Here is some useful information for participants of the Model Rocket Design class or anyone interested in model rockets.

Information material from the class

• Video - Short flight preparation
• Video - Flight of typical model rocket
• OpenRocket rocket design software
• Model rocket parts poster
• Model rocket flight poster

Get rockets, parts and motors

These are all dealers I've personally had a good experience with or heard very good things about. Please support them, they aren't any more expensive than Amazon or nation-wide chains:

• AC Supply
• Performance Hobbies is often present at NOVAAR launches
• CS Rocketry
• Balsa Machining Services

If you want a brick and mortar store, try

• Hobby Lobby 240 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg, VA 20176

Safety

Whenever you fly a model rocket, follow the Model Rocket Safety Code. Some key points:

• Use lightweight materials
• Only use commercially available motors
• Fly on a large enough open area, with uninvolved persons at a safe distance
• Use electric ignition and keep a safe distance, give a loud countdown before launch
• Launch vertically
• Make sure the air space is free of aircraft, drones etc. and stay below any clouds

But make sure to read the code!

Where to fly / local clubs

The launch sites differ vastly in comfort and size. If you want to fly small rockets, NOVAAR is great and the closest, if you want to fly very high, Tripoli Central Virginia is best, and if you want to walk over golf-course-quality sod to recover your rockets, the MD Rocketry summer launches are great.

• Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, VA allows rocket launches, but you need to obtain a permit (free for Leesburg residents and non-profits)
• NOVAAR (NAR) launches year-round at Great Meadow, 5089 Old Tavern Rd, The Plains, VA 20198
• Tripoli Central Virginia (TRA) launches between October and April at Crittenden Ln, Rapidan, VA 22733
• NARHAMS (NAR) launches year-round at 12406 Old National Pike, Mt Airy, MD 21771
• Maryland Delaware Rocketry Association (NAR/TRA) launches year-round at two different sites near Centreville, MD

National Associations

While no club membership is necessary to fly rockets, it's helpful to be the member of a local club and the respective national association to have insurance and access to other resources.

• National Assocation of Rocketry (NAR) focuses on model rockets and competitions
• Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA) focuses on large, high-power rockets and the experimental side of rocketry

Both associations allow certifications for high-power flights and the launches always offer launch opportunities from the smallest rockets up to the largest ones the launch site and weather conditions permit.