This book is written by Timothy S. Van Milligan, the owner of Apogee Components. The copy picked up for review was the second edition.

What is in the book?

After a brief page on the author himself, the book jumps right into rocket design and construction. The "Getting Started" chapter serves as an introduction which describes model rocket classification, eight recovery systems, and styling ideas. Later sections of the book cover, in detail, the topics this chapter introduces briefly.

Before we rush to building our own rocket, the book reminds us that the model must be stable. The relationship between center of gravity (CG) and center of pressure (CP) is described, as expected. The book goes one step further and includes the often overlooked dynamic stability.

It should come as no surprise that the book suggests using RockSim to help with stability calculation. After all, both this book and the software are both sold by Apogee.

Now that we know how to make a model rocket fly straight, let's look at making it fly higher. The next chapter deals with drag reduction and aerodynamics. There's a good deal of detail to be found, including several pages dedicated to choosing the best fin shape and size. While aerodynamics and drag reduction may sound like difficult topics, the book explains these in an easy-to-understand manner. The many illustrations help too.

The next chapters go over construction tools and materials and is intended mostly for beginners.

The following two chapter deal with the actual construction of model rockets and include various tips and general information on techniques used. This includes fin design and construction, motor mounts, launch lugs, shock cords, and more.

Next are some tips on painting/decorating and model rocket repair. The repair section especially will be of interest to those with less experience in this area. Sadly, many rockets will need repairs sooner or later.

The next 3 chapters cover parachute, streamer, glider and helicopter recovery in detail. Most attention is paid to glider design, a fascinating topic. These chapters offer too much detail to cover in this review.

After short chapters on scale and payload models, multi-stage and clustered models are next.

There's a good amount of information to be found in these chapter, including CHAD staging and clustering techniques.

The next chapter is geared towards those unfamiliar with the classification of model rocket engines. A "flight record" sheet is also included for those whole like to keep lots and lots on data on their flights. I prefer to just watch and enjoy the flight, but that's just me.

The final two chapters deal with displaying completed models and starting a rocketry club.

The verdict

I bought this book when I just got (back) into rocketry and found it to be a great resource. It was worth the $24 I paid for it.

While this book is excellent for the complete novice, it certainly has more than enough information to keep those with some experience interested. I still pick it up from time to time as it does offer some interesting ideas for different-looking designs.