Competition Events
The US Model Rocket Sporting Code ("Pink Book") prescribes rules for over 25 different rocket competition events. Where appropriate, many of these events are further divided by motor power. For example, "B (engine) Altitude" is a different event from "F (engine) Altitude," for obvious reasons!
The events fall into four main groupings:
Official US Records can be set in most of these competition events.
This page offers a short description of each event. You can browse the Pink Book online or obtain the entire text of the Pink Book from our Filing Cabinet page.
Altitude Competitions
Altitude
Achieve the highest altitude.
Fly the longest possible rocket to the highest altitude without stuctural failure. Points are awarded by a formula that takes into account both the length of the rocket and the altitude achieved.
Predicted Altitude
Fly your rocket as closely as possible to an altitude you predict.
Set Altitude
Fly your rocket as closely as possible to an altitude chosen by the Contest Director. The altitude is announced in advance of the meet and is the same for everyone.
Random Altitude
Fly your rocket as closely as possible to an altitude chosen by chance on the day of the meet. The altitude is the same for everyone.
Achieve the highest altitude possible with a single-stage model using multiple motors.
Carry a one-ounce cylinder of sand to the highest possible altitude.
Carry a fresh hen's egg to the highest possible altitude.
Carry two fresh hen's eggs to the highest possible altitude.
Duration Competitions
In general, duration models are not allowed to separate (recover in two or more pieces). This also limits most duration models to being single staged.
Stay aloft the longest with one or more parachutes.
Stay aloft the longest with a single streamer.
Helicopter Duration
Stay aloft the longest with a model that uses autorotation as the sole recovery device.
Stay aloft the longest with the longest possible model. Points are awarded by a formula that takes into account both the length of the rocket and the time aloft.
Stay aloft the longest while carrying a fresh hen's egg.
Stay aloft the longest while carrying two fresh hen's eggs.
Stay aloft the longest with a rocket-boosted glider. The model is allowed to separate and may be multi-staged, since only the glider portion is timed.
Rocket/Glider Duration
Stay aloft the longest with a rocket-boosted glider. Nothing is allowed to separate -- the entire model must boost vertically, but must return in a stable glide. This challenging event usually requires a model with clever moving parts.
Flex-Wing Boost/Glider Duration
Same as Boost/Glider, except the glider must use flexible wings.
Predicted Duration
Stay aloft as closely as possible to a time you predict.
Set Duration
Stay aloft as closely as possible to a time chosen by the Contest Director. The time is announced in advance of the meet and is the same for everyone.
Random Duration
Stay aloft as closely as possible to a time chosen by chance on the day of the meet. The time is the same for everyone.
Craftsmanship Competitions
Except for Scale Altitude, any motor power is allowed.
Scale
Build and fly an accurate scale model. Supporting data is required. Judges measure and rank the model. The model must make a safe and stable flight.
Scale Altitude
Fly an accurate scale model to the highest possible altitude. Models are judged as for scale, and an additional factor is awarded for the altitude achieved.
Super Scale
Same as Scale, but includes a scale launching complex as well.
Sport Scale
Same as Scale, but the model is not measured. It is judged for conformation and craftsmanship by a team of judges standing at a distance.
Giant Scale
Same as Sport Scale, except that models cannot be smaller than a given minimum size.
Peanut Scale
Same as Sport Scale, except that models cannot be larger than a given maximum size.
Plastic Model Conversion
Construct a common plastic model of a rocket that was not originally manufactured as a flying kit, and convert it to fly in a safe and stable manner. Points are awarded for both craftsmanship and flight qualities.
Space Systems
A Sport Scale rocket, along with an optional Sport Scale launch complex, must successfully simulate the flight performance and mission of the original prototype.
Miscellaneous Competitions
Spot Landing
Land your model closest to the spot chosen by the Contest Director. The spot is the same for everyone. Any motor is allowed. This event can be held in three sub-classes: Parachute; Streamer; or Open (any recovery system allowed).
Drag Race
Two rockets are launched simultaneously through a single switch. The judges award points for the model that achieves first motion, achieves the lowest altitude, and lands last. The winner of each "heat" goes on to fly subsequent heats until an overall winner is determined.
A combination of Boost/Glider Duration, Set Duration, and Spot Landing. The object is to fly a Radio-Controlled Boost/Glider as close as possible to a time duration set by the Contest Director, while landing it as close as possible to a spot determined by the Contest Director. Radio-controlled gliders have their own additional Safety Code.
Research and Development
Contestants prepare and present a written research or engineering project. Oral presentations are required of competitors being considered for the top four places.