| [ Not displaying correctly? View web version. ] | Peak of Flight Newsletter #453: | | 
Most TARC teams don't collect much data about the flight of their rockets beyond the peak altitude and how long it stayed in the air. Because of that, they end up wasting a lot of time and effort trying to determine how to make their next launch more successful. The new TARC Flight Test Data Sheet solves this problem by prompting you to write down the important aspects of the rocket, the flying conditions, the sequence of events as they occurred during the launch, where the rocket ended up, its condition after the flight, and how well it met the mission parameters of peak altitude and duration aloft. It is formatted in a way that allows you to quickly record that data so it isn't forgotten. And from the information, you have the important evidence that you can use to make your next TARC launch even more successful than the last. This article was written for inexperienced modelers and explains each line on the data sheet and what it meant by weird rocket terms like: weathercocking, zipper, blow through, spill hole, and ballast. You'll also learn how to use your smartphone as a tool that can help you recover lost rockets. And most importantly, it gives very helpful hints and insights on how to correct flight problems so the next launch will be even more successful. If you don't know how to fix problems, what have you learned from the test flight? That makes it useful to people besides TARC contestants too. You'll learn a lot about rocketry from this one, we guarantee it. This is probably the longest newsletter we've ever written. It is more than three times the length of an average Peak-of-Flight newsletter. It is packed with useful information that will get you thinking about your own flights. The new TARC Flight Test Data Sheet is no-cost and available for immediate download from the Apogee web site (click here). Get yours today and use it tomorrow on your next launch. | | Read the rest of this week's article here. Previous issues of our newsletter are found at our archive page. |
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What is new in rocketry? Here are the latest items to land on Apogee's shelves! | | |  The cause of most deployment failures (and there sure are a lot of them!) is that the parachute does not inflate in the correct sequence. Lines get tangled, lines flip over the top of the canopy, and other disasters happen too. A deployment bag is a device to help ensure that the sequence of inflation happens in the correct order. It forces the lines to completely stretch out first, then the canopy is released so that it can properly inflate. Two new sizes available from DinoChutes for 2.6" diameter tubes and 3.0" diameter tubes.
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| | |  This kit allows you to make two 28 gram payloads for use in the NAR's payload-altitude competition. Sized for the newly updated contest rules, this payload fits INSIDE a standard 18mm diameter (BT-20) tube. Constructed using smooth glassine coating on the payload, so it slides easily both into and out of the payload bay of your rocket. You supply the sand to fill it.
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| | |  Fly-Away rail guides are used to launch those rockets that do not have a rail button from a launch rail. The advantage of removing the rail buttons is that it reduces the drag of the rocket and allows it to soar higher. Now available are sleds for both 29mm diameter thick-wall tubes and 38mm diameter tubes.
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| | |  The Mini-Condor is a boost glider that uses 1/2A or A-sized rocket engines. It zooms upward by rocket power and then glides gently back to the ground after dropping off the motor and its streamer pod. The glider trims easily, so you'll get fantastic flight durations and earn yourself a step on the winner's podium for the longest flight! Easy-to-assemble parts make it perfect for beginners, and fantastic performance makes it a must-have for seasoned competitors. The NAR's competition rules have changed, and this kit will give you the winning edge!
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Here is a simple laser-cut cardboard fin alignment jig that is perfect for the competition modeler. It fits the common starter type rockets that are 18mm in diameter (BT-20 size tubes), which have three 1/16-inch (1.6mm) thick fins. It works great on kits like the Blue Streak. Allows all the fins to be added at the same time in order to speed assembly. |
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At the request from several customers, we've added to our inventory the Dino Chutes Protective Pouches for the PerfectFlite altimeters. This gives you a bit more padding and a shield against dust and hot ejection charges. We now have them for these altimeters: ARPA, Pnut, and the FireFly. |
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The Starter Set contains one StratoLauncher™ IV soda bottle water rocket launcher will enable you to propel a 2-liter plastic (PET) soda pop bottle over 350 feet into the sky using only water and compressed air from a bicycle pump or an air compressor. Completely redesigned in order to prevent air leakage. Heavy duty and great for classrooms! |
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|  “What I enjoy most about Apogee rockets is the huge selection of products and the way they organize their website. The motor spreadsheets make it so easy to compare different motors, it is by far the easiest way to shop for motors. The information provided is a huge value and really helps my projects get off the ground. You always get more than you pay for from Apogee." -- S. Hanford | |
 Communication Coordinator - Do you know rockets? We mean, really know them well? And do you know how to connect with people and get them excited about rocketry? This marketing position requires a person that can come up with a lot of strategies and ideas on how to grow a business. Technical writing ability is essential and required as well, as you'd have to produce innovative weekly newsletters and videos for our great customers. Located in the beautiful city of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Apogee Components is a fast-paced and innovative rocketry company that is a leader in rocket information and education. We're growing because we strive to have the products customers want, and ship them the same day. You'll enjoy being part of a small but close-knit and friendly team that pushes each other to be their best. If you think this could be you and you want to get into the rocketry industry, contact Tim through our contact form on our website. For additional information, see: https://www.apogeerockets.com/Company/Job_opportunities | |
 Have you seen "Barks At Rockets" yet? - The new hilariously funny comic strip by our graphic artist Chris Duran is released every Thursday on our Facebook page. Be sure to check it out and share it with your rocketry friends. | |
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 I need help with generating the biweekly newsletter articles since it takes a lot of effort to put them together. And I'm willing to pay big bucks for your help. So ask yourself, are you looking to earn some extra money? I'm now actively seeking writers for articles to appear in this newsletter. And I want unique and cutting-edge articles because that is what you want to read, right? I realize this, so to get articles from outside writers that have the same level of quality, I'm going to have to pay a lot of cash to make it worth it for them. So I've come up with a compensation package where I'll pay up to $350 for good how-to articles. Are you a writer, and does that interest you? That is a lot of cash! Far more than you'll get by writing for other magazines. And with over 23,000 worldwide subscribers, if you write for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter, you'll gain a lot of notoriety. Writing for the Peak-of-Flight Newsletter is a great way to show off your rocketry projects and your technical expertise, at the same time as helping out other rocketeers. Imagine how great you'll feel knowing that you made a difference to the hobby. If you're interested in writing, see the guidelines on our site. | |
|  We're up to something nearly every day of the week on Facebook, and we'd love it you could join us. Facebook is where you can interact with other Apogee fans. Here is what we do on our Facebook page:
Monday: This Week in Rocketry Tuesday is Rocketry Share - sharing fun and informative space posts from other sites. Wednesday is "Newsletter Day" - We'll announce our newsletter for those who haven't subscribed (unlike you), and we'd love to hear your feedback on the video or newsletter. Join the conversation and share your rocketry knowledge. Thursday is "Humor Day" - We're scouring the web for little cartoons or jokes related to rocketry or the space program. Rocketry is fun and entertaining! Friday is "Feature Friday" - This is the one day where we pick a product and tell a little bit more about it. It may be when we started selling it, or some other little-known fact about the product. Saturday is "Launch Day" - We're out to launch... and we'd love to see a great photo of an Apogee product from one of your personal launches! |
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