The Aura was my first rocket from LOC/Precision and I would consider it their entry level kit considering the size, ease of build and price. It is a basic three-fin-and-a-nose-cone (3FNC) kit with a 29mm motor mount. 

Although the kit comments indicate that the "kit is recommended for those with previous model rocketry building experience", it is a very easy kit to assemble. The experience is required due to limited illustrations in the instructions and probably due to the 29mm motor option.

The kit includes a plastic nose cone, a section of body tube, 3 pre-cut plywood fins, motor mount materials, a launch lug and the recovery system.

CONSTRUCTION:

The kit comes in a plastic bag with an insert displaying a picture of the Aura and the specifications. On the back of this 4x11" insert are the instructions. There are only two small illustrations. One showing the rear view and another cut-away showing the side view motor mount and fin alignment. The instructions are straight forward and in a logical order allowing the builder to assemble this straight-forward 3FNC rocket.

For ease of assembly and alignment, the fin lines and launch lug lines are pre-drawn on the body tube. A nice touch. touch. This and the simplicity of the rocket make it go together quickly. LOC recommends using epoxy (6 or 20 minute) and I used 15 minute.

The recovery system is assembled from its own set of instructions. It consists of a length of braided nylon cord which is knotted at both ends, and knotted with a 1" loop in the center. The two knotted ends are taped to the inside of the body tube with the knots on the far side of the tape. Then it is coated with epoxy to completely cover the tape and the knots. The top of the nylon with the 1" loop sticks out of the top of the rocket and is used to tie the elastic shock-cord to.

The motor mount consists of a 29mm tube and two centering rings. The kit relies on friction fit for motor retention. retention. I added a piece of spring steel (from an old windshield wiper blade) to make a retention hook just like an Estes kit.

Finishing was also quick, by choice, since it was two days before NARAM-40 and this rocket was going along. I used Plasti-Kote primer for sealing and filling. I then painted the entire rocket with some left-over red paint, then masked and added silver paint.  I lastly hit it with clear coat. Aura does not come with any decals so the finish is entirely up to you.

Overall, for CONSTRUCTION I would rate this kit 3 points.It is easy to build and therefore similar to many other 3FNC rockets. The instructions were clear and the addition of the shock-cord instructions ensure a successful attachment. It would be nice to see a decal with the name of the rocket and a positive motor retention system.

FLIGHT/RECOVERY:

The Aura is a bit deceptive. Its size and looks may make observers think it is an Estes-type kit weighing in at 2 - 3 ounces. However, with the motor this kit weighs in around 12 ounces.

The Aura was launched at NARAM-40, as planned, on an EconoJet F20-7. Out of sight flight, with simulation indicating greater than 3800 feet. It came down very fast as the nylon streamer was spinning and wrapping itself up. It landed only 50 feet from the pad it was launch from. Upon inspection, one fin had broken completely off taking all of the epoxy bonded areas with it.

Later I tried using the streamer from the Aura on an Aerotech Mustang, only to find the same type of rolling and tangling on its way down. Maybe it was all the humidity, but the streamer did not seem effective.

The fin coming off may be something to watch out for, because I have read several posts on RMR regarding the Aura indicating the same thing. I think using the technique of pin holes along the alignment line would be recommended. I use a variation to this technique by using a hobby knife to cut 1/4" slits across and perpendicular to the alignment line, spacing them about 1/4" apart. This allows the epoxy to flow into the body tube and gives it better hold. This was done when reattaching the fin.

After replacing the fin, I flew the Aura on an Aerotech RMS E23-5T. Simulation indicates that it should fly to about 1550 feet. It was a beautiful launch and very straight flight. Watching it arc and start to scream toward the earth was not expected though. though. Neither was it slamming into the ground somewhere out of sight and not to be found. Total loss included the $20 rocket, the $35 casing, the $14 parachute (I should have had that streamer in there) and the time to get this rocket ready to fly.

The meaning of Aura is:

                 1.a distinctive and pervasive quality or 
                       character; air; atmosphere: an aura of 
                       respectability.
                  2.a light or radiance claimed to emanate 
                       from the body and to be visible to 
                       certain individuals with psychic or 
                       spiritual powers.
                  3.a sensation, as of a glowing light or an 
                       aroma, preceding an attack of migraine 
                       or epilepsy.

I think the 3rd definition was appropriate considering the migraine that ensued after realizing the "cost" of that flight. Of course it was not a rocket design or kit issue.

For FLIGHT/RECOVERY, I would rate this kit 3 points.The streamer seems to be the main issue and because RMR postings indicated experiences of losing a fin and then it happened to me, there is probably reason to consider its recovery system as the reason. Also, motor retention would be a bonus.

Overall, this kit is easy to build and is a nice flyer which can give very high altitudes. Consideration on fin attachment and streamer usage will need to be taken by the modeler. I give the kit an OVERALL rating of 3 point