On Saturday, May 1st, 2010, NCR will be hosting the Pawnee Pioneer Open to coincide with our regularly scheduled club launch. Four events are scheduled to test your building skills and competitive spirit. The four events coincide with contest offerings at NARAM 52. All NAR members are invited to join in this sanctioned competition activity. We will need a minimum of 10 NAR contest fliers to make this a Regional Contest. Find your copy of the United States Model Rocket Sporting Code (Pink Book) or go to the NAR website at http://www.nar.org/pinkbook/ for rules and specifics on the following events:
• 1/4A Boost Glider Duration -- Launch a boost glider with a 1/4A motor.
The model may separate into multiple pieces, only the gliding portion is
timed. Any separated part must have a recovery device, e.g., an ejected
motor must have a recovery device attached.) Achieve the longest
duration.

• D Helicopter Duration -- Launch a rocket with a D motor and using
autorotation recovery. Achieve the longest duration.

• F Super-Roc Altitude -- Launch a Super-Roc with an F motor and achieve
the largest score. Your score is the altitude of your rocket in meters
times the length of your rocket in centimeters. For F Super-Roc the
minimum length of the rocket is 200 centimeters, while the maximum
length is 400 centimeters. An entry that comes apart, bends so as to
crimp the body, or has a similar structural failure prior to ejection
shall be disqualified. Entries with bodies or significant structural
parts made from hard or potentially unsafe material (e.g., hardwood
doweling or fiberglass shafts) shall not be allowed.

• Giant Sport Scale -- Open to any model rocket that closely resembles an existing or historical guided missile, rocket vehicle, or space vehicle. The purpose of this competition is to produce a flying replica of a real rocket vehicle that exhibits maximum craftsmanship in construction, finish, and flight performance. The model must be at least 100 centimeters in overall length or at least 10 centimeters in body diameter.
The Entry fee for the Pawnee Pioneer Open will be $5.00 and this will allow you to compete in any or all of the competitions listed. You must have a NAR membership to compete. (If you’d like, we can get you signed up on the field!)
In the event of iffy weather a decision will be made no later than 11:00 AM as to what will be the contest's next step. At this time, Sunday, May 2nd is planned as a backup date.
Since 1959, sanctioned NAR model rocket competition has evolved into a proven method for challenging the individual to improve craftsmanship and flying skills. It is an activity that emphasizes patience, skill, and sportsmanship. Any NAR member can participate in NAR sanctioned competition.
The U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code, or "Pink Book," is the official rulebook for conducting and participating in NAR sanctioned competition. NAR members can design and build model rockets for over 25 different competition events. Official US Records can be set in many of these events. The NAR has an archive of competition rocket plans suitable for many contest events and skill levels.
If you have never tried NAR competition, here are some suggestions in order to get you started.
Get onto the NAR website and look up the "US Model Rocket Sporting Code", also known as the Pink Book. This is where you will find the rules for all of the events. Look into the rules carefully and build around them.
Have a notebook with you and take notes on your own flights and your competitors strategies and tactics. (Model rocket competitors do not keep secrets. They will be quite open to your questions!)
And of course, always remember to have fun! Hope to see you out on the range. For more information send an email to the Pawnee Pioneer Open Contest Director at iflyrockets@yahoo.com