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Finding
a Rocket Club in Your Area
 Putting
together a mid-power or high power rocket launch takes a lot
of work. This task is generally undertaken by a rocket club
for periodic organized launches. Clubs are almost mandatory
for all but model rockets, but even model rocketeers benefit
from club membership.
A club will have a field somewhere near the majority of their
membership base where they will have periodic flights. Most
model rocket clubs have flights monthly or weekly and most high-power
clubs have flights less frequently (some as little as twice
a year). Because the launches are periodic, most of the club
will attend and this creates a social atmosphere and the launches
become "events" with flyers, friends and spectators.
Another good reason to attend club launches is that the club
provides the launch equipment. Launchers and ignition systems
are complex and bulky and having the club provide these facilities
makes it much easier to come out and fly. Also, many clubs have
vendors who will sell motors (and other parts and equipment)
right at the launch site. Even if you don't plan to enter the
hobby yourself, look for a club in your area and attend a launch
to see first-hand what it's all about.
Probably the best reason to join a club is the chance to learn
from more experienced rocketeers. The Internet is great for
gathering information, but nothing beats seeing other's rockets
and showing them yours for gaining knowledge. Just seeing what
other people are doing is the best way to get your own creative
juices flowing and thinking about cool new things to do.
There are two basic national organizations located in the United
States:
 National
Association of Rocketry (NAR)
NAR chartered Sections are locally-organized rocket clubs. Each
Section has five or more modelers, at least one of whom is an
adult. Sections hold and participate in sport launches, competitions,
conventions, and other local, regional, and national rocketry
activities. In addition, Sections can apply to host the NAR
National Competition Meet (NARAM), Sport Launch (NSL), or Convention
(NARCON) at their local site.
Click here for a list
of NAR sections.
Tripoli Rocketry Association (Tripoli)
 The
Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc. is divided into regional
groups called "Prefectures". These Prefectures are
like mini-organizations within an organization. They hold meetings
and organize launches in their geographical area. Currently,
Tripoli has Prefectures in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
Click here for
a list of Tripoli prefectures. |
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