Getting Started in Rocketry
with the Temecula Rocket Group

The Temecula Rocket Group’s charter is to promote fun and safe model and High Power Rocketry activities for middle and high school students in the Temecula/Murrieta area.  However we realize that many young people and their parents who share an interest in rockets and space exploration are unsure of how to get started.  This document aims to solve some of that uncertainty by describing exactly what a new member needs to do to get started in their Rocketry hobby.

What you need to do:

1. Join the National Association of Rocketry (NAR).   Get more information on NAR’s website www.nar.org.  If you don’t have a computer, you can call NAR at 1-800-262-4872.  Junior membership (to age 13), is $25.00 per year.  When you sign-up, please indicate that you are a member of TRG, Section #690 on the NAR application.

2. Join TRG.  Membership for Students through High School is free.  Adults membership is $20.00 per year.  All memberships include participation at rocket building activities, field trips and other club activities.  Membership dues help to cover the cost of meeting rooms, supplies, and printing costs.  You can join TRG by attending a launch or other club event.  We always have membership materials at our events.

3. Read and understand the NAR Model Rocket Safety Code and the TRG Range Safety Rules.  Members that attain NAR High-Power Junior Level One Certification will also need to follow the NAR High-Power Rocketry Safety Code.  These rules can also be found on the  NAR website at www.nar.org.

Items that you will need:

In order to participate in club building sessions, each member must have a “build kit” containing their own workspace, hobby tools and safety equipment. 

Item	Est. Cost
Safety Glasses (Make sure that they are comfortable)*	$10.75
Ear Protection (Either Ear Muffs or Disposable Ear Plugs)*	$12.90
Disposable Paint Mask	$5.40
Flight Box (small tool box or fishing tackle box works great)	$6.40
Hobby Knife   (Please only purchase one that has a protective cap)	$3.75
12” Metal Ruler (Should include a metric scale)	$4.75
Scissors	$4.30
Five Minute Epoxy (4 oz size)	$9.75
Cyanoacrylate Glue (“Super Glue”) 1 oz Size	$4.85
Cutting Board, Self Healing Type  (Size 12” x 18”)	$17.20
Card Table (24" x 48")	$27.00

 

If you would like to purchase all the basic tools and supplies listed above in one starter kit, these are available directly from TRG at a cost of $106. 

* Safety equipment is required for using any power tools.  Additionally, training on safe use of tools, epoxy, and cyanoacrylate (superglue) is required when you join the club.

Model rocket kit:

Each member must also bring a model rocket kit to build and fly, along with rocket motors.  Kits can be purchased online or at any of the Temecula Area hobby stores.

Purchase a skill level 1 or 2 model rocket kit (Estes or Quest Kit).  The kit should use A, B, or C size rocket motors (motors sizes are listed on the kit package).  The price of kits varies with size and complexity, but you can expect to spend between $7.00 and $15.00 for a great starter rocket kit.  If you go to Hobbytown USA on Jefferson Ave in Temecula, let them know that you are a member of Temecula Rocket Group and receive a 10% discount.

For each rocket launch you will need to purchase Model Rocket Motors appropriate for your rocket.  These cost approximately $7.00 for a pack of 3 motors.   Motors are also available at TRG launches for $3.00 each, which includes an igniter and recovery wadding.

Items the Club supplies:

• Spray Paint

• Sand Paper

• Replacement #11 Hobby Knife Blades

• Vinyl Disposable Gloves

• Various Power Tools

• Fiberglassing Materials

• Launch Pad

• Instruction and assistance from the members and advisors.

If you have any questions about TRG membership or supplies, please contact Kevin Yackley at  kevin@temecularocket.com.