First Annual ROC Altitude Contest!

For those who believe trash talk is a second language, second place is for losers and girly-men, and, in general, enjoy a more competitive lifestyle, have we got a deal for you! The first annual ROC Altitude Contest has begun. You could be the first ROC member for the 2006 flying season to set a club record– either a single stage I or J motor record, or an “open” I or J record for multistage and cluster rockets.

If you have any questions after reading the rules, please contact the Contest Director CJ Jones via the ROC Board contact form.

Current results are posted here for all to see. Interested? Here are the rules:

1.0 There are four events within the Altitude Contest. Any number of flights and/or designs may be flown in each event.

1.1 The Single Stage "J" Event. Rockets using a single CSFM-approved motor with total impulse less than or equal to 1280 Newton-seconds ("J" motor) may be entered in this event. Boosted darts are not permitted.

1.2 The Open "J" Event. Rockets using any number of clustered and/or staged CSFM-approved motors with a total impulse of less than or equal to 1280 Newton-seconds (100% "J" motor) may be entered in this event. Boosted darts and strap-on boosters are not permitted.

1.3 The Single Stage "I" Event. Rockets using a single CSFM-approved motor with total impulse less than or equal to 640 Newton-seconds ("I" motor) may be entered in this event. Boosted darts are not permitted.

1.4 The Open "I" Event. Rockets using any number of clustered and/or staged CSFM-approved motors with a total impulse of less than or equal to 640 Newton-seconds (100% "I" motor) may be entered in this event. Boosted darts and strap-on boosters are not permitted.

2.0 You must be a ROC member in good standing to compete in any event. ROC Members that are also NAR Junior Members that have completed the NAR Junior HPR Participation Program may compete in the "I" events.

3.0 There is no longer an entry fee.

4.0 All flights shall be made at regularly scheduled ROC launches. The Contest ends at the last club launch in December 2006, with results announced and awards presented at the January 2007 launch. If one or more launches are cancelled (for example, due to weather) the contest will not be extended.

5.0 All motors used for a contest flight MUST be viewed by the Contest Director or designated appointee PRIOR to contest flight and officially logged for the flight to count. No motor verification means no record - no exceptions!

6.0 Altitude is determined by barometric altimeter measurement. All altimeters used must be commercially made and sold. No home-made units, limited production or prototypes are allowed. (If you think you may wish to also go for a Tripoli record, read the note on altimeters on the Tripoli Records page.) Optical determination of altitude is not permitted.

7.0 For each event, rockets must successfully deploy their recovery device(s) and have a safe descent. The same standards used in certification flights shall apply.

8.0 All contest flights must be witnessed by, altitude verified by, and signed off on the Contest Flight Form by, ALL of the following: the Contest Director or designated appointee, the RSO, and one ROC Board member. If the RSO is a Board member, it must be a different Board member. It is the member's responsibility to notify the RSO and LCO of a contest flight prior to the launch.

9.0 To qualify as a new ROC Record, the flight must must exceed the previous record by 2.0%.

10.0 A contest flight may also qualify as a Tripoli Record as well. Please read the information on our Tripoli Records page.

11.0 Results will be posted monthly on ROC website. While a picture of the rocket is not required to qualify for these events, submitting a picture is strongly encouraged and the ROC Web Wookie will hound you until you submit one. (Bring your rocket to CJ Jones, and he would be happy to take a picture for you.)

12.0 The contestant in each event with highest certified altitude as of the conclusion of the Contest (see 4.0 above) will be awarded a handsome trophy, and/or other fabulous prizes that are to be determined. The winners will be announced at the next launch following the conclusion of the contest. Separate recognition will be given to NAR Junior Member winners of the "I" events. The winners are expected to buy Chinese dinner and many Tsingtaos for everyone after the launch. (Just seeing if you are paying attention.)

May the altitude gods smile upon your noble efforts!