The "official" rec.models.rockets FAQ can be found here. We will answer a few of the most common questions (in no particular order) and thoes that are specific to Perth and/or Australia.

Q: Do model rockets fly? Or are they just for show?
A: Oh they fly alright. How's mach 2 (twice the speed of sound) for speed? And how does 20,000 feet high sound? These are "creme of the crop" figures. A typical model rocket being flown in Perth at the moment, will reach 2000ft <-> 15000ft+, and flies at anywhere between 200km/h, to subsonic speeds, a little under mach 1, however some peoples rockets could exceed the sound barrier given enough height to do so.

Q: Do you only get to fly them once?
A: I think we'll let some photos do the talking:

The rocket is ready for lift off	Ignition	Lift off. The rocket flys under power	The motor runs out of fuel and emmits tracer smoke
Rocket continues to coast without power	Ejection charge fires & recovery device is deployed		Rocket returns in good condition (most of the time)

Q: What makes them fly? What do the motors look like?
A: Model rockets fly on black powder or composite motors which use a mixture of amonium perchlorate (AP) and alluminium powder as fuel. AP is almost identical to the fuel used in the space shuttles solid rocket boosters. Composite motors are about 3 times more powerful than black powder motors. Black powder motors are usually a strong, thick paper tube with a ceramic nozel in the aft end of the motor. Composite motors are assembled from individual components (reloadable motors) and placed inside an alluminium motor tube, or you can purchase single use composite motors that look a little like a felt tip marker pen. You can also buy hybrid motors which use a basic fuel, like rubber, and an oxidiser, which is normally N2O - nitrous oxide. You can see photos of each type of motor here: Education\Engine Codes

Q: How much do rockets cost? Where can I buy them?
A: You can buy a rocket for $8 or you can buy a rocket for $1100. You can get starter kits for around $50, which include a rocket, launch pad and launch controller. Most mid-power rockets average at $100. Whatever your budget, there's a rocket in your price range. Most hobby stores sell rockets and accessories, but Stanbridges Hobbies have the biggest and best range in Perth, plus their prices are pretty good. Only a limited number of manufacturers products are available in Australia, so if you want a kit from someone other than Quest, Estes or Aerotech, you will probably have to buy direct from America. See the links page for places to buy rockets and equipment.

Q: How much do motors cost?
A: This is a tricky question because there are so many different types of motor, but you can expect to pay on average:

Q: Can anyone buy rockets?
A: Anyone can purchase a rocket of any sort - only the purchase of motors is policed. To purchase low power black powder motors up to 'C' impulse, you must be at least 16 years of age. To purchase composite motors and black powder motors over 'D' impulse you must be 18 years of age and be a member of an approved rocket club (Perth Advanced Rocket Club or Australian Rocketry Association). To purchase any type of composite rocket motor up to 'G' impulse, you need to apply for a permit (see downloads page for the application form). To purchase 'H' and 'I' impulse composite motors you need Level 1 certification from your rocket club. Higher total impulse motors require additional certification.

Q: Where can I fly rockets?
A: Anyone over the age of 16 can fly rockets to 122m (400ft) from pretty much anywhere (large park) but not within 5km's of an airport. If you wish to fly higher than this, you need to do so in an approved rocket range on approved dates. The Perth Advanced Rocketry Club has a range out at Toodyay where you can fly to 2200m (7000ft) and also just outside of Denmark on the south coast you can fly to 1100m (3500ft). If you live in the country, you can apply for a permit to use airspace (see downloads page). Flying over 122m without approval can attract very large fines.

Q: What can I fly?
A: Almost anything provided you are certified for the rocket you wish to fly!.

Q: Can I make my own motors?
A: No. Not a very good idea at all. You won't save much money, if any at all, and the chances of making a better motor than one you can buy are pretty remote. Plus it's dangerous.

Q: Is the correct term rocket 'motor' or 'engine'?
A: Both terms are interchangable. Insisting one OR the other is correct is a sure way to start a fight.

Q: Speaking of motors, how do you ignite them?
A: Rocket motors are normally ignited electricaly with one of a veriety of motor ignitors. Some people is the USA use "flash pan" ignition on large clusters of black powder. Flash pan igntion involves placing a small tray of black powder under the rocket, and igniting the powder (electrically) - this improves the chance of all motors igniting. Thermalite is also used in the USA - this is the only fuse like system of igniting motors (usually staged or clustered composite motors) and is often used to 'air start' motors. The launch controller that you get with Estes type rocket starter kits is fine for small black powder rockets but you will need (and want) to buy a launch controller that can deliver at least 12v if you wish to fly composite motors. You can see photos of the ignitors used in Australia here: Education\Copperheads

Q: Why do you only fly from April to November?
A: It is against the law to fly rockets during periods of total fire bans, or high or extreem fire danger, so that limits the flying season to the 'winter months'. PARC has permission to launch rockets during fire permit times.

Q: Why is the launch site all the way out in Toodyay? Why not move the club to Whiteman park or somewhere closer to Perth?
A: If you want to fly high, you have to go out of town. So says the rules and regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority. At the Toodyay site, we can fly to 7000 feet. The Southwest launch site also has a 3500ft permission. We are currently investigating suburban launches for small rockets. The club now also has another site located in Dowerin, which is used for special events with a permission to 8000ft.

Q: I have questions not covered by the FAQ or the information I want is not on the web site - how can I get more information?
A: The best thing to do is join the Australian Rocketry Association Forum (see 'links' page) - It takes 2 seconds. You will not get spammed and the few people who hang out there are cool and know what they are talking about.