About Us

Logo of the National Association of Rocketry

 

We are the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry (NOVAAR)
Section 205 of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR)

 

We Fly Rockets

 

 
Logo of Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry
  • Do you enjoy building and flying rockets?

  • Need a good site to fly, let alone, launch those big birds?

  • Interested in model rocket competition?

  • Need to conduct a rocket science project?

  • Want to learn what it’s like to fly with more than 100 fellow rocketeers!

If you enjoy model rocketry, you are invited to join the Northern Virginia Association of Rocketry.  NOVAAR is the public model rocket club in Northern Virginia, and is a chartered section of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR).  We're one of the most active model rocket clubs in the U.S. and we have over 51 years of history, success, safety and fun in the hobby of model rocketry.

NOVAAR Launches are Open to the Public

NOVAAR flies once a month and is privileged to have access to the grass covered field of Great Meadow, a 380-acre field events center and steeplechase course located in The Plains, Virginia.

Directions and Map are located here.

NOVAAR flies model rockets (motor impulse from 1/8 A through G) and high-power rockets (motor impulse H to J).  Rockets with a motor impulse greater than J are not allowed.  The FAA permitted maximum altitude waiver is 4,500 feet.  Assistance with achieving NAR high-power rocketry certification is available.

NOVAAR provides both model rocket and high-powered launch equipment.  All launches are conducted by a range safety officer in compliance with the

Safety Code of the National Association of Rocketry

NOVAAR's launches are open to club members and the public. Non-members pay $1 for each model rocket flight and $5 for each high-power flight.  There is a $10 charge for non-member's high-power certification flight.

Please note, drones are not allowed at our Great Meadow flying site.

Meetings

NOVAAR holds meetings on the first Tuesday of each month (when they resume) at the Community Space in University Mall.  The University Mall is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Braddock and Ox Road (Hwy123) across from the main entrance to George Mason University.  The Community Space is on the back side of the mall, at the end, below and behind Giant supermarket, sandwiched between McAlister's Deli and the Virginia ABC store.  Street address is 10689 Braddock Road, Fairfax.

NOVAAR's meetings often include an educational, instructional or demonstration session.  Issues and topics are announced in advance.
In addition to the meetings, there are rocket building sessions often hosted by an expert.

Facebook

We also have a facebook page at:https://www.facebook.com/Northern-Virginia-Association-Of-Rocketry

 

Rocket Competition

Yes! competition with model rockets.  Fly against fellow rocketeers to find out who can keep a rocket aloft the longest with a parachute.  How about a streamer?
How about building a rocket that flies the highest with or without a payload?  Or with an egg, that can’t break when it lands?
Or, the challenge of flying a rocket that carries a glider or recovers using rotary blades like a helicopter.

NOVAAR Officers and Coordinators

President:Adam MartinContact for general club, launch and site questions.
Vice President:Carl Curling 
 
Secretary:Bill Miller 
 
Treasurer:Jonathan RainsContact for questions about membership and dues.
 
    
High Power Coordinator:Steve MorrisContact for questions about High Power Rockets and certification flights.
 
Scouting and Group Coordinator:Carl CurlingContact for questions about scouting and group activities
 
Competition Coordinator:Adam MartinContact for questions about rocketry competitions.
 
Webmaster:Dan Winings

Contact for questions about the the website.  Questions about Meetings, Launches and other Events should be directed to the officers or coordinators reponsible for the topic. Not sure who to contact, email the club's president.

Please keep in mind that I am in Oklahoma and I may not be able to answer questions about current conditions in Virginia.