A school oval or a large vacant block of land is the best area for a demonstration. Remember the area must be easily accessible by all interested people. Before announcing the launch/ demonstration, permission must be granted by the owner.

An informative and entertaining narration can contribute greatly to the success of the demonstration. A good demonstration should have an exhibit of various kinds of model rockets set out for viewing and a number of model rockets for launch using different types of model rocket engines.

The launch area should have boundaries outlined with rope, or similar for spectator participation. One area should be designed for spectators with the exhibits set up just inside the boundary.

Setting aside a spectator area increases range safety and permits the launch narration to be heard without a public address system. A large poster announcing the date, time and venue for interested persons in attending. An impressive and well organised demonstration can be an effective way to get new members and support from the local community.

THE MEETING
A library, meeting room or a school classroom are good locations for a meeting. To an active club, there needs to be at least eight members with one or more adult supervisors. Fewer persons in the club mean that you may be limited on activities.

There should be at least one adult supervisor at each club. Their leadership can help with public relations, special events, field trips, arranging presentations. They can also be valuable in workshops, research and range safety. They do not have to be expert on model rocketry.

If a teacher is not willing to become a regular supervisor they could become a part-time supervisor. Model rocketry information for teachers can be sent to them from Aero-Quest email (or check out the web site ) for information and products for use in the classroom.

The first meeting should be presided over by the individual who sponsored the public demonstration or is the spokesperson for the group

Several temporary committees should be formed to organise and develop the club. This could include constitution, public relations, membership and equipment committees. Then by the third or fourth meeting, election of officers, collection of dues and acceptance of constitution.

Public Relations Committee
Club publicity and communications to members are a responsibility of the committee and also planning and scheduling the club's first series of activities including workshops and launchings. During the first meeting this committee will set and announce the next meeting of the club with time, date and venue.

Gaining the support of a sponsor can help in areas where special resources are required and/or supplementary funds or additional manpower. With the recognition of a sponsorship organisation, the club will receive approval and support especially when there is special event. It is best to explain, when approaching a sponsor, the reasons for forming a model rocket club and why you need their sponsorship and support. It important to stress model rocketry's excellent safety record. Emphasize the education and recreational activities available with model rocketry. If you are straight forward and honest, the club will probably receive the enthusiastic support of a sponsor.

Equipment Committee
They are responsible for the design, materials procurement and construction of the equipment required to get the club out to start their first activities.

EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
The Launch Site
A good launch site should be a cleared area, free of easy to burn materials, away large buildings, power lines and tall trees. Also a minimum of 5 Km frown an airport. See Model Rocket Safety Code

The site must also have good accessibility with room for parking and enough room for recovery of all model rockets launched at the site.

A school oval, playing field or large vacant block can make an excellent launch site the club which is suitable for demonstrations.

Equipment
A list of items for normal operation of a club launch site:-

1. Lunch pad - multiple or several single launch pad systems.
2. Car battery.
3. Posts, flags, tape to mark off the launch area.
4. Tables and chairs for rocket preparation and data writing.
5. Public address system (portable and usually a bull horn)
6. Data equipment -
   • Tracking scopes/binoculars
   • Altitude computer
   • Stopwatches
   • 30 meter tape measure
   • Walkie talkies or land-line phone system
7. Small flag pole for club flag and Australian flag

Storage of the equipment, if not on site, requires transport to and from site.

Workshop
Points to remember when looking for a workshop; Is it large enough for all members?; When and how long is it available?; Is it available on a regular basis?; Can it be decorated with model rockets and posters?; Tables and chairs?; Will the construction and painting be allowed?; Does it have adequate storage and lighting?; Is there a phone nearby and can it be locked?

When the meeting area has been secured, the members can turn it into an exciting meeting room and workshop with posters, library, display area which will enhance the apperance and make the activities of the club more enjoyable.

CLUB ACTIVITIES
A number of events can he held by the club, for example:-

1. Meetings
2. Special Presentations and Exhibits
3. Competitive Launches
4. Launch Site Activities
5. Special Events
6. R & D Special Projects
7. Workshop Con tests
8. Field Trips
9. Range Operations Team
10. Finance committee
11. Special Activities Committee
12. Workshop Committee
13. Data and Tracking Team
14. Contest Committee

Meetings
Officers, committee, and adviser/s can meet to discuss club basic business, future activities and financial matters.

Special Presentations And Exhibits
Because of the popularity, the club may be called upon to give special presentations exhibits. At these, the club displays photographs, posters, videos, guest speaker and handouts to gain new members.

Competitive Launches
This can be the most exciting activity at the launch site. The competition can be held between clubs or amongst the members.

Contest Guide
Possible events for competition:-

• Maximum Altitude
• Scale Model
• Spot Landing
• Research and Development
• Drag Race
• Parachute Duration
• Glide Duration
• Craftsmanship
• Set Altittude
• Launch Site Activities
• Quadrathon - flying in 4 events with one rocket
• Identical Kit Meet
• Original Design Meet
• Boost-Glider Meet

Special Events
A club demonstration can be held by beginning the demonstration with low-powered, singlr-stage rocket and work up to a large model such as a Saturn 5 rocket. A public address system should be available for launch narration to be a successful demonstration. In addition to the demonstration an All-Comers Competition Launch for new members. Invite non-members to participate in a simple event or two amongst other club flying events. Have a mother-daughter or father-son launch competition. In a Funny Meet, everything is reversed in the names and rules and conventional rockets are not allowed. As long as the rocket is stable and made of regulation materials, you could use a paper cup, toy plane, shoe box, etc.. This is for advanced rocketeers only who have a good knowledge of rocket stability! In the backward launch, enter there models in the usual events except the names and rules for each event are reversed, Eg. Non-Spot Landing, Minimum A1titude, etc..

R & D Special Projects
Special projects could include:-

1. the design and construction of a multiple-pad launch system
2. studies of the mathematics of rocket flight, acceleration, trajectory, drag, etc.
3. payload instrumentation and radio-telemetry
4. wind tunnel
5. aerial model rocket camera
6. underwater launch facility
7. two station, three dimensional tracking system with theodolite tracking device.

Workshop Contests
When faced with bad weather for launchings, non-flying contests are effective to keep interest in workshop activities. By establishing special non-flying rules and competitions in the areas of original design, research and development craftsmanship.

Field Trips
These can be organised to meet other clubs, aerospace companies and Government facilities. Be sure to get parents involved as transportation will be needed and that they know that a field trip will be undertaken.

Range Operations Team
All site activities begin with the Range Operations Team which is responsible for the up-keep and repair, the setting-up and taking down and transportation required for the equipment.

They are also responsible for safety checking of all rockets, giving the appropriate safety clearance, count, flight narration and running all range equipment.

Finance Committee
They are responsible for the collection and allocation of funds. A committee member should attend each meet where money is being raised.

Special Activities Committee
This group meet to plan the club calendar which usually covers a couple of months of activities and when given out is suitable to place on a notice board or fridge door at home.

Workshsp Committee
The workshop can provide workshop activities which include technical discussions, Aerospace videos, training sessions and range specialty certification.

Data And Tracking Teams
These teams work together to supply all necessary flight information and range communications. They are responsible for there on equipment such as stopwatches, altitude computer, walkie-talkies and tracking scopes.

Contest Committee
They must be in attendance at all model rocket meets as they are responsible for the scheduling and record-keeping for all competition.

By change the teams and committees every few months so that club members will have the opportunity to experience all areas of the function of the club. Also by providing specialist certification in the areas of tracking, safety and data reduction which increases the rocketeer's sense of accomplishment and his/her responsibility to the club.

EVENT CHECK LIST

1. Place the event on the club calendar.
2. Make sure the club officers and adviser are aware of the event.
3. Inform all teams and committees concerned with the event.
4. Give publicity to news media for special events.
5. Give event information posters to the local recreation department, hobby shops, schools and youth organisations.
6. Send out special invitations, if necessary.
7. Make the proper launch site or workshop arrangements, depending upon where the event will be held.
8. If awards will be given, make the proper arrangements.
9. If fund raising will be involved, appoint a person to be in charge.
10. If food stalls will be handled, make the necessary arrangements for supplies, electricity, water, cash box change, and workers.
11. Arrange for rubbish containers.
12. Be sure to have a first aid kit on hand.
13. Make sure a public address system is available.
14. Make arrangement for audiovisual equipment if required.
15. Have spectator areas appropriately designated.
16. Arrange for an adequate number of tables and chairs.
17. If necessary, print and distribute an event programme or timetable.
18. Make sure telephone and toilet facilities available.

    If the event takes place at the launch site, include the following:

19. Be sure the launch site has been laid out correctly.
20. Pre-test range equipment for proper operation.
21. Be sure a back-up power source for the launch system is available.
22. Make sure the Range Safety Team has adequate personnel to run the event and provide a launch narration.
23. Contact the appropriate teams for personnel and equipment to carry out data collection, communications. tracking and recovery.
24. If competition is featured, require that the Contest Committee be in attendance.
25. Begin the event with a welcome address to the spectators and a short explanation of the day's events.
26. If awards are given, have a special person such as the mayor or a city councilor make the presentations.
27. End the event by thanking the spectators for their attendance.
28. When the event is over, be sure all equipment is properly stored and the launch site cleared of all litter.
29. Send thank you letter to the people who helped make the event possible.
30. Evaluate the event and discuss how to make the next one even better!

FUND RAISING
The club treasurer, Finance Committee, officers and adviser should be all involved with fund raising and financial affairs.
A quick way to loose interest of club members is to charge them all the time to run the club activities. The treasurer should keep an up-to-date financial record of all transactions. The should be a cheque facility with a local bank with at least two signature plus the treasure's with at least two persons required to sign the cheque. Spending by the club should be put through the Finance Committee and agreed upon. If the collection of club membership fees are not enough to finance projects and activities, the following should be looked into: -

Club Newsletter
These are inexpensive to produce and can be sold very cheaply or space in the newsletter can be sold for advertising.

Membersbip Materials
These can include a club patch, stickers or a membership certificate. These materials have to be liked by the members before production as the cost is higher than a newsletter.

Range Store
This can be a way to raise funds. Contact Aero-Quest setting up a store with a discount on purchases to provide a profit margin for the club. This is for purchases of all model rocket kits, engines, etc..

Major Events
Raffles and picnics are good events but do require a lot of time to organise, so are only held once or twice a year. A successful carwash can generate sane good publicity and good income for an afternoons work.

EntryFees
A launch tax and entry fee to the rocket meet. If there is going to be a large meet, a nominal fee for entry and participation. The launch tax could be 5 cents a launch and 10 cents every time they have a misfire or recovery failure. This has to be agreed to by all members before coming into practice.

Food Stand
This can be handled by a rocketeer or parent. Proper storage of food is required and a person who is not going to eat all the profits to be put in charge.

Club Sales
Garage sales, bake sales and some commercial firms provide their items for sale to groups on a commission basis. These ideas have to be looked at in depth to see if the outcome is worthwhile as they take a bit of organising and workers.

Donations
Donations are only usually requested for the most important events or the largest of projects, and where the donor is not asked more than once a year. Do not abuse the privilege of soliciting for funds.

Please send a copy of your clubs newsletter, as we appreciate being informed about your model rocket clubs activities.

EXTRA's
Launch Site Improvements
If you have a permanent site, you could consider underground wiring. Have two multi-pad launch system set up to have almost continuous launching. A high quality public address system. And other launch site necessities to improve facilities.

Workshop
Wood working equipment such as a lathe and electric belt sander. Drafting tables and expanded library.

Super Field Trips
Seeing an actual rocket launch of a sounding rocket, satellite carrier etc. or even a trip to the United States, European Space Agency in French Guyana or China.

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT !!

Originaly compiled and written by Stewart Clarke in 1993 for MEED as "Model Rocket Club Guide".