Special Flight: Rocketry
THIS COLUMN represents another first for the Academy of Model Aeronautics. In order to continue to bring you the best in modeling, the column will cover all aspects of model rocketry beginning with FAI world-class competition and continuing through just plain flying for the fun of it. I will emphasize FAI flying, simply because it is the toughest form of model rocket competition anywhere. Anything learned from competition can easily be applied and adapted to any other type of model rocket flying-hobby or otherwise. In addition, some of the lightweight building techniques to be discussed in this column can be applied to other forms of aeromodeling.
Special Flight Rocketry
IT'S NOW OFFICIAL-AMA has formally assumed the responsibility for running the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) spacemodeling (model rocket) program in the United States. A little background. FAI is the world-governing organization for aviation. Each country in the world belonging to the FAI has a designated national aero club. The United States is a member of the FAI, and our national aero club is the National Aeronautic Association (NAA). The NAA oversees the activities of eight organizations participating in the FAI program. I won't list the organizations belonging to the NAA, but the AMA is a member and, as such, is charged by NAA and the FAI with representing all aeromodelers who belong to the FAI program in the U.S.
Special Flight: Rocketry
THIS IS THE BEGINNING-Part I of a series of articles of guidance and instruction for making fiberglass nose cones and body tubes. Watching someone while they are doing it is the best way to learn to make fiberglass rockets. Without that luxury here and now, it will be a bit more difficult, but with practice, success will be achieved. Most photos that will appear in this article include my 12-year-old daughter, Julie. If she can make a reasonably good body tube, anyone can. In all fairness, she does have trouble with the nose cones. Here is a list of the materials needed.
