Estes model rockets should always be ignited with an electrical system using an electrical igniter. See figure 10. Installation is shown for Estes Cobra™ engines. Igniters are installed in Estes' higher-impulse composite engines in a similar matter. Igniter Plugs - U.S. Patent No. 5,410,966 

Follow the countdown checklist also on the back of the instruction sheet. Alert everyone the pad is active; proceed with an audible countdown and launch. Remove the safety key from the controller and replace the safety cap on the launch rod following each launch. The teacher or other designated individual (s) should keep the launch key (s) in their possession at all times. It is a good idea to rehearse the launch and post launch sequence in the classroom prior to setting up on the field. 

Now that you have the mechanics of handling and launching model rockets, organizing the actual launch and appointing positions of responsibility to the students is all that remains. 

To heighten the excitement of any launch, it is fun to appoint specific duties for everyone to perform. This increases the feeling of involvement for your students and enhances safety since everyone is aware of what is happening.  An organized launch day also demonstrates to the rest of your school that rocketry is fun and the people involved with it are serious about safety. 

The following suggestions will help you conduct a safe class launch: 

1. Review the NAR Safety Code in class. 
   
2. Be sure each student is properly trained to perform his or her specific task prior to launch day. 
   
3. In the event of a misfire, remove the safety key from the controller and wait 60 seconds before disconnecting the micro-clips. Then remove the rocket and replace the igniter. 
   
4. Permit only launch crewmembers, tracking teams and the person launching his or her rocket on the launch site. 
   
5. Permit recovery of the rocket only by the recovery team or builder. 
   
6. The altitudes to which the model rockets are launched should not be more than two to three times the width of the field which is available for launching. Since small rockets with low power engines will not rise over several hundred feet, an open field such as a football field is adequate. At this point in your study, it is not necessary to concern yourself with high altitudes. The greatest challenge is to have the rocket achieve a perfect flight. If time permits, attempt two launches for each rocket. Remind students to be very observant and to record pertinent information about the performance of their rockets. 
   

1. Materials - My model rocket will be made of lightweight materials such as paper, wood, rubber, and plastic suitable for the power used and the performance of my model rocket. I will not use any metal for the nose cone, body, or fins of a model rocket. 
   
2. Engines/Motors - I will use only commercially-made NAR certified model rocket engines in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. I will not alter the model rocket engine, its parts, or its ingredients in any way. 
   
3. Recovery - I will always use a recovery system in my model rocket that will return it safely to the ground so it may be flown again. I will use only flame resistant recovery wadding if required. 
   
4. Weight and Power Limits - My model rocket will weigh no more than 1,500 grams (53 ounces) at liftoff, and its rocket engines will produce no more than 320 newton-seconds (4.45 newtons equal 1.0 pound) of total impulse. My model rocket will weigh no more than the engine manufacturer's recommended maximum liftoff weight for the engines use, or I will use engines recommended by the manufacturer for my model rocket.  
   
5. Stability - I will check the stability of my model rocket before its first flight,except when launching a model rocket of already proven stability. 
   
6. Payloads - Except for insects, my model rocket will never carry live animalsor a payload that is intended to be flammable, explosive, or harmful. 
   
7. Launch Site - I will launch my model rocket outdoors in a cleared area, freeof tall trees, power lines, building and dry brush and grass. My launch site will be a least as large as that recommended in the following table. 
   
   
   LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS
   
   

   Installed Total Impulse  Equivalent Engine  (Newton-Seconds)	Type	Minimum Site Dimension (feet) (meters)
   0.00-- 1.25	1/4A & 1/2A	50 / 15
   1.26-- 2.50	A	100 / 30
   2.51-- 5.00	B	200 / 60
   5.01-- 10.00	C	400 / 120
   10.01-- 20.00	D	500 / 150
   20.01-- 40.00	E	1000 / 300
   40.01-- 80.00	F	1000 / 300
   80.01-- 160.00	G	1000 / 300
   160.01-- 320.00	2Gs	1500 / 450

   
   

8. Launcher - I will launch my model rocket from a stable launch device that provides rigid guidance until the model rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a safe flight path. To prevent accidental eye injury, I will always place the launcher so the end of the rod is above eye level or I will cap the end of the rod when approaching it. I will cap or disassemble my launch rod when not in use, and I will never store it in an upright position. My launcher will have a jet deflector device to prevent the engine exhaust from hitting the ground directly. I will always clear the area around my launch device of brown grass, dry weeds, or other easy-to-burn materials. 
   
9. Ignition System - The system I use to launch my model rocket will be remotely controlled and electrically operated. It will contain a launching switch that will return to 'off' when released. The system will contain removable safety interlock in series with the launch switch. All persons will remain at least 15 feet (5 meters) from the model rocket when I am igniting model rocket engines totaling 30 newton-seconds of less of total impulse. I will use only electrical igniters recommended by the engine manufacturer that will ignite model rocket engine(s) within one second of actuation of the launching switch. 
   
10. Launch Safety - I will ensure that people in the launch area are aware of the pending model rocket launch and can see the model rocket's liftoff before I begin my audible five-second countdown. I will not launch a model rocket using it as a weapon. If my model rocket suffers a misfire, I will not allow anyone to approach it or the launcher until I have made certain that the safety interlock has been removed or that the battery has been disconnected from the ignition system. I will wait one minute after a misfire before allowing anyone to approach the launcher. 
    
11. Flying Conditions - I will launch my model rocket only when the wind is less than 20 miles (30 kilometers) an hour. I will not launch my model rocket so it flies into clouds, near aircraft in fight, or in a manner that is hazardous to people or property. 
    
12. Pre-Launch Test - When conducting research activities with unproven model rocket designs or methods I will, when possible, determine the reliability of my model rocket by pre-launch tests. I will conduct the launching of an unproven design in complete isolation from persons not participating in the actual launching. 
    
13. Launching Angle - My launch device will be pointed within 30 degrees of vertical. I will never use model rocket engines to propel any device horizontally. 
    
14. Recovery Hazards - If a model rocket becomes entangled in a power line or other dangerous place, I will not attempt to retrieve it. 

    This is the official Model Rocketry Safety Code of the National Association of Rocketry and the Model Rocket Manufacturers Association.