Handbook of Model Rocketry, 7th Edition (NAR Official Handbook)

This book is the standard guide to the hobby. It is written in an instructional, accessible and engaging style that makes it a must for all model rocketeers from beginners to experts. The author is one of the co-founders of the National Association of Rocketry. His son, and co-author, is the founder and owner of Quest Aerospace. For those whose interest is engaged by this little sport, it doesn't get any better than this.Potential readers should know that this is a guide to the hobby of model rocketry (altitudes up to about 2,000 feet, motors up to G size), and not a manual to mid-power or high-power rocketry. The text appropriately emphasizes the topics one would expect to find - rocket kits, launch systems, recovery systems, field selection, simple aerodynamics. Engines get somewhat summary treatment. The author is quite clear that, at the hobby level, we are involved in building and recovering rockets and not in the business of designing and building rocket motors. From size 1/2A to size G, we buy our single-use rocket engines prefabricated.Remember that the first edition of this book appeared in 1964, and much of the text derives from that edition. That's not a bad thing, but just an observation. There is definitely an emphasis on the "garage-build," DIY methods of the golden age, and a relative lack of information on more modern RTF kits. The book assumes that you have an interest in building models as well as flying them. Recovery systems and rocket stability are also discussed at length, because it was these systems that presented the most challenging problems to rocketeers from the 1960s and 70s. So, in a way, think of this book as a reference to the hobby "pre-Estes."This book is so very good because it just oozes appreciation, nostalgia, and technical mastery. It's a real treat to learn from one of the true masters. Got an interest? This is the book you want.

This is probably the only handbook I've ever read cover to cover and enjoyed every page. The book takes you through some of the history of model rocketry as well as provides a LOT of design advice for people who are interested in building their own rockets from scratch. It covers a wide breadth of topics and has enough information to pique your interest in trying new things with rocketry. The best part of the book is the common sense approach to safety and doing something that is dangerous but a lot of fun. If you have any interest in model rocketry at all, this book can help you get started and is a great resource for anyone who is interested in rocketry from young children to adults who are looking to beat their co-workers at a rocket competition sponsored by work (especially if you can beat the actual rocket scientists!). The handbook is constantly encouraging the reader to try things out, to not be afraid to go out of their comfort zone, but at the same time provides practical experience based tips to keep you from doing something that might be classified as blatant stupidity.

As a boy, I checked this book out of the library so often, that when I turned 12 my parents bought me my own, brand new forth edition, hardbound copy. Over the years I have read it cover to cover too often to count.The section on aerodynamics and drag was especially engrossing to me. By the time I was fifteen, I hit a stumbling block in my understanding. I couldn't figure out how to determine the coefficient of drag. Many years later as an undergrad engineering student, I finally realized that the coefficient of drag can only be determined experimentally (Unless you're an aeronautical engineer trained in using some very sophisticated fluid dynamic modeling software).I probably only flew my rockets once or twice a summer. But I dreamed about them all year long. The Handbook continued to captivate and inform me from the time I was a boy, until I was educated as an engineer. Moreover, it introduced and prepared me for many subjects. From physics to materials, to construction, to history, and much more.If you know a boy or girl (young in age or young at heart) interested in model rockets, I highly recommend this book. It will be valuable from the first day, and for the days that turn into months and years after that.