What is the general flight path of Estes model rockets?

Upon rocket ignition with an electrically operated launch system, the model rocket engine’s propellant begins burning. This is the thrust phase, which provides liftoff and powered acceleration.

After the engine’s propellant has finished burning, a timed delay charge is activated. The delay charge provides no thrust, but instead allows the rocket to coast to apogee—the rocket’s highest altitude during flight. The delay charge also provides tracking smoke so you can better see your rocket’s flight path.

Once the delay charge has finished burning, the ejection charge is initiated. The ejection charge creates pressure in the rocket’s body tube that causes the recovery system—usually a parachute or streamer—to deploy.

Then the rocket gently returns to earth so that it can be prepared for another launch.