The NARTREK Cadet Program
What is the NARTREK Cadet Program?

« NARTREK Skills Program

NARTREK Cadet differs from the standard NARTREK Program in that:

  • it is designed specifically for modelers under age 18; and
  • it is open to both members and non-members of the NAR.

NARTREK Cadet consists of a series of four achievement levels in rocketry, each requiring more skill to complete than the previous one.

As each level is finished, you receive an Achievement Certificate and an enameled pin certifying your accomplishment. You are under no time limit. You progress at your own pace.

NARTREK Cadet

  • is a self-paced program designed to improve your knowledge and skill in rocketry step by step.
  • is for any modeler under the age of 18.
  • is a program for modelers working alone — as well as for modelers affiliated with NAR Sections.
  • operates on the honor system.
  • is administered from a central point by a staff of experienced volunteers who will work with you by mail to help solve your problems.
  • uses commercially-available rocket kits whenever possible.
  • uses existing publications and books available from NAR Technical Services, manufacturers, and other easily available sources.
  • is designed to be low-cost to you. NAR makes no profit from the NARTREK Cadet program. You buy your own kits, motors, equipment, and publications.

How Does NARTREK Cadet Work?

To participate, you must meet the basic Cadet program requirements.

Fill out the application form and mail it to NARTREK Base along with your entry fee — or, take advantage of our introductory web-based “try it before you buy it” program.

Your program packet for the first (Mercury) level will contain details of each requirement, a list of recommended materials and publications to help you complete this level, and certification forms for each requirement.

At your own pace, complete each requirement. If you run into problems, contact NARTREK Base, who will put you in contact with someone who can help.

As you complete each requirement, fill out the certification form.

When you have completed all the certification forms for your current level, mail them in to NARTREK Base.

NARTREK Base will evaluate your certifications and send back your Achievement Certificate, along with the appropriate enamel pin. If you have signed up for additional program levels, the next packet will be sent to you automatically.

You may sign up for additional levels at any time.

 

NARTREK Cadet Outline

The Cadet program is aimed toward the younger modeler who has little or no previous experience in model rocketry. The primary age group is 9 – 14, although anyone under the age of 18 may participate. The Cadet program does not replace the existing standard NARTREK program in use by the NAR. You may use the same models for both programs, but must make separate flights for each program.

The four achievement Levels follow the history of the NASA manned space program. You begin with Mercury, then proceed through Gemini, Apollo and finally Skylab. The pins for each Level are modified versions of the original NASA mission patch designs.

Non-NAR members may also participate in this program (with slighter higher fees). Upon completion of the program, the Cadet will receive an achievement certificate, an enameled pin, and special decals that may be used on models.

There are several ways for youths to participate in the NARTREK Cadet Program:

  1. Individually through NARTREK Cadet HQ. Each flight must be witnessed by an adult, and certified to HQ using forms and photographs. Certificates and pins will be sent to the Cadet after processing.
  2. Through a locally sponsored NAR Section workshop. The NAR Section provides the guidance, expertise, and resources to make the Cadet’s participation very rewarding. A NARTREK certified advisor will witness and process the Cadet’s progress and will send the information along to Cadet HQ. Certificates and pins are usually given upon completion of the workshop.
  3. Through a local school program. The workshop can be conducted by a NAR member or a teacher.

No Pressure

Remember: once you start a Cadet Achievement Level, you don’t have to complete it within any time limit. In fact, you don’t ever have to complete it at all! NARTREK is designed to increase your enjoyment of rocketry, not your stress level. So don’t “work” at it — have fun!

 

Requirements

You must be less than 18 years of age.

You must know and abide by the NAR Model Rocket and High Power Safety Codes. All NARTREK activities are based upon the NAR Safety Codes.

You must understand the NAR rocket motor coding system.

 

Try It Before You Buy It

To take advantage of our web-based “try it before you buy it” offer, download the Mercury Level Packet  now, and follow the instructions on the first page. (Packets are in PDF format and require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to display.)

A brief version of the requirements for all four Levels follows:

Mercury Level:

  1. Do either of the following:
    1. Fly and successfully recover an RTF (ready-to-fly) rocket two times; and
      Assemble a rocket with single or multi-piece plastic fins and fly successfully two times.
    2. Assemble a rocket with balsa (or stiff card stock) fins and fly successfully two times.
  2. Assemble a rocket at least 24″ long and fly successfully two times.

Note: Separate rockets must be used for each requirement. All flights are limited to “C” motors or smaller.

 

Gemini Level:

  1. Complete three out of four:
    1. Parachute duration: achieve a timed flight of at least 40 seconds with a “B” motor or less.
    2. Streamer duration: achieve a timed flight of at least 20 seconds with a “B” motor or less.
    3. Assemble a model with glider, or helicopter recovery, and fly successfully two times.
    4. Assemble and fly a “D” engine model successfully.

Note: You may use the same rocket (it can also be one of your Mercury rockets) for a and b.

 

Apollo Level:

  1. Do any two:
    1. Prepare science fair project using model rockets to gather data.
    2. Assist with running a club launch range.
    3. Organize (or assist) in starting a club or serve in some capacity in an existing club.
    4. Organize (or assist in) a demonstration launch or have a story published in a newspaper or newsletter about a launch.
    5. Give a talk on rocketry to a school, civic club or youth group.
    6. Write a 200-word report on any rocketry subject that interests you and submit to NARTREK base.
    7. Prepare a simple database of your previous rocket flights, (Mercury and Gemini) and document your experiences; submit the report to NARTREK base.
  2. Do any two:
    1. Build a model with individual fins, that also requires painting and/or decals. This is sometimes defined as Skill Level 2. Concentrate on craftsmanship. Fly and recover successfully, without damage to the model.
    2. Build and fly a multi-stage model successfully.
    3. Build and fly a clustered model successfully.

Skylab Level:

  1. Do any two:
    1. Assemble any skill level scale model, have an adult judge it for quality and accuracy (include information about the full scale ‘real’ version) and fly successfully.
    2. Design and build a model rocket using materials specifically designed for use in model rockets. Properly test the design using simulator software or by Swing Test on a String to prove stability and fly the model successfully two times. (This requirement is limited to D motors or less).
    3. Build a kit of a mid-power rocket (E or F motor) and fly successfully. (Limited to cadets 14 and older).
    4. Build a competition model for any National Association of Rocketry (NAR) event and enter a sanctioned meet, or build one competition model and achieve 40% of the NAR record for that event in your contest class.

How to Register by Mail

Otherwise, to receive your first NARTREK Cadet packet, send your name, address, NAR number (for member rate), birthdate, and a check payable to “NARTREK” for the proper amount to:

 

NARTREK Base
George Scheil
7311 Ditzler
Raytown MO 64133

 

The by-mail fee for each achievement level packet is $5 for NAR members or $7 for non-members.

As soon as your check arrives, your Mercury packet will be in the mail to you!