The Troop program theme for September is Rocketry.  Due to problems with reserving a Longhorn Council camp to launch our rockets, the troop will instead take a day trip on Saturday, September 20^th to attend and participate in a DARS (Dallas Area Rocket Society) mid-power launch in Frisco.  The cost for the outing and first 3 launches will be $12.00 due September 8^th.

Each scout will receive one model rocket kit at the troop meeting Monday, September 8^th, and will need to build it on their own time prior to the September 20^th launch.  Rocket kits issued through the troop are Skill level 1 requiring a minimal amount of assembly and finishing.  Each scout completing a rocket prior to the launch date will be allowed to launch their rocket at the DARS event. 

Troop 226 will issue each scout a launch pack which will include (3) A8-3 rocket motors, (3) igniters, (3) plugs, and wadding (enough for 3 launches).  Each scout may pre-order more powerful C6-5 motors from the troop for additional launches at a cost of $2.25 each.  Engine pre-orders must be paid for on September 8^th. 

Since we will be guests of the Dallas Area Rocket Society we will abide by their rules.  The DARS rules allow for larger mid-power rockets so we can build and see some larger rockets which are not normally at a BSA launch.

Each scout may purchase a more advanced rocket kit or contact the Scoutmaster for help with an advanced kit.  If a scout chooses to purchase a kit with: ¹ an engine size exceeding a “D”, ² have cluster engines, or ³ be multi-stage, they should consider consulting with the Scoutmaster first.  All advanced rocket kits should be registered with the scoutmaster by September 8^th.

To register your advanced rocket you should provide the scoutmaster with the following:

• Rocket manufacturer name

• Rocket kit name

• Engine sizes recommended for the kit

• Maximum engine size that will fit kit

• Engine size you plan to use.

All rocket kits must pass a safety inspection to determine flight worthiness.

Troop 226 accepts no liability for monies spent on launch kits if weather conditions or burn bans or time prohibits a launch.

DARS WILL ALLOW UP TO “G” ENGINES.

NO “H” OR LARGER ROCKET ENGINES ARE PERMITTED AT THIS LAUNCH SITE.

You can purchase rocket kits at most craft stores or hobby shops.

Some examples of suppliers are:

Hobby Lobby

Michael’s arts and crafts

Hobby Town USA - 2100 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75093, (972) 473-0800

Hobby Town USA - 1079 West FM 3040, Lewisville, TX 75067, (972) 488-0980

Hobby Town USA – 8041 Walnut Hill, Suite 870, Dallas, TX 75231, (214) 987-4744

Mike’s Hobby Superstore – 1201 N. IH-35E, Carrollton, TX 75006, (972) 242-4930

http://www.hobbylinc.com/prods/t.htm

http://www.apogeerockets.com/

http://www.scalerockets.com/

http://www.discountrocketry.com/

All DARS launches are governed by the NAR (National Association of Rocketry) Safety Code: 

Model Rocket Safety Code

1. Materials. I will use only lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of my rocket.
2. Motors. I will use only certified, commercially-made model rocket motors, and will not tamper with these motors or use them for any purposes except those recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Ignition System. I will launch my rockets with an electrical launch system and electrical motor igniters. My launch system will have a safety interlock in series with the launch switch, and will use a launch switch that returns to the "off" position when released.
4. Misfires. If my rocket does not launch when I press the button of my electrical launch system, I will remove the launcher's safety interlock or disconnect its battery, and will wait 60 seconds after the last launch attempt before allowing anyone to approach the rocket.
5. Launch Safety. I will use a countdown before launch, and will ensure that everyone is paying attention and is a safe distance of at least 15 feet away when I launch rockets with D motors or smaller, and 30 feet when I launch larger rockets. If I am uncertain about the safety or stability of an untested rocket, I will check the stability before flight and will fly it only after warning spectators and clearing them away to a safe distance.
6. Launcher. I will launch my rocket from a launch rod, tower, or rail that is pointed to within 30 degrees of the vertical to ensure that the rocket flies nearly straight up, and I will use a blast deflector to prevent the motor's exhaust from hitting the ground. To prevent accidental eye injury, I will place launchers so that the end of the launch rod is above eye level or will cap the end of the rod when it is not in use.
7. Size. My model rocket will not weigh more than 1,500 grams (53 ounces) at liftoff and will not contain more than 125 grams (4.4 ounces) of propellant or 320 N-sec (71.9 pound-seconds) of total impulse. If my model rocket weighs more than one pound (453 grams) at liftoff or has more than four ounces (113 grams) of propellant, I will check and comply with Federal Aviation Administration regulations before flying.
8. Flight Safety. I will not launch my rocket at targets, into clouds, or near airplanes, and will not put any flammable or explosive payload in my rocket.
9. Launch Site. I will launch my rocket outdoors, in an open area at least as large as shown in the accompanying table, and in safe weather conditions with wind speeds no greater than 20 miles per hour. I will ensure that there is no dry grass close to the launch pad, and that the launch site does not present risk of grass fires.
10. Recovery System. I will use a recovery system such as a streamer or parachute in my rocket so that it returns safely and undamaged and can be flown again, and I will use only flame-resistant or fireproof recovery system wadding in my rocket.
11. Recovery Safety. I will not attempt to recover my rocket from power lines, tall trees, or other dangerous places.

WORKSHOP (optional)

We will have an optional workshop on Saturday, September 13^th at FUMC from 12:00 p.m. till 5:00 p.m. or so.

The workshop is to provide assistance to those scouts needing help building their rocket kits or who just want to come and learn more about rocketry. During the workshop we will show October Sky; the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes.

We will also provide some advanced rocketry instruction and talk about the TARC (Team America Rocketry Challenge).

There is no cost for the workshop but it would be appreciated if you brought a snack or drink to share. 

We will supply a variety of glues, sandpaper, x-acto knives, and some painting supplies.

OUTING DETAILS

Cost:                    $12.00 plus optional $2.25 per additional engines

Payment due:    September 8, 2008

When:                Saturday, September 20^th, 2008; 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

Departure:         Meet at FUMC at 8:00 a.m. to depart at 8:20 a.m. (schedule may change by DARS)

Return:               Return to FUMC at approximately 2:30 p.m.

Lunch:                 Each person must bring a sack lunch and water bottle.  Additional water and shade will be provided by the troop.

Who:                    Families are welcome to attend but please be mindful that this is a private launch and we are guests of DARS.

Where:                  The launch site is located on a Frisco Parks Department field located north of the city. All launches are conducted with permission from the City of Frisco Parks Department and are subject to the rules and restrictions listed below:

·  The site is limited to model and mid power rocket flights only with total impulse not to exceed "G".

·  Rocket weight must not exceed 3.3 pounds.

·  Rockets can be flown only as part of a sanctioned DARS Launch or Outreach Activity.

·  NAR Model Rocket Safety Code rules will be in effect at all launches held at this site.

·   Launches will be free of charge to all flyers and open to any member of the general public who is willing to abide by all rules and regulations required by both the City of Frisco Parks Department and NAR.

From the North:
Take Preston Road south from 380 to Panther Creek Parkway.
Turn left on Panther Creek Parkway.
Follow Panther Creek Parkway until it dead ends into Honey Grove.