We held our first high power launch of the 1998 season this Saturday. The day started out rather chilly with a brisk wind out of the Northwest. As the day wore on, the wind subsided a bit with the moderating temperatures. Unfortunately, the warmth melted the frozen ground turning the fields into a soupy mess. Twenty-four fliers flew 73 rockets for a good attendance.

True to form, James Hollister was first up with a good flight of his Big Bertha modified for 2 C motors. Chris Gillham was back with one of his transparent rockets, this one called Super Serval. He builds these out of fluorescent bulb protectors. This one was constructed just two days prior to the launch. It had a good flight on an F64, but the H128 he attempted later proved to be too much. The airframe split in half lengthwise about one second into the flight.

Dan Weeks flew an Aerotech Strong Arm on a G80 that had been won in the raffle at the previous meeting. The prizes are getting bigger, so attend a meeting to purchase a chance to win. Bob Schapp brought out an Estes Der Red Max circa 1972 for a good flight on a C6. John Buckley was in attendance and flew his sputnik on a couple of motors. Trista Witteried had an Estes falcon with a 1/2A cato but still make a nice if short glide.

Only 13 high power flights were made all day long with I class the largest motor flown. Mark Geislinger flew a LOC EZI-65 on an I211, Mark Henriksen flew a Thoy Phoenix on an I 211, and Chad Rogers flew a Public Missles Explorer on an I161. Mark McGraw made a certification flight with a LOC Hi-Tech 45 powered by an H123. The tension grew as the parachute deployed but failed to open immediately. After about 10 seconds, it finally did open for a nice touch down. Welcome to high power Mark.

Jack Hollister took highest flight with a VB Extreme on a G55 for an out of sight flight. The McCoys, Jeff, Amanda and Greg were out to put up a total of eight flights. The most frequent flier award goes to both Dan Weeks and Mark McGraw with six flights each.

There were a few catos, all on Estes D12 motors I believe. Steve Mizerany dared the motor gods and had a successful flight with his Changeling version 3-B powered by 4 D12s. Mark McGraw fired up 3 E30s for a good flight in his LOC Viper III. Aaron Edwards' Estes SR 71 made a kamikaze dive into the ground shortly after liftoff while Jeff Brundt suffered a lawn dart with his gorgeous Honest John. Jeff will attempt repairs while the SR 71 is beyond hope. Jeff McCoy finished up the day with a nice flight on his Super Big Bertha on a D12.