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I usually like to include some details of each flyer’s launch, but unfortunately for some reason, could not find the time today to take notes to be used in this launch report J , so I’ll just generalize. Because of the high grass and high winds we did tone down some the motor sizes today in order to keep down the recovery drift. For example, Kalpana’s daughter’s rocket (Estes Storm Caster) was designed for a D12 motor, but we used an adapter and flew the rocket on a C6 motor. Even with a C motor the rocket sill flew well, but did not go near as high as it would have on a D. On some next launch day we really need to fly that model on a D motor and see it soar. And, on some of the other models, we used B motors instead of Cs.
One of the more unusual flights was seen with Geoff’s Estes Paveway III rocket which is military missile design. Geoff got off two nice flights with this model. On each flight, the rocket took off straight up and then headed off in this weird wide spiral flight pattern. It looked as if it had locked on to some aircraft and was seeking to its target.
Scott’s Estes V2 make two successful flights on D12 motors. Scott was the first in the team to finish his model, so he’s been waiting a while for this day to come.
Daniel brought two models and had successful flights with both. Of course the flight of the day was his 8 foot tall "Dude" rocket. It was a bit windy to be flying this particular model, but we waiting for a lull in the wind and went for broke. The flight went well and it was a kick to see this big rocket slowly lift off. During recovery, it turned on its side and looked like a blimp floating slowly to the ground.
John, George, Kalpana, Christine and Rich also all had successful flights and recovery. Rich brought two models and got quite a few flights in. He also spent a lot of time in the recovery area, helping others spot and recover their models.
We did have a couple of mishaps, as usually happens at launches. On one of Christine’s son’s flights, the ejection charge did not go off. The result was what we in the trade call a Lawn Dart - need I say more? J On one of Geoff’s flights of his Paveway, the shock cord broke so the model made a quick return to earth, but survived the landing – unfortunately, this same model did not do so well when moved to the front seat of his vehicle – need I say more? J The good news is that the damage is repairable and we’ll see this model fly again. Daniel’s Big Daddy made a hard landing on the street, but survived with very little damage – it will fly again.
Flyers (and their kids) today included: Scott, John, George, Kaylpana, Rich, Daniel, Geoff and Christine.
Other attendees from HP were: Vananh & family, Jerry & his wife, Don and his son Lukas, Charles, Mark, my wife and son.
I’d like to thank Mark Simmons and Charles White for coming out to help and provide moral support. They both work at HP and are long time rocketeers. Mark himself got off a couple of nice flights. Charles also made a couple of flights with his Estes Snitch model that looks like an alien space ship – the kids always get a kick when this thing flies. Charles also brought some interesting larger models, but it was too windy to fly them – he’ll bring them to the next launch for all to see. They both work in 14 & 15. Thanks much guys!
I’m thinking we got in at least a couple of dozen flights, if not more. In all, it was a pretty good launch. Everyone did a fine job of building and flying their models. I think the kids learned something about model rocketry, and if anything, I know they enjoy pushing that button J - In know I do. I’d like to thank everyone for coming out and helping each other recover your models. For those who could not attend today, I will be scheduling launches through the summer, probably one per month, so there will be plenty opportunity to fly your models. I’d also like to see repeat customers – don’t feel as if this project is over – it’s just beginning. J
Fly safe – see you at the next launch. Be sure to check out the photos and videos.
Bob |
