What are some of the things you should remember to bring to a launch? Here's a list to help you.
| First Aid Kit | At least have Band-Aids and those moist towelettes that come in individual packages. | |
| Rockets | Prep them ahead of time. If you arrive at the field with them ready to go, it will save some time. Just remember, plastic cutes packed ahead of time on cold days, won't open. Remember, if you forget the rocket, you're just a spectator. | |
| Parachutes | Make sure you have them. How about those connectors. Quick links. Snap swivels. Connect them to the shock cord and not those plastic eyelets on the nose cone. | |
| Wadding | The tissue type for models. The house insulation for the larger models. Or, maybe you are using Nomex or some other fabric. If you need the house insulation, don't buy any. Send out an e-mail to the group. Some of us have some and will give you some. Just bring a small Zip-lock bag (1 gal size). | |
| Motors | Figure out what you need and bring them. | |
| Motor Casings | For the reloaders. Make sure you have the necessary parts. The casing. The forward closure (regular or plugged). The aft closure (small opening or the large one). Seal disk (don't throw it in the trash when cleaning the motor out...oops). | |
| Motor Reloads | Make sure you have the reload kit with the proper delay. If the bag has been opened, check all parts against the list in the instructions. The instructions also tell you any special motor parts (i.e., seal disk, large opening in aft closure, etc.) You have to read the instructions. | |
| Igniters | Got one that will work in your motor? How about extras? | |
| Sandpaper | Always bring a piece to the launch pad. Ever seen a dirty, rusty, launch rod? You also need them to remove burrs from motor liners. | |
| 5-minute epoxy | You never know when you will need to make a repair at the field. | |
| 30-minute epoxy | If you have the time, this will make a little stronger joint than the 5-minute stuff. | |
| Super Glue | Many uses. Don't fly relying on this to hold your fin on. You can also glue the kids to the car so they won't wander off. | |
| NAR/TRA membership
card |
We want proof. It tells us you are a member, and you have insurance, and your cert level. | |
| Is the car full of gas | We want you to be able to get to the launch and to get home again. | |
| Toilet paper | Porta potties don't always have what you need. Trust me on this one. | |
| Wet Ones | These are great for cleaning motor casings at the field. And you hands, the kids, and for when the porta pottie doesn't have toilet paper and you didn't bring any. | |
| Tools | You always need tools at a launch. | |
| Batteries | Got an altimeter or timer. It won't work without batteries. | |
| Certification form | We try to have them there. Put it is always nice to have it ahead of time. | |
| Sun block lotion | This is a serious item. Bring it, use it. | |
| Hat | Some of us have then hair. Yeah, we're old and going bald. You'll get there to. You'll know when you're going bald. You get up in the morning and drag a comb across your scalp. When you first get a sunburn on top of your head, this really hurts. It'll drop you to your knees. Your wife and kids will laugh at you crying on the floor. Trust me, wear a hat. | |
| Ice | It gets hot. Nothing like an ice cold bottle of water. | |
| Water | Don't wait until your thirsty to start drinking water. Start before you get there. Make the kids drink water. No alcohol. | |
| Soft Drinks | Taste better than water. Not as good for you as water. But the kids will drink it faster than water. No alcohol. | |
| Juice | My favorite. No alcohol. | |
| Shorts | If it is hot, wear them. Sun tan lotion. | |
| Pants | Great for walking through the brush, crops, forest, stickers, and climbing trees while looking for you rocket. | |
| Rain coat | This can come in real handy real quick. | |
| Food or Snacks | You have to eat. | |