Event Format: The event consists of 3 flight rounds of a scale model of a real rocket to a high altitude. 

Power Class: Junior competitors fly in the S5B B motor class. 

Scoring: The score is determined by the sum of static judging score (max 600 points) and altitude (in meters). The altitude is determined by the best altitude of the three rounds.

Competition Models: The models in S5 must be accurate scale models of the actual prototype. To achieve high altitudes, prototypes selected are usually high altitude models. For the flyoffs, junior competitors must build and fly an Estes Black Brant III.

S3A Model Requirements: Models must meet specific criteria, including a minimum length of 500mm and a minimum diameter of 25mm for at least 50% of the length.

Vehicle Construction: Prototypes that have a length to diameter ratio of approximately 20 are favored. Some Prototypes that are great for S5 are the Sonda II – 19.7, ARCAS – 20.1, Black Brant III – 21.1, D-Region Tomahawk – 21.6, Viper – 22.6, and the Black Brant VI – 22.6. However, selecting an unusual prototype can get a full score for Orginality(40 points).

Competition Strategy: Finding a good balance between static score and altitude is essential for S5. Some modelers build highly detailed models to maximize the static score, but these models usually have a lower altitude. Rockets that are simple and aerodynamically clean usually get higher altitude but lower static scores, so therefore, finding a balance between the two would be helpful.