MARCO ISLAND, Florida USA — Do you believe a model rocket can generate speed to break the sound barrier? It can, according to Tom Eiszner of Marco, nationally known rocket hobbyist.

He gave an aerospace educational program to the Civil Air Patrol Cadets of the Marco Island CAP Squadron recently that concluded with launching rockets on Saturday at the Florida Sports Park.

From left, Peter Baker, Rene Simon and Tim Eizner watch a rocket get launched into the sky Saturday afternoon at the Florida Sports Park. Photo: Sun Times.

With the assistance of Marco’s Rene Simon, Eiszner instructed the cadets on how rockets function and the many precautions that must be taken before they constructed a number of rockets.

As Simon readied the launch path he said the taller rockets actually broke the sound barrier as they soared to more than 2,000 feet, with the smallest going at least 1,200 feet.

Rocket launches were actually paused when small aircraft were in the vicinity.

A rocket launcher, Jessica Simon, 11, enjoyed the launch and also enjoyed spray painting her rocket.

Erin Waters, 11, saw her rocket, “Skinny Do,” go the highest.

Eiszner, a rocket propulsion engineer, said he enjoyed teaching young men and women about aerodynamics.

“It is my way to give back to the community,” he said.

Copyright © 2008, Marco Eagle.