How to Launch a Model Rocket Safely

Build your model using safety guidelines. This step begins long before you get anywhere near the launch pad. The nose, body and fin must be made of lightweight, non-metal parts including cardboard or lightweight woods.

Buy critical equipment. Always use pre-packaged, commercially made rocket motors and engines and check them for defects or cracks before loading them into the rocket. You should also only use the electrical launch system that comes with the launch rail and pad to launch the rocket. Never use matches or fuses to ignite the fuel.

Stop, look and listen. When choosing a launch area, avoid flight obstacles of any kind so that you do not lose the rocket, damage the rocket or damage the obstacle. Unsafe obstacles include trees, houses, power lines and roadways. Don't forget to look up. You should also not launch if there are airplanes, high winds, low clouds or bad weather in the area.

Perform a final safety check before launch. Check the rocket to make sure that all parts are fitted correctly and are secure and that the wires are connected properly. When setting the rocket on the launch pad, make sure no one is touching the launcher. Position the rocket within 30 degrees of vertical.

Get back. Your minimum distance from the launch pad depends on the size of the rocket. If possible, mark the boundary of the safe distance area. Before launching the rocket, count down to liftoff out loud, so anyone within the range of the launch is aware the rocket is about to launch.