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This document, titled "Molding Helicopter Blades - Part 2" by Tim Van Milligan, provides a detailed guide on how to mold helicopter blades for model rocket recovery. The author explains the process of creating resin molds and then walks through the steps of molding the blades using balsa wood, carbon fiber tow, and metallic foil. The article emphasizes the importance of maximizing descent time and durability, as well as making the model easier to locate after flight. The author also discusses the use of toner reactive foil to add color and visibility to the blades. Tim Van Milligan, a rocket scientist and owner of Apogee Components, wrote this document. [Extracted from the article]

This article by Tim Van Milligan, a rocket scientist and owner of Apogee Components, explores the process of molding helicopter blades for competition rockets. The author emphasizes the benefits of molding, such as improved control and consistency of blade properties. They also discuss the challenges faced in enhancing blade performance and share their secret methods and techniques for achieving high-quality rockets. Additionally, the author discusses their efforts to improve helicopter recovery models by experimenting with lightweight composite tubes for rocket bodies and molding helicopter blades using silicone RTV rubber and resin casting. The article concludes with a promise to provide a step-by-step guide on molding the blades in a future article. [Extracted from the article]

This article, titled "Tim's Messy Desk" by Tim Van Milligan, discusses the author's experiences during the summer, including a visit to his daughter in Florida and participating in a 5K foot race on the beach. The author injured his foot during the race but still finished and took first place in his age division. The article also mentions the author's involvement in rocketry, including mentoring a young woman trying out for the FAI team and upcoming projects, such as the development of a high-power two-stage rocket and a scale model of the Nike Hercules missile. The author also mentions plans to switch to 3D printed components in their rocket kits. [Extracted from the article]

This document, written by Tim Van Milligan, provides a checklist for dual deployment in high power rocketry. It outlines the mandatory items needed for dual deployment, such as a dual deployment rocket kit, altimeter, igniters, ejection charges, chutes, motor, battery, and mounting hardware. Optional components, including shear pins, fasteners, and deployment bags, are also discussed, with caution advised due to increased complexity and cost. The document emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from a mentor and gaining a solid understanding of the basics before incorporating additional features. It further explains the benefits of using deployment bags and discusses the use of recovery harnesses, swivels, and quick links in the rocket's recovery system. The document concludes by stating that dual deployment requires careful planning and preparation but can lead to significant enjoyment of the hobby. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a checklist for dual deployment in high power rocketry, specifically focusing on the International Thermal Sailor (I.T.S.) competition rocket for parachute duration. It explains the concept of dual deployment, which involves using two parachutes to land the rocket close to the launch pad. The checklist includes items such as a dual deployment rocket kit, altimeter, igniters, ejection charges, parachutes, rocket motor, battery, and electronics mounting hardware. The author provides guidance on choosing a dual deployment kit, considering factors such as age, certification, and rocket size. They also discuss the necessary components for successful dual deployment, such as parachutes, deployment charges, igniters, and batteries. The document emphasizes the importance of testing and seeking assistance from experienced rocketeers. [Extracted from the article]

This article by Tim Van Milligan, a rocket scientist and owner of Apogee Components, explores the factors that affect the successful launch and flight of model rockets. It discusses the limitations of the "Maximum Recommended Lift Off Weight" values provided by rocket motor manufacturers, as they did not account for important factors such as rocket size, shape, and launch conditions. The article suggests using a process that considers the rocket's characteristics, weather conditions, thrust curve, and safety criteria to determine the maximum lift-off weight. It also discusses the importance of fin size, the relationship between the center of gravity and center of pressure, and introduces the concept of the "weathercocking cone" as a visual tool for assessing a rocket's trajectory. The article provides rule-of-thumb guidelines for determining minimum lift-off speed and avoiding stalls during flight. [Extracted from the article]

The article, titled "What's going on in my world? Glad you asked," is written by Tim Van Milligan and published in Apogee's Rocketry E-Zine. The author discusses his personal goal of taking more time off from Apogee to focus on his health and well-being. He mentions the challenges of bad weather affecting rocket launches and expresses his desire to stay physically and mentally fit to continue his involvement in rocketry. The author also shares his experiences visiting his daughters in Florida and Texas, including witnessing a solar eclipse. The article concludes with a mention of the passing of Gleda Estes, a mentor in the rocketry hobby. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Apogee's Rocketry E-Zine provides information on the propellant types offered by AeroTech and Cessaroni for model rocketry. It explains how to select rocket motors using RockSim, a tool that generates a list of suitable motors for a specific rocket design. The article discusses factors to consider when narrowing down motor options, such as maximum altitude and motor type. It also provides details on the different propellant formulations and their visual effects during flight. The author, Tim Van Milligan, is a rocket scientist and owner of Apogee Components. [Extracted from the article]

The article "What Size Launch Field Do You Need?" by Tim Van Milligan provides information on determining the minimum size of a launch field for rockets. Factors such as altitude, wind speed, and rate of descent affect how far a rocket will drift. The article suggests using a formula or computer program to estimate drift distance and emphasizes the need for a larger launch field for easier recovery of the rocket. It also discusses dual deployment and gliding parachute systems for controlling descent and landing location. Safety is emphasized, with recommendations from the National Association of Rocketry and advice on improving rocket reliability. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of understanding a rocket's flight characteristics and following safety guidelines. [Extracted from the article]