24338 El Toro Rd #E-134
Laguna Woods, CA 92637
949.547.8847
www.madcowrocketry.com
©2006 MadCow Rocketry™
Step 7 – Flying Your Model
Attach the parachute and the chute protector to the shock cord just below the nose cone.
When packing your chute, wrap the chute protector around the chute with the opening in
the chute protector facing forward. Always make sure your chute is well protected as the
hot ejection motor gasses will melt the nylon chute.
The motor retention for your model relies on a friction fit. If the friction fit is too loose
then the motor will eject instead of the parachute making for a dangerous ballistic
reentry. You can wrap masking tape around the motor to adjust the friction fit. The motor
should be tight enough that it is difficult to remove, but not require enough force that the
model is destroyed.
IMPORTANT: some motors do not have a thrust ring that rides against the back
of the motor tube. You can construct a thrust ring by wrapping a ¼” wide strip of
masking tape around the aft end of the motor until you have a layer of masking
tape approximately the same thickness of the motor tube. Do not fly without a
thrust ring as the motor will fly through the rocket causing a dangerously unstable
free flying rocket motor.
IMPORTANT: always remember to check your balance point and ensure your CG
is ahead of the specified CG point.
At this point your model is ready to fly. Always follow the NAR safety code and
remember that rockets are not toys and can be dangerous if not prepared and used
properly. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to fly with a club or other group of
experienced rocketeers until you have gained some experience.
Now go have some fun!
