Giant Leap Rocketry Liberty 2 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Liberty 2
GIANT LEAP ROCKETRY, LLC
Copyright 2006 - 2018 Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC
2831 SW Cornelius Pass Road
Hillsboro, Oregon 97123

Thank-you and congratulations on pur-
chasing this beautiful high powered
rocket from Giant Leap Rocketry.
-The GLR Team-
1
THE TALON 2 IS A FANTASTIC - LEVEL 1 ROCKET BUILD!!!
We at Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC hope you enjoy building the best looking and best flying rocket on the flying field.
The Talon 2 is stylish and commands attention wherever you fly. It flies with 29mm motors as small as the Aerotech
F50, or as large as the I200. The center of pressure (cp) is 34” from the tip of the GLR Pinnacle nosecone. Be certain
your center of gravity (cg) is one to two diameters (2”to 4”) in front of the center of pressure with 1.5 diameters being
ideal. All measurements need to be done with a “full-up” rocket (including motor, recovery components and any elec-
tronics).
TALON 2
We provide more details to help with your rocketry education

The Liberty 2™ comes with a 29mm motor mount
so that it can be flown on motors as small as the Ae-
rotech F50 to as larges as an I200. These will pro-
pel the Liberty 2™ to extremely high altitudes.
Specifications:
Dry Wt. Mass (no motor load) 2.1 . (Please allow
for slight variation in weight due to difference in
epoxies and paint thickness).
Length: 47”
Outside Diameter O.D. 54mm (2.1”)
CP= 38” aft from the GLR Pinnacle Nosecone tip
CG should be less than 35” aft of GLR Pinnacle
Nosecone tip
Motor Mount: 29mm
Recommended 29mm motors: Aerotech:
[Single use: F50-4; G80-4]
[RMS: F40-4, F52-5T, G64-4, H128, H238, H165,
H210, H180, H220, H268, I200]
WARNING!!
Flying rockets is potentially dangerous, and you or
others can be injured and/or killed by the usage of
this product. Property damage can also occur by
the usage of this product. In using this product,
you agree to comply strictly with all safety codes
of the Tripoli Rocketry Association and the Na-
tional Association of Rocketry, as well as all local,
State and Federal laws. By using the product, you
2
THE Liberty 2 ™ is wonderful, simple-
build, level 1 rocket. This build will
give you the confidence to build larger
and more powerful rockets. That said,
this is no sissy rocket because you can
get it in a couple of variations 29mm or
38mm motor tube mount, thus throwing
this rocket thousands of feet in the sky .
The original Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC
Liberty 2™ series can be designed with
the option of 3 fiberglass fins or the in-
credibly strong, always true, GLR Acme Fincan (best in the business),
your preference. This rocket is fun to build and even more fun to fly.
You have chosen a sleek and beautiful rocket to walk proudly down the
flight line with!!! You will definitely enjoy this build. Have FUN!!!
Thanks from the GLR Team!

agree that Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC, (also in
this document noted as GLR) it’s owners or em-
ployees will not be held legally or financially
responsible for the correct or incorrect usage of
this product. If you do not agree with these
statements, return the kit in resalable condition
to Giant Leap Rocketry for a refund. By using
this kit, you agree that you have read, under-
stand and accept these conditions.
PLEASE READ THE SAFETY CODE AND
LIABILITY STATEMENTS AT THE END
OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
NOTE: THIS ROCKET IS NOT A TOY
BECAUSE OF THE ROCKETS SIZE AND
WEIGHT IT IS A SERIOUS VIOLATION
OF FEDERAL LAW TO FLY THIS
ROCKET ANYWHERE EXCEPT AT
LAUNCHES SANCTIONED BY THE TRIP-
OLI ROCKETRY ASSOCIATION OR THE
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROCK-
ETRY WHOSE ORGANIZERS HAVE SE-
CURED AN APPROPRIATE WAIVER
FROM THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMIN-
ISTRATION. FAILURE TO DO SO CAN
RESULT IN SUBSTANTIAL FINES AND/
OR IMPRISONMENT. DO NOT EVEN
THINK OF FLYING THIS ROCKET ANY-
W H E R E E X C E P T AT C E RT I F I E D
LAUNCHES.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE
UNCLEAR REGARDING THE ASSEM-
BLY OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT,
PLEASE CALL GIANT LEAP ROCK-
ETRY, LLC. YOU ARE TOTALLY RE-
SPONSIBLE FOR THE SAFE USAGE OF
THIS ROCKET. FOLLOW ALL PERTI-
NENT SAFETY CODES AND DIREC-
TIONS AT THE LAUNCH SITE. ALWAYS
WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHENEVER
LOADING EJECTION CHARGES OF
ANY TYPE AND KEEP SPECTATORS
AWAY. MAKE A CHECK LIST TO HELP
YOU PREPARE YOUR ROCKET PROP-
ERLY SO AS NOT TO OVERLOOK AN IM-
PORTANT STEP DURING THE EXCITE-
MENT AND STRESS OF PRE-FLIGHT
PREPARATION. IF YOU DO NOT FEEL
READY TO FLY THIS OR ANY OTHER
ROCKET DON’T. Take your time and do it
safely and correctly. REMEMBER, THE
FUTURE OF THIS HOBBY ALONG WITH
THE SAFETY OF THOSE AROUND YOU
IS IN YOUR HANDS.
PARTS LIST:
TALON 4 BODY PARTS
1- 54mm Original Pinnacle Nose Cone
1- 1 ¼” Short Eye Bolt
3

1- 54mm 36” Phenolic Air-
frame Slotted
1- 29 mm 12” Phenolic Motor
Mount Tube
2- 54mm/29mm Centering
Rings
3- Small 0.063” Fiberglass
Pre-cut Fins
1- 29mm Original GLR Slim-
line Retainer Set
1- 54mm Original GLR Rail Guide Pair
Recovery Mount:
1- 54mm Original GLR Hardpoint Recovery
System Anchor Which Includes:
1- 54mm GLR Hardpoint Anchor
1- 1 ½” x ¼” Long Eye Bolt
2- Washers
1- Locknut
Recovery Components:
1- 30” Parachute
1- 600 lb. Swivel
1- 12’ ⅛” GLR Kevlar® Shockcord
1- 2” x ½” GLR Kevlar® Tube Cord
Miscellaneous Components:
1- 24” Wooden Dowel
Online Assembly Instruction Booklet
Disposable Supplies
Needed by the Builder
to Assemble This Kit:
15 or 30 Minute Epoxy or GLR Aeropoxy!
!(Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR)
Mixing Cups and Mixing Sticks!
!(Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR)
J.B. Weld
!(Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR)
GLR Glass-Mirco-Spheres
Masking Tape
Tape Measure
Sharp Pencil
4

#120, # 180 #250 Sandpaper
Paper Towels
Gloves ! ! !
!(Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR)
Rubbing Alcohol
Drill with a 1/32” drill bit
NOTE: you MUST use high-quality epoxy and
JB Weld with this kit. Other types of adhesives
are not suitable and will make the rocket unsafe
for flight.
Optional Supplies
GLR FireBall Zipper Stopper.
(Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR.
Please read Section D about Recovery, in this
instruction to determine if you would like to
order the GLR FireBall.)
GLR Acme Fincan.
Can Be Ordered Separately From GLR
ASSEMBLY
A. Building the Motor tube Assembly
Note: “forward” means the front of the rocket,
toward the nosecone, and “aft” is the rear of
the rocket.
1. Test fit the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer
on the Aft end of the 29mm motor tube. Be
sure that the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer
goes onto the motor tube and seats completely.
If the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer is seated
completely, you will not have any of the epoxy
bonding rings of the GLR Slimline Motor Re-
tainer exposed and the motor tube will rest on
the the built-in shoulder stop of the GLR Slim-
line Motor Retainer. Sand the motor tube
slightly, if necessary, but just enough for a
snug-tight fit. If you have a 29mm casing (Ae-
rotech or Pro29), test fit it by placing the casing
in the motor tube and inserting the retaining
ring. Be sure the spacing of all components is
correct before proceeding to the next step that
involves epoxy.
2 Place the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer
on the motor tube and draw with a pencil, a line
at the forward end of the GLR Slimline Motor
Retainer and then remove the retainer from the
motor tube.
3. M i x
some
J.B.Weld (and
only J.B Weld
- do not use
5

epoxy!) and ap-
ply it to the aft
end of the motor
tube, to the pen-
cil mark of the
m o t o r t u b e .
Then, install the
GLR Slimline
Motor Retainer
onto the motor
tube. Turn the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer
while you are installing it in order to spread the
J.B. Weld. Be sure that you only apply the
J.B. Weld to the motor tube and NOT to the
inside of the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer.
This is important because if you apply J.B.
Weld to the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer and
then try and slip it onto the motor tube, excess
J.B. Weld will seep into the snap ring area of
the GLR Slimline Motor Retainer, making it im-
possible to insert a motor correctly. It is also a
good idea to place the snap ring into the slot
and tape off the exposed slot of the GLR Slim-
line Motor Retainer while seating the GLR
Slimline Motor Retainer onto the motor tube as
this will prevent excess J.B. Weld from seeping
into the snap ring area. MAKE SURE THE
GLR SLIMLINE MOTOR RETAINER IS
SEATED ALL THE WAY ONTO THE MO-
TOR TUBE. Remove the snap ring, clean up
any excess epoxy and let it set up completely.
4. Place a mark for
the Aft Centering Ring
onto the motor tube ½”
Forward of the GLR
Slimline Motor Re-
tainer. Using a piece of
paper wrapped around
the motor tube, centered
on the mark that you
made at the ½” mark, draw a line around the
motor tube.
5. Place a generous amount of JB Weld
around the motor tube the thickness of the Aft
Centering Ring . Do not use epoxy for this un-
ion. This centering rings will take a tremen-
dous amount of force when the recovery system
deploys and JB Weld is significantly stronger.
Slide the Aft Centering Ring onto the motor
tube, twisting as you seat it. Make sure that the
Aft Centering Ring is level and parallel to the
forward opening of the motor tube. Allow the
JB weld to cure completely.
6. Now that the
A f t C e n t e r i n g
R i n g i s f u l l y
cured it is time to
6

place the Forward Centering Ring. Place the
Forward Centering Ring onto the motor tube.
Measure from the Forward end of the motor
tube (the end that is OPPOSITE the GLR Slim-
line Retainer attached) ½” and place a mark.
Using a piece of paper wrapped around the mo-
tor tube, centered on the mark that you made at
the ½” mark, draw a line around the motor
tube.
Place a generous amount of JB Weld around the
motor tube the thickness of the Forward Center-
ing Ring . Again, do not use epoxy for this un-
ion. Slide the Forward Centering Ring onto the
motor tube, twisting as you seat it. Make sure
that the Forward Centering Ring is level and
parallel to the forward opening of the motor
tube. Allow the JB weld to cure completely.
7. It is now very important to place a thick fil-
let on the Forward and Aft ends of both of the
Centering Rings to secure the Centering Rings
to the Airframe. Fillets can be created using a
variety of materials, Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC
recommends using GLR Aeropoxy and GLR
Glass-Micro-Spheres. Mix a generous amount
of GLR Aeropoxy. Add to this mixture GLR
Glass-Micro-Spheres until you obtain a thick
peanut buttery consistency. The ratio is typi-
cally 2 parts GLR Glass-Micro-Spheres to 1
part GLR Aeropoxy. More important that the
ratio however, is the thick peanut buttery consis-
tency. Create a large fillet between the motor
tube and the Centering Rings by placing a lib-
eral amount of material on both the Forward
and Aft surfaces of the Centering Rings and al-
low them to completely set up.
2. Dry fit the motor tube several times into the
Aft opening of the airframe. It should slide
smoothly but snugly in and out. Sand the outer
edge of the Centering Rings as needed to create
a snug but smooth insertion fit. When you have
this working smoothly and you feel that it is cor-
rect, you are ready to insert the motor tube for
real.
3. Lay the airframe next to the motor tube as-
sembly and line it up correctly. The Aft Center-
ing Ring will be at roughly Aft edge of the fin
slot of the airframe (or approximately ½” from
the end of the airframe). The Forward Center-
7

ing Ring will be Forward of
the fin slots. On the outside
of the airframe make a mark
with a pencil where the For-
ward Centering Ring is and
where the Aft Centering
Ring is.
4. You will now use the in-
cluded wooden dowel as a
glue stick. Place a piece of
tape on the dowel so that the
tip of your stick corresponds
to the line drawn on the air-
frame indicating where the
centering rings are located.
You will have two measure-
ments on this one dowel be-
cause you will be placing JB Weld inside the air-
frame in two locations: the luting position of
the Forward and Aft Centering Rings. Mix a
very generous portion of JB Weld. Place the
JB Weld on the inside of the airframe at the
level that you marked for the Forward Center-
ing Ring. Once you have a good thick coating
of GLR Aeropoxy circumferentially at this loca-
tion, insert the motor tube about half way into
the airframe. When it is inserted thus, place JB
Weld on the inside of the airframe at the level
where you marked the Aft Centering Ring.
Once you have a good thick coating of JB Weld
circumferentially at this location insert the mo-
tor tube the rest of the way until the motor tube
is inserted correctly and the Centering Rings
line up with the lines that you drew on the out-
side of the airframe. Let the JB Weld cure com-
pletely.
C. Attaching the Fins
OPTION: If you
p u r c h a s e d t h e
GLR Fincan, all
you need to do is
place a generous
a m o u n t o f J B
Weld on the Aft
6” of th e Ai r-
frame and slide
the GLR Acme
Fincan onto the
airframe, twisting
8

as you go, until the Aft edge of the GLR Acme
Fincan lines up exactly with the Aft edge of the
Airframe. Note: the tapered edge of the GLR
Acme Fincan is Forward for aerodynamics.
GLR Acme Fincan equals perfect alignment
and ease every time!
You will you need to use a “fin mounting tem-
plates” to place your fins. GLR has provided a
downloadable template on our website here
https://giantleaprocketry.com/instructions.aspx
1. Transfer the fin mounting template to a
piece of cardboard or art foam board and cut
out the marks for the 54mm airframe and 3 fin
flight arrangement.
2. Place the fins into the slots in the air-
frame. All fins are inserted with the rounded or
curved portion of the fin forward. Insure that
the fin is all the way forward in the slot. Once
you have successfully preformed your dry fit,
remove the fins. Mix some GLR Aeropoxy and
place it on the edge of the fin. Insert the fin
into the slot until the fin makes contact with the
motor tube and trans-
f e r s t h e G L R
Aeropoxy to the mo-
tor tube. You will
want to repeat the
process 3-5 times to
insure that you have
good amount of GLR
Aeropoxy contacting
the fin / motor tube interface. In addition you
can drip some GLR Aeropoxy through the slot.
Once you have your fins in place, slide the card-
board fin guid down the airframe onto the fins
to insure their correct position. Allow to com-
pletely set. Verify that your fins are all at 90 de-
grees from the airframe and are lined up with
each other.
4. You now will need to create a fillet to transi-
tion your fin to the airframe. As you can see
there is a gap around and behind the fin. As de-
scribed earlier, fillets can be created using a va-
riety of materials, Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC
recommends using GLR Aeropoxy and GLR
Glass-Micro-Spheres. Mix a generous amount
of GLR Aeropoxy. Add to this mixture GLR
Glass-MicroMicro-Spheres until you obtain a
thick peanut buttery consistency. The ratio is
typically 2 parts GLR Glass-Micro-Spheres to 1
part GLR Aeropoxy. More important that the
ratio however, is the thick peanut buttery consis-
tency. Create a fillet between the airframe and
the fin, completely, forward to aft. Using a
gloved finger or the rounded end of the wooden
9

epoxy mixing blade smooth the fillet to a clean
transition from airframe to the fin. Later you
can sand any irregularities you may have. The
GLR Glass-Micro-Spheres add strength to the
epoxy and can be sanded to a smooth surface.
It is not uncommon for the fillet to sag or droop
over time as it sets up; so you may have to re-
peat this step. Take great care with your fillets,
the better and smoother you place the fillets,
the less work is required later when you sand
them in preparation for painting.
D. Recovery System
1. Install the GLR Hardpoint Recovery Sys-
tem Anchor.
The GLR Hardpoint Recovery System Anchor
provides a simple yet tough attachment point
for recovery system lines. The GLR Hard-
point’s one-piece aircraft aluminum construc-
tion assures a strong, trouble-free recovery sys-
tem connection, and allows free passage of ejec-
tion charge gases while being resistant to ejec-
tion charge heating effects. Using the GLR
Hardpoint, you can avoid the tedious work of
notching rings and gluing cords to motor tubes.
Rest assured the GLR Hardpont will bring your
Talan 2 ™ home!
Scuff sand the outer diameter of the GLR Hard-
point in a circumferential direction to give the
adhesive a better “bite”. The GLR Hardpoint
Anchor, glues into the 38mm or 54mm motor
tubes. We have them in both sizes. We de-
signed the toughest, strongest attachment possi-
ble. Made of extruded aluminum, it has three
THICK intersecting ribs supporting a central
hole for a ¼” eyebolt. The GLR Hardpoint is
one of my very favorite rocketry components
and you are going to love it too. The GLR
Hardpoint kit comes with all the parts neces-
sary to secure your recovery system. Put the
Kit together by placing one washer on the eye-
bolt and then place the eye-bolt through the cen-
tral orifice of the anchor. Now place the other
washer on the eye-bolt and secure the lock-nut
onto the eye-bolt. The GLR Hardpoint is now
ready for use.
Now tie one end of the ⅛” GLR Kevlar®
Shock Cord on to the eye-bolt. Tape the end of
the shock cord to the main line of the shock
cord.
The GLR Hardpoint is now ready to be inserted
into the airframe and test fit it. Hold the GLR
Kevlar® shock cord and slide the GLR Hard-
point in and out of the airframe. You will want
to insert the GLR Hardpoint from the Forward
10

opening of the airframe
and allow it to rest on
the forward end of the
motor tube. You will
need to take a measure-
ment with your glue
stick dowel. Place the
dowel into the airframe
and place a piece of tape where the edge of the
airframe meets dowel, as seen in the photo.
Then place the taped
edge next to the GLR
Hardpoint and place an-
other piece of tape at a
point that defines the
width of the GLR Hard-
point.
DO NOT GLUE IT IN YET!
2. Shock Cord Protection.
You have been provided a small GLR Kevlar®
Sock. Normally these GLR Kevlar® Socks are
used instead of masking tape to cover and pro-
tect nylon shock cords from the burn of the ejec-
tion charge; however, we have provided you
with a GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord in keeping
with our commitment to provide the best qual-
ity products and to insure the continued and
long use of your rocket. The purpose of this
small piece of GLR Kevlar® Sock is to prevent
potential damage to the GLR Kevlar® shock
cords during deployment of the recovery sys-
tems. When the recovery system deploys, the
GLR Kevlar® Shock Cords will rub against the
sharp edge of the phenolic airframe and theoreti-
cly could wear the GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord
at that location. Though the risk is small, we
do not want the GLR Kevlar® Shock Cords to
separate and fail due to the rubbing of the GLR
Kevlar® Shock Cord against the airframe, this
GLR Kevlar® Sock will reduce the risk of that
happening. To install the GLR Kevlar® Sock
first pinch open the GLR Kevlar® Sock and
push one end of the GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord
through the opening and slide it all the way
down toward the GLR Hardpoint. Hold the
GLR Kevlar® shock cord and slide the GLR
Hardpoint into the airframe and allow it to slide
all the way down to the Motor Tube. With one
hand hold on to the GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord
and with the other hand slide the GLR Kevlar®
Sock until is at its half way-point lying on the
edge of the air-
frame, secure it
w i t h m a k i n g
tape and/or GLR
Aeropoxy.
11

3. Protect the Rocket from Zippering.
Zippering is when the ejection charge is too
great and the impact of the airframe and the
shock cord is so violent that the shock cord liter-
ally rips or zips the airframe. You can elimi-
nate the possibility of a zipper by using our
Original and exclusive Fireball. The Fireball is
sold separate. To strengthen the Phenolic air-
frame and reduce the potential for zippering
you can place a small amount of cyanoacrylate
(super glue) on the Forward ½” to 1” of the air-
frame. Spread the glue on the outside, inside
and edge of the airframe end and let it set com-
pletely.
4. Secure the GLR Hardpoint To the Air-
frame
Mix a generous amount of JB Weld. With you
glue stick, deliver the JB Weld into the air-
frame, to the level of the tape and smear it all
around the airframe. Use plenty of JB Weld -
don't scrimp. You want the GLR Hardpoint se-
curely attached to the airframe. Hold the Kev-
lar® shock cord and slide the GLR Hardpoint
into the airframe and allow it to slide all the
way down to the Motor Tube. As the GLR
Hardpoint engages the JB Weld you will feel
the resistance. Using your - wiped-clean glue
stick, push the GLR Hardpoint until the GLR
Hardpoint is fully seated. Stand upright and al-
low to cure until completely set.
5. G L R p r o-
vides a high qual-
ity GLR Kevlar®
Parachute Heat
Shield to protect
your parachute
from the heat gen-
erated that occurs
as a result of the
ejection charge
deploying your
recovery system, when your rocket reaches apo-
gee. Slide the GLR Kevlar® Parachute Heat
Shield onto the free end of the GLR Kevlar®
Shock Cord that is attached to the eye-bolt that
is attached to the GLR Hardpoint inside the air-
frame. Let the GLR Kevlar® Parachute Heat
Shield slide freely around. The GLR Kevlar®
Parachute Heat Shield never gets anchored per-
manently to the line. Do not secure the GLR
Kevlar® Parachute Heat Shield to the GLR
Kevlar® Shock Cord; just let the GLR Kevlar®
Parachute Heat Shield slide freely.
6. Attach the eye bolt to the Aft end of the
GLR Pinnacle Nosecone as shown in the photo.
12

7. Attach the free end of GLR Kevlar®
Shock Cord to the eye-bolt that is attached to
the GLR Pinnacle Nosecone.
8. We will now describe how to install the
parachute. The attachment point of the swivel is
critical. Attach the 30” GLR Parachute to the
GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord as follows. At about
30’ from the Aft end of the GLR Pinnacle No-
secone, pinch the GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord
and slide the GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord
through the open end of the swivel to form a
loop and wrap that loop around the swivel and
then tighten the knot that is formed around the
swivel. Remove the 30” GLR Parachute from
its poly bag and hold it by the evened out
shroud lines. - 10’ from the airframe. When the
rocket descends you don’t want the airframes
and GLR Pinnacle Nosecone banging into each
other, so there needs to be adequate and appro-
priate spacing of the parts. The final photos in
this manual will show how the rocket will look
during the deployment, so you can see how all
of the parts are interacting. Be sure that the
GLR Kevlar® Parachute Heat Shield is be-
low or is aft of the swivel.
The sequence is a follows: slotted airframe con-
taining the GLR Hardpoint, GLR Kevlar®
Shock Cord, GLR Kevlar® Parachute Heat
Shield, GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord, swivel,
GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord, GLR Pinnacle No-
secone.
E. Recovery System Preparation
1. To prepare the rocket for flight you must
pack the parachute into the airframe. Insert
most of the shock cord into the airframe first.
Do this by creating accordion lengths of cord
about 3-4" long, then insert it into the tube.
Leave some of the cord out.
2. Roll up the parachute and place it next to the
GLR Kevlar® Parachute Heat Shield. Then ac-
cordion loop GLR Kevlar® Shock Cord. Do
NOT slide the protector all the way to the
chute, but instead stop about 1 foot away. Then
lay some shock cord into the protector, then lay
the chute on the pad too.
3. Fold the protector around the chute like a
burrito and insert into airframe. You must posi-
tion the heat pad so that it protects the chute
from scorching. Should you find the “burrito”
to tight for the airframe, shake some corn starch
on the “burrito” and it should slide much easier.
13

4. Slide the GLR Pinnacle Nosecone onto air-
frame. GLR Pinnacle Nosecone should be snug
but not tight onto the airframe. If the GLR Pin-
nacle Nosecone is too loose, use a piece of
masking tape on the shoulder of the GLR Pinna-
cle Nosecone to snug the fit. If too tight, sand
gently with 240 grit sandpaper. Remember, the
chute is deployed when HOT gases from ejec-
tion charge expand in the airframe, popping the
nosecone off, so you want a snug fit - not to
tight, not to loose.
F. Attaching the GLR Rail Guides
1. The rocket is now nearly ready to fly. We
have just a few steps left, but they are critical
steps. Begin by marking a line along the length
of the airframe section. Angle aluminum (1" by
1”) is particularly helpful because when laid on
a tube, it allows one to mark a straight line on a
curved surface. You may want to make it a per-
manent part of your rocketry toolbox. Make
sure that the line is between two of the fins, oth-
erwise the fins will interfere with the rail.
2. Measuring from base of the rocket to base
of GLR Rail Guide, place one GLR Rail Guide
about 9” forward from the aft end of the rocket
and the other about 24" forward from the aft
end of the rocket. Then trace each GLR Rail
Guide on the airframe.
3. Lightly sand the attachment points on the
airframe as well as the GLR Rail Guides for
good adhesion. Mix J.B. Weld and attach first
the GLR Rail Guide to the points on the air-
frame (see photo). While curing, sight down
the tube to check for good alignment. It is also
a good idea to place some tape on the GLR Rail
Guides lightly securing them to the airframe.
The tape will prevent a “drooping” of the GLR
Rail Guide system as the J.B. Weld sets.
G. Finishing
Obtain from your local hardware store some
DAP Plastic Wood. It doesn't matter the
14

color. Prime the phenolic air-
frame with extra thick filler
spray primer. With a gloved
finger, extrude a small
amount of the DAP Plastic
Wood and trace the fine
grooves of the Phenolic Air-
frame and deposit the DAP
Plastic Wood into the groves.
Be consrervitive because all
that is not in the grove must
be sanded away. That said,
the ma-
terial does shrink a
bit as it drys, so it
must be left a little
high. When the DAP
Plastic Wood is com-
pletely set up, sand
the airframe to a
smooth finish.
H. Vent Holes in Airframe - - IMPOR-
TANT!
REMOVE YOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM BE-
FORE COMPLETING THIS SECTION!!!
Because the air pressure is reduced at high alti-
tudes, you will need to relieve the internal pres-
sure in the recovery compartment; otherwise
the nosecone will pop off the airframe during
ascent. To avoid this, drill a hole in your rocket.
Using your angled aluminum draw a pencil line
the length of the rocket - opposite the GLR Rail
Guides. Drill one 3/32” hole about 24” Aft of
the GLR Pinnacle Nosecone. The hole is abso-
lutely necessary for a safe flight and deploy-
ment of the parachutes. Do not make the hole
any larger or you will risk reducing the effec-
tiveness of the ejection charge.
IRecommendations
1. Paint with a good quality paint like Krylon
or an auto engine paint that will withstand the
heat created by the friction during flight.
Safety Code and Waiver
Giant Leap Rocketry, LLC (herein referred to
as GLR) has exercised reasonable care in the
design and construction of our products and
carefully inspects every product prior to ship-
ment. However, since GLR cannot control the
use of our products or information provided
once sold, we cannot and do not warrant the
products or information included herewith or
the performance or results obtained by using
our products or information. Our products and
information are provided "AS IS". GLR.
makes no warranties of any kind, either ex-
pressed or implied, including but not limited to,
non-infringement of third party rights, mer-
chantability, or fitness for a particular purpose
with respect to the product and any related pub-
lished materials. To the extent you use or imple-
15

ment our products or information in your own
setting, you do so at your own risk. In no event
will GLR be liable to you for any damages aris-
ing from your use or, your inability to use our
products or information, including any lost or
damaged property, or other incidental or conse-
quential damages, even if GLR has been ad-
vised of the possibility of such damages, or for
any claim by another party. Lack of care can be
dangerous. By purchasing our materials you
agree to the above conditions and to use our
products at your own risk. You must abide by
the following safety guidelines: (for more info,
see www.tripoli.org The following is a con-
densed version of the NAR/TRA HIGH
POWER SAFETY CODE. The complete code
can be found in the handbooks of the organiza-
tions. 1. Only a person who is a certified flyer
shall operate or fly a high power rocket. 2.
Must comply with United States Code 1348,
"Airspace Control and Facilities", Federal Avia-
tion Act of 1958 and other applicable federal,
state, and local laws, rules, regulations, statutes,
and ordinances. 3. A person shall fly a high
power rocket only if it has been inspected and
approved for flight by a Safety Monitor for com-
pliance with the applicable provisions of this
code. 4. Motors. 4.1 Use only certified com-
mercially made rocket motors. 4.2 Do not dis-
mantle, reload, or alter a disposable or expend-
able high power rocket motor, not alter the com-
ponents of a reloadable high power rocket mo-
tor or use the contents of a reloadable rocket
motor reloading kit for a purpose other than
that specified by the manufacture in the rocket
motor or reloading kit instructions. 5. A high
power rocket shall be constructed to withstand
the operating stresses and retain structural integ-
rity under conditions expected or known to be
encountered in flight. 6. A high power rocket
vehicle intended to be propelled by one or more
high power solid propellant rocket motor(s)
shall be constructed using lightweight materials
such as paper, wood, plastic, fiberglass, or,
when necessary, ductile metal so that the rocket
conforms to the other requirements of this code.
7. A person intending to operate a high power
rocket shall determine its stability before flight,
providing documentation of the location of the
center of pressure and center of gravity of the
high power rocket to the Safety Monitor, if re-
quested. 8. Weight and Power Limits. 8.1 En-
sure that the rocket weighs less than the rocket
motor manufacturer's recommended maximum
liftoff weight for the rocket motor(s) used for
the flight. During pre-flight inspection, The
Safety Monitor may request documentary proof
of compliance. 8.2 Do not install a rocket mo-
tor or combination of rocket motors that will
produce more than 40,960 newton-seconds of
total impulse (4.448 newtons equals 1.0
pound). 9. Recovery. 9.1 Fly a high power
rocket only if it contains a recovery system that
will return all parts of it safely to the ground so
that it may be flown again. 9.2 Install only
flame resistant recovery wadding if wadding is
16

required by the design of the rocket. 9.3 Do not
attempt to catch a high power rocket as it ap-
proaches the ground. 9.4 Do not attempt to re-
trieve a high power rocket from a place that is
hazardous to people. 10. Payloads. 10.1 Do
not install or incorporate in a high power rocket
a payload that is intended to be flammable, ex-
plosive, or cause harm. 10.2 Do not fly a verte-
brate animal in a high power rocker. 11.
Launching Devices 11.1 Launch from a stable
device that provides rigid guidance until the
rocket has reached a speed adequate to ensure a
safe flight path. 11.2 Incorporate a jet deflector
device if necessary to prevent the rocket motor
exhaust from impinging directly on flammable
materials. 11.3 A launching device shall not be
capable of launching a rocket at an angle more
than 20 degrees front vertical. 11.4 Place the
end of the launch rod or rail above eye level or
cap it to prevent accidental eye injury. Store
the launch rod or rail so it is capped, cased, or
left in a condition where it cannot cause injury.
12. Ignition Systems. 12.1 Use an ignition sys-
tem that is remotely controlled, electrically op-
erated, and contains a launching switch that
will return to "off when released.
12.2 The ignition system shall contain a remov-
able safety interlock device in series with the
launch switch. 12.3 The launch system and ig-
niter combination shall be designed, installed,
and operated so the liftoff of the rocket shall oc-
cur within three (3) seconds of actuation of the
launch system. If the rocket is propelled by a
cluster of rocket motors designed to be ignited
simultaneously, install an ignition scheme that
has either been previously tested or has a dem-
onstrated capability of igniting all rocket mo-
tors intended for launch ignition within one sec-
ond following ignition system activation. 12.4
Install an ignition device in a high power rocket
motor only at the launch site and at the last prac-
tical moment before the rocket is placed on the
launcher. 13. Launch Site. 13.1 Launch a high
power rocket only in an outdoor area where tall
trees, power lines, and buildings will not pre-
sent a hazard to the safe flight operation of a
high power rocket in the opinion of the Safety
Monitor. 13.2 Do not locate a launcher closer
to the edge of the flying field (launch site) than
one-half the radius of the minimum launch site
dimension stated in Table 1. 13.3 The flying
field (launch site) shall be at least as large for a
given impulse as stated Table 1 of the Tripoli
safety code. See www.tripoli.org<http:
//www.tripoli.org/> . 14. Launcher Location
14.1 Locate the launcher more than 1,500 feet
front any occupied building. 14.2 Ensure that
the ground for a radius of 10 feet around the
launcher is clear of brown grass, dry weeds, or
other easy-to-burn materials that could be ig-
nited during launch by the exhaust of the rocket
motor. 15. Safe Distances. 15.1 No person
shall be closer to the launch of a high power
rocket than the person actually launching the
rocket and those authorized by the Safety Moni-
17

tor. 15.2 All spectators shall remain within an
area determined by the Safety Monitor and be-
hind the Safety Monitor and the person launch-
ing the rocket. 15.3 A person shall not be
closer to the launch of a high power rocket than
the applicable minimum safe distance set forth
in Table 2 of the Tripoli Safety code. See
www.tripoli.org <http://www.tripoli.org/> . 16.
Launch Operations. 16.1 Do not ignite and
launch a high power rocket horizontally, at a tar-
get, or so the rocket's flight path goes into
clouds or beyond the boundaries of the flying
field (launch site). 16.2 Do not launch a high
power rocket if the surface wind at the launcher
is more than twenty (20) miles per hour. 16.3
Do not operate a high power rocket in a manner
that is hazardous to aircraft. 17. Launch Con-
trol. 17.1 Launch a high power rocket only
with the immediate knowledge, permission, and
attention of the Safety Monitor. 17.2 All per-
sons in the launching, spectator, and parking ar-
eas during a countdown and launch shall be
standing and facing the launcher if requested to
do so by the Safety Monitor. 17.3 Precede the
launch with a five (5) second countdown audi-
ble throughout the launching, spectator, and
parking areas. This countdown is given by the
person launching the rocket, the Safety Moni-
tor, or other flying site operating personnel.
17.4 Do not approach a high power rocket that
has misfired until the safety inter-lock has been
removed or the battery has been disconnected
front the ignition system, one minute has
passed, and the Safety Monitor has given per-
mission for only a single person to approach the
misfired rocket to inspect it. I understand and
will at all times conduct myself with the under-
standing that the above stated risks and safety
procedures; (a) are not necessarily all of the
risks, (b) that even by observing the above pro-
cedures there remain RISKS OF INJURY OR
DEATH from HIGH POWER ROCKETRY, (c)
that the utmost in attention and prudence must
be exercised at all times. By purchasing this pro-
duct(s) from GLR, you agree to: (1) Assume all
of the risks, damages, injury, or even death. (2)
Assume the obligation to exercise the utmost
care in pursuit of my activities at this event. (3)
that you must be over 18 years old (for motor
purchase and use). GLR cannot be held respon-
sible for the failure of participants to abide by
safety codes, rules, regulations, etc. By using
the products, you agree to abide by these condi-
tions.
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