subject: Beginners Guide To The Estes Model Rockets Hobby [print this page] Model rockets make a great hobby for people of any age. Sport rocketry was pioneered in 1957 as an educational tool to introduce young adults to the doctrine of rocket flight. Today, hobbyists have access to a great selection, choosing primarily between an Estes Rocket or an alternative from Apogee Components. This article provides a beginners guide to getting started with this hobby.
Your interest in this hobby is a great idea. Launching an Estes rocket together with your child is a great way to find out if your child has any interest in rocketry or not. It is not for everyone, but some kids will love it. Here are few practical tips to help you get started with the hobby.
One of the most important considerations is choosing the right kit based on your child's skill level and abilities. This will greatly enhance their enjoyment of the rocket. Most of the Estes rocket kits available are recommended for ages ten and over. Estes sets include easy-to-assemble kits, starter sets, and ready-to-fly rockets. For a child who has no assembly skills, you might consider the RTF (ready-to-fly) models, which, as the name indicates, are fully assembled and ready for flying in just a few minutes. If a child has minor assembly skills, choose a model such as the E2X, with little or no assembly required. As a person's skill level increases, you can appropriately choose a rocket that is more difficult to assemble. Estes also has rockets that require several days to assemble. The more complex the rocket, the higher the skill set needed to assemble it correctly. Since most of their kits require assembly, kids could get frustrated if it requires far more than they are ready to handle. Model rockets usually include other challenges such as one or more engines, a launch system, and other supplies such as glue.
If you want a safe, entry level model rocket kit for a young beginner, try one of the Estes Easy-to-Assemble kits. There is one called the Air Show Launch Set, which is the easiest of all kits to use. Assembly usually takes about one hour. This is also a super safe rocket because it is not powered by an engine, but by four "AA" batteries (not included). The kit contains two jets which, when launched, separate and circle overhead. The gliders are about 16.5 inches in length and contain a parachute for recovery purposes.
For someone above the beginner level, but still learning, the Estes E2X Rocket Kit is a great starter. The rocket is powered by an engine and can soar as far as 1,100 feet. A parachute allows the rocket to be retrieved and used over and over. The E2X Rocket Kit was the first rocket produced by Estes and still maintains a best-selling status for Estes.
Another important consideration is safety. To be safe, younger kids between the ages of 10-12 require adult supervision. Older kids might also require adult supervision, depending on their level of maturity and their track record. One important reason for adult supervision is to avoid starting fires. Since most model rockets use pyrotechnic (combustible) engines, caution must be taken to ensure that you are not using your rocket in a dry or highly populated area.
The engines used in model rockets are designed for safety. The engines are flammable at 500 degrees but anything is flammable at 500 degrees! Unless you plan to put the engines in your oven at 500 degrees, you should be okay. If you do plan to put them in your oven, you already need help and should find another hobby. Kids can safely handle the engines because they will not be handling any hazardous material. The casing is biodegradable and nontoxic. The engines are preloaded with a propellant and are a one-time-use engine.
For added safety, stay with well known brands. Every Estes rocket has added safety features such as their electrically ignited engine. Because of this igniter plug technology, misfires are uncommon. Don't panic when you see smoke coming from the engine after launch. The smoke is normal and makes it easier to sight and recover the rocket after it lands. The parachute is designed to gently guide the rocket to the ground, alleviating or eliminating any damage during landing.
Used correctly, these rockets can provide you, and your child, with a lifelong enjoyable hobby or competitive contests and challenges. Estes rocket launches are used as school science projects all across America. Bringing science to "life" is a way to give students hands-on skill building, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment. Estes model rockets are endorsed by both the US Space Foundation and the U.S. Space Camps and are available at most hobby stores.
What begins as a hobby can sometimes ignite a passion in kids that can lead to a lifelong career. Statistics provided by the National Association of Rocketry show that model rockets have inspired young adults to choose technology-related careers. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out this hobby can have long term benefits.
