You are building a scratch built high power rocket using your own untested design. Which of the following methods of determining stability are NOT safe and should not be used?

Determining the stability of a high-power rocket is crucial for ensuring a successful flight. The method of flying it and observing if it goes straight is inherently unsafe and not recommended for several reasons. Firstly, launching an untested design can lead to catastrophic failures, not only wasting time and resources but also posing safety risks to the rocket and anyone nearby. Stability assessments should be conducted prior to flight to avoid the unpredictable outcomes that come with experimental launches.

Marking a flight as "heads-up" does not provide a valid method for evaluating stability. Instead, it suggests a passive approach that relies solely on observational results without any measurements or detailed analysis. By contrast, methods like using simulation programs to calculate the center of pressure (CP) and center of gravity (CG), performing a swing test, or conducting ground tests with low-power motors are systematic and aim to ensure safety and reliability through defined parameters and controlled conditions. These methods allow for corrections and improvements before risking a full flight with a high-power motor.