering students. 

The Washington Aerospace Club (WAC) hosts public rocket launches, builds group projects, and collaborates with schools to mentor their rocket teams. We are one of several rocketry clubs in the Pacific Northwest.

What is a hobby Rocket?

A hobby rocket is a reusable, lightweight, non-metallic flight vehicle that is propelled vertically by an electrically-ignited, commercially-made, nonexplosive solid fuel rocket motor. 

Is it safe?

Hobby rockets are always designed and built to be returned safely to the ground with the intent of being reused. Hobby rockets are legal in all 50 states, although some local jurisdictions may have restrictions limiting their use. 

Founded in 1957, hobby rocketry has grown worldwide with over 12 million flights flown each year. The sport is also used in over 25,000 schools in the U.S. There have been over 750 million flights since the founding of the hobby. Injuries have been very rare and generally minor, especially when compared to other outside activities.

Hobby rocketry is done largely through the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and Tripoli Rocket Association (TRA). Both organizations have comprehensive safety codes that are followed by WAC and its members. 

Where do I fly a rocket?

Hobby rockets are usually flown at club launches. WAC hosts launches during the winter and spring at 60 Acres Park, and sometimes less formal launches occur there and are coordinated online. There are several clubs in the area that fly throughout the year. 

Do I need permission to fly a rocket on my own?

Check your state and local laws to make sure that rocket flying is allowed in your local parks. For example, in King County, 60 Acres is the only park that specifically allows rocket flights. Also, do not fly a rocket if there is a burn ban. 

Rockets that are low power do not need a waiver from the FAA to fly, and in general if you are expecting under 1000 feet altitude, are at least a mile from an airport, and have at least a football field of open space to fly in, you're in good shape. 

Low power and high power rockets are designated by their engine size. Most rocket motors designated G and below are low power. Some F and G-class motors are high power, please check your rocket motor's specification to ensure it's a low power motor prior to flying.

Who regulates low power rocket flights?

There are several governing organizations that oversee hobby rocketry: the FAA, NFPA, NAR & TRA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and local authorities having jurisdiction.  Fortunately, for low and mid power rockets only a few rules will apply.   High power rocket flights are another story not covered in this response.

The FAA generally doesn't involve itself in the launch of rockets weighing less than 1,500 grams total lift-off weight, using less than 125 grams of propellant, that are not launched near an airport and carefully avoid hitting aircraft.

Assuming that you are at least 18 years old, the CPSC rules won't impact you for this rocket.

Low Power motors do not require certification by either NAR or TRA.

The NFPA code for model rocketry that is adopted by local jurisdictions allows you to fly a rocket of this size and motor.  

The field must be at least half as wide as the flight will go high. For example, on the north field at 60 Acres this rule limits us to a maximum altitude of 2,600 feet when flying. 

Where do I buy a rocket? How much does this cost?

Your first rocket kit + motor can cost $30, and even though each individual rocket motor is single-use, the rockets themselves are reusable, if you're lucky. 

Do I need a launch pad?

Most clubs have plenty of launch pads for their launches, but if you are flying on your own, it will be absolutely necessary for a safe flight. Make sure the launch rod (or rail) matches the launch lug (or rail button) size on your rocket.  

How much time does this take?

Your first model rocket can easily be completed in an afternoon, but of course if you continue into more complex projects, they can take as long as you'd like. 

Where can I learn more?

Come to a WAC meeting or send us an email at officers@washingtonaerospace.org!

How do I learn to make bigger rockets?

Visit the National Association of Rocketry and Tripoli Rocketry Association, as well as our Resources page for high power rocketry information links.