How to Prepare for ARC Season: A 12-Week Training Overview

ARC qualifying flights typically happen between February and April. If your team forms in September, you have roughly 20 usable weeks before the launch window. Teams that plan those weeks intentionally almost always outperform teams that don't.

Here is a 12-week focused training arc (pun intended) that works whether you are coaching yourself or working with a mentor.

Weeks 1–3: Design and simulation

Do not build anything yet.

Goals:

• Read the current season's contest brief in full — every team member, not just the team lead
• Install OpenRocket and run your first simulation with a basic design
• Build a simple CAD model so dimensions, mass, and parts stay consistent
• Agree on a motor class (F or G for most teams, check brief for constraints)
• Produce at least three simulation variants with different nose cone and fin configurations
• Track predicted altitude and duration for each

Common mistake: Teams pick a motor they like and design around it. Start from the target performance instead — work backward to motor selection.

Weeks 4–6: First build and ground tests

Goals:

• Build one complete rocket to your current best simulation design
• Weigh every component before assembly — document it
• Ground-test the recovery system before any flight
• Verify recovery system deploys reliably before launch

What to document:

• Actual weight vs. simulated weight (the gap will teach you something)
• Any design changes made during assembly and why

Weeks 7–8: First test flights

Goals:

• Fly your rocket with an altimeter
• Compare logged altitude and duration to simulation predictions
• If your actual altitude differs from predicted by more than 50 feet, identify the cause before flying again

Typical issues at this stage:

• Heavier than simulated → altitude too low → adjust fin size or motor
• Chute too large → duration high but drift risk increases
• Chute too small or poorly packed → descent too fast and egg survival risk increases

Weeks 9–10: Revision and second build

Based on your first flight data:

• Update your simulation to match actual performance
• Make targeted design changes (not wholesale redesigns)
• Build version 2 — or modify version 1 if changes are minor

Red flag: If you are still making major design changes at week 10, your preparation schedule is slipping. Focus on refinement, not reinvention.

Weeks 11–12: Qualifying prep flights

Goals:

• Fly at least two official-format practice flights (same conditions, altimeter on board)
• Score yourself using the contest brief formula
• Identify your most consistent configuration and fly that at qualifying

Mental discipline: Qualifying is not a test flight. Do not try anything new at your qualifying launch. The rocket that scored your best practice flight is the rocket you fly.

---

Where coaching fits in

Most teams benefit from coaching during weeks 1–3 (simulation setup and design review) and weeks 7–8 (flight data interpretation). These are the two points where mistakes compound the most if left unaddressed.

SEALS Academy offers coaching at both stages. See our ARC program options →