Launch Reports

BAD BEE-HAVIORs

Another great Summer day at the Launch Pads...
It was a little warm and we had a few stubborn rockets that just did not want to be found (quickly), but still a great day!

The high flyer for the day...
BADDER BEE-HAVIOR is an exact 2X of one of Steve Anderson's favorite rocket; BAD BEE-HAVIOR. BADDER BEE-HAVIOR is a 6" diameter scratch build using Hawk Mountain tubing. 116" tall, 47 lbs loaded weight. A three CTI L-730 motor cluster which equates to 81% of a full M. Altitude was 12,624' AGL. Recovery SUCKED!!! In a swamp about 2 miles away from the launch pad, lots of thistle tearing up Bill's and Steve's legs, and areas of knee deep swamp water. Recovery duties were handled by a 42" Fruity Chute drogue chute and a 120" Fruity Chute main chute. Locating devices were a Communication Specialist locator and a Garmin Astro GPS unit. Steve also flew his BAD BEE-HAVIOR earlier in the day on a CTI J210 motor to about 7200' ft AGL.

There were several Certification Flights (that will be reported "here" in more detail shortly), along with many more flights of sizes.

Hope to see everyone next month. cz

Wow, what a day at the Launch Pads…. (just the way we like it)
150+ Rocketeers and spectators showed up for a fantastic day of rocket flying.

90+ rockets of all sizes were launched from the 20 launch pads.
The day started out with a few rain showers, however setup was completed and first launch took place before 10:00 AM. The kids of all ages were very happy! Check out some still pictures here.

Among the many high, medium and low powered flights, 5 rockets stood out from the crowd with their (big) “M” motors, large size and high altitude flights (they just keep going and going...). These rockets belonged to the 5 soles (click “Read More” for details) looking to earn their Tripoli Level 3 Certifications. The “U” also had a crowd pleasing launch of their latest Weather Balloon. Hope to see you next month. CZ

Rob Grygar level 3 certification flight

On Saturday June 13th, I flew my rocket ‘Spike’, for my level 3 certification flight. All went as planned, with the help of many people.

“If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.” - Isaac Newton

Tripoli Minnesota Altitude Records

August launch report and altitude records

The weather we had for the August launch was the best we have had all year! The stage was set for some spectacular and exciting flights and here are some of the highlights and altitude records that were set.

PatPat Arneson flew his scratch built rocket named "Just Fly The Damn Thing" for the days Trifecta of rocketry. Pat made a great choice using an Aerotech J420R for his power plant . The rocket soared to the incredible altitude of 6773 feet for a perfect flight. This smashes David Kittell's J class record from previous month and puts Pat in first place in the J class for now. This flight also won Pat the coveted August "High-flyer of the Month" award and to round out the trifecta this was Pat’s level 2-certification flight. Congratulations on all three achievements!

 

At the October Launch, Steve Morris, undercover reporter for the East Central Minnesota Post Review paid us a visit. See his article at http://ecmpostreview.com/sports.html. Ken Jarosch is now famous.

We had a spectacular September launch. Great weather, lots of visitors cheering us on, great Brats from Brian's Brats, and even some excitement. You can see more pictures of the launch here.

We were a little nervous about our July Launch. With LDRS-26 going on the same weekend, plus forecasts for a 20% chance of rain, some people thought it would be a light turnout. Brian was busy counting his buns, wondering what he would do with all the leftovers. But...

We had an almost perfect day. The wind was a bit stiff in the morning, but settled down a bit later on. 78 degrees and enough sun to make certain parts of the anatomy look like a peeled tomato.

With over 100 people attending, nearly perfect weather, and many new projects out of the closet, this years opening launch was a terrific success! We had 2 Scout Troops, as well as a Rocket Club from Saint Paul's Capitol Hill school.

Thanks to all those who helped, watched, cooked, and most of all, flew.

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Also, feel free to download any pictures you might have here.

The November Launch was a nearly perfect day to fly. Here's some of the highlights.