CAP Model Rocketry Program 2002 Minnesota Wing Aerospace Education Officer Workshop

Mark Steeves, 1st Lt, CAP Prepared by James Craswell, Capt, CAP Presented by Sponsored by: St. Cloud State University Department of Aviation Minnesota Wing Aerospace Education Directorate

Audience and Goal: The intended audience for this presentation is Cadet/Senior AEOs. The goal of this presentation is to familiarize you with the CAP Model Rocketry Program.

Objectives By the end of this presentation you will: 1. Understand the objectives of the CAP Model Rocketry Program. 2. Identify audiences of the CAP Model Rocketry Program. 3. Understand the fundamentals of implementing a successful Model Rocketry Program.

Objectives (Continued) 4. Understand the awards associated with the CAP Model Rocketry Program.

Overview Model Rocketry is a sport or Hobby practiced worldwide. CAP has a structured program designed to promote this hobby and the associated aerospace knowledge, primarily for cadets.

Objectives of the CAP Model Rocketry Program There are three primary objectives of the CAP Model Rocketry program these include: 1) To acquaint CAP cadets with the importance of rocketry and its roles in the future. 2) Increase knowledge of aerospace sciences.

(Continued) Objectives of the CAP Model Rocketry Program (Continued) 3) Provide exciting activities and opportunities for the development of Aerospace leadership skills.

Promoting the Program How do you establish a model rocketry program? First sell the program and gauge the interest. Remember this is not limited to young male cadets. Many Female cadets and most Seniors will show great interest in this exciting program.

Implementing the Program A Basic program is probably warranted to all units. The basic program is easy to implement and geared to the beginner's level. Refer to CAPM Model Rocketry Manual for a detailed step by step class and lab schedule that you can work into your meeting schedule.

Implementing the Program (Continued) Instructors need NOT be rocketry experts. By following the outline in CAPM and reading appropriate NAR (National Association of Rocketry) one can obtain the information needed to put By following the outline in CAPM and reading appropriate NAR (National Association of Rocketry) one can obtain the information needed to put on a good Rocketry program.

Implementing the Program (Continued) Some funding is "possible" using the Drug Demand Reduction program. Bulk kits are available but be sure they are kits that members want to build. Some are too simple and buying them in bulk is not a benefit. Metro Area Squadrons should contact Chaplain Mikitta (Director of Cadet Programs) about DDR money. Bulk kits are available but be sure they are kits that members want to build. Some are too simple and buying them in bulk is not a benefit. Metro Area Squadrons should contact Chaplain Mikitta (Director of Cadet Programs) about DDR money.

Implementing the Program (Continued) Model Rocketry activities this year include a Wing-wide launch and competition at the Webster Airpark on July 16 at high noon. Each year our Wing’s model rocketry enthusiasts compete for the "Ovens Award" traveling trophy. In past years the events included time aloft, best scale model and a spot landing competition.

Implementing the Program (Continued) Restrictions: No member may use home constructed engines also known as "Amateur" rockets. Larger Engine sizes are age limited. D engines may be purchased by cadets of any age but F series engines require you to be age 18 years or older.

Implementing the Program (Continued) Commanders may allow use of these larger commercial engines but (my opinion) only on a case by case basis and then only under the closest supervision. There are additional restrictions these are detailed in NAR rules.

Implementing the Program (Continued) The rules concerning the wearing of the Model Rocketry Badge are detailed in CAPM It should be noted that cadet offiers who complete these requirements may wear the Silver Star attachment to the Goddard Achievement Ribbon but not the Model Rocketry Badge.

References CAP Rocketry Manual NAR (National Association of Rocketry) th Composite Rocket Page Rocketry Videos!

Questions?