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Spot Landing

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  • Spot Landing

  • OVERVIEW
    Spot Landing is a fun, simple, yet challenging event.  The objective is to launch your model and have it land closest to a specified target. The model must land safely

    There are three subsets of Spot Landing:

    • Parachute Spot Landing. Model must use a parachute for recovery.
    • Streamer Spot Landing. Model must use a streamer for recovery.
    • Open Spot Landing. Any recovery device or method (except for radio control or similar) is allowed.

    Open Spot Landing is the most commonly flown version.

    For the full rules for this event, please see the Spot Landing rules in the Model Rocket Sporting Code.

    SCORING
    The score is the distance (in meters) from the nose cone of the model (after landing) to the target spot.  Lowest score wins.

    STRATEGY
    The location of the target spot is set by the contest director prior to the start of the event. The spot might be placed close to the launch site, or it might be set farther away. Both options provide challenges.

    The standard strategy is to fly a very simple model. The launch rod or tower is usually tilted (within 30 degrees of vertical) to send the rocket towards the target. The model typically has a small recovery device (streamer or parachute) to minimize drift due to wind. An alternate approach is to use featherweight recovery to further simplify the flight. “Flying Saucer” models are popular.

    KITS
    Just about any simple single stage model rocket will work well for this event.

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    • The American Rocketry Challenge
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      ▼
      • The Sport Rocketry Hobby
      • Model Rocket Safety Code
      • Understanding FAA Regulations
    • High Power Rocketry
      ▼
      • High Power Rocket Safety Code
      • Understanding FAA Regulations
      • Filing for FAA Launch Authorization
      • High Power Resources
        ▼
        • High Power Technical Reports
        • NAR HPR Certified Member Search
      • The NAR Rocket Science Achievement Award
    • Educational Resources
      ▼
      • Online Mentoring Resources
      • The NARTREK Cadet Program
      • 4-H
      • Air Force JROTC
      • Civil Air Patrol
      • Rocket Teacher Certification Program
      • Grants, Scholarships, Awards
      • Educator’s Newsletter Archive
    • Find a Launch
      ▼
      • General Launch Information
      • Launch Calendar
      • Find a Contest
      • Register an NAR Launch
    • Local Clubs
      ▼
      • NAR Club Locator
      • Find an NAR Club Launch
      • Submit a Local Club / Submit Changes
      • Section Guidebook
    • Safety
      ▼
      • Safety Codes
      • Model Rocket Safety Code
      • High Power Rocket Safety Code
      • Radio Control Rocket Glider Safety Code
    • Insurance Questions
    • Rocket Motor Information
      ▼
      • Certified Motors
        ▼
        • Motor Related Lists
      • NAR Motor Testing
        ▼
        • NAR Motor Testing Notices
      • Manufacturer Notifications
      • Report a Malfunctioning Motor
    • Contest Flying
      ▼
      • National Scoreboard
      • Find a Contest
      • Register an NAR Launch
      • Competition Results Entry
      • Team Registration
      • Teams List
      • Contest Events
      • Competition Meets
      • NARAM – The Nationals
      • Contest Year Winners—2018-19
      • US National Model Rocket Performance Records – 8/2/19
      • International Competition
      • World Space Modeling Virtual Open Meet
      • Competition Guide
      • U.S. Model Rocket Sporting Code
      • Rules Revision Process
    • NAR Products
    • Sport Rocketry Magazine
      ▼
      • Magazine Submissions
      • Write It and Get Paid
      • Advertise in Sport Rocketry
      • Sample Issue
      • Contact Sport Rocketry
    • Member Resources
      ▼
      • Publication Archives
        ▼
        • Sport Rocketry Magazine
        • American Spacemodeling Magazine
        • The Model Rocketeer Magazine
        • Model Rocketry Magazine
        • eRocketeer Digital Editions
        • Member Guidebook Archive
      • NARTREK Skills Program
      • R&D Reports
      • Technical Bibliography
      • NAR Insurance
        ▼
        • Insurance Questions
        • Proof of Insurance
        • NAR Insurance Claim Form
      • NAR Association Documents
      • Useful Documents for NAR Members
    • Website Fixes
    • Recent Website Changes
    • Donate