The Arkansas Rocket Challenge Competition Rules
1. The competition winner will be the team that reaches the highest altitude determined by a simple on-
board altimeter. First, second, and third place teams will be awarded team trophies. Trophies will also be
awarded for the most "photogenic rocket" and for the "wildest ride" launch attempt.
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2. The launch director will be the final authority concerning safety, altitude determinations, and all other
issues related to the competition.
3. A team is comprised of any number of students from any Arkansas middle, junior high, or high school
that has designed a rocket for launch. Teams must be sponsored by a teacher and each teacher can sponsor
up to three teams, but only one rocket per team will be permitted. Home school associations are also eligible.
4. The model rocket must be powered by a single Estes D12-3 engine. Engines of different sizes or delay
times will not be allowed.
5. The model rocket can be built from a kit. Kits and supplies are readily available at hobby stores or on-
line. (see the Tips & Tricks page on this website)
6. Models can be homemade, but must be constructed from supplies designed for model rockets. For
example, cardboard body tubes, balsa fins, plastic nose cones, and shock cords sold for model rocketry should
be used. There is no restriction on body tube diameter, but no “scratch” built rockets will be allowed for safety
reasons.
7. The model rocket must have a parachute or plastic/Mylar streamer installed at the nose cone that freely
ejects from the body tube at powered flight termination.
8. The model rocket must have a nose cone section that detaches from the main body tube to deploy the
parachute or streamer when the ejection charges of the engine fires.
9. The model rocket must have a launch lug attached to the side of the rocket. All standard sizes (1/8,
3/16, and 1/4 inch) launch lugs are acceptable. Launch rods of these sizes will be available for use on
competition day.
10. Each model rocket should be fitted with one of two approved altimeters. The How-High SP and the
PerfectFlite Alt15K/WD Altimeter, both from Apogee Rockets, are approved for this competition. (see the Tips &
Tricks page for more information about altimeters)
11. While teams are encouraged to purchase and install their own altimeters prior to the competition, there
will be some extra altimeters available on launch day for team use. Help installing them will be provided as
needed. Simply follow the on-line instructions provided in the Tips & Tricks page of this website to install your
own altimeter.
12. Teams arriving late to the launch site due to unforeseen circumstances can still compete provided the
last team present at the competition has not launched their rocket. After the last rocket launch is completed,
winners of the competition will be determined.
13. Teams that experience a failure to launch, misfire, or other conditions that result in the model rocket not
leaving the launch pad are allowed a second attempt. Once the rocket has left the launch pad, a successful
launch will be considered to have taken place and the altitude reached will be the official competition score.
14. There is no need to bring your own launch equipment. All rockets will be launched from competition
supplied pads using D12-3 engines supplied by the launch director.
15. Team members are required to wear impact resistant safety glasses with side shields during the loading
and firing of their rocket.
16. Last minute repairs before the launch attempt will be allowed provided those repairs can be made
before the last rocket is launched. All others will be disqualified.
17. No modifications or design changes will be allowed at the launch site unless they are for the purpose of
installing an altimeter.
18. All model rockets will be inspected for flight worthiness prior to launch by the launch director. Teams will
be allowed to make changes to their models to meet launch director concerns provided those changes can be
made before the end of the competition. This is required for safety.
19. All National Association of Rocketry safety rules will be followed and insisted upon. Read the NAR Safety
Code.
20. Team names are encouraged. Naming your rocket is fun! Wearing a team t-shirt makes you look cool.