March 20, 1999 Launch Report

Contributed by Mark Henriksen

Glorious! That best describes the launch conditions of March 20, 1999. Over 40 registered flyers put up 167 flights to break the record for number of flights. The weather was warm, but cloudy. However, the cloud ceiling cooperated and stayed high enough to allow all flights. Most importantly, the wind was almost non-existent. The ground was dry, and we had a large number of spectators turn out. At one point Carol Rutherford counted 65 cars. As people came and went, I'm sure we had more than that overall.

I'd like to extend a special thanks to all of our volunteers. From setup, to teardown, everyone who pitched in deserves recognition. I would like to single out Fred Gruiz for picking up an extra shift in the morning, then his assigned shift and also the one after. Thanks to Fred, many were able to take advantage of the day and get in some extra flights. Actually I think he just likes to hear his voice and push buttons.

While I'm recognizing people, there is one individual to whom we owe much. Without his hard work and leadership, launches like this would not happen. Much thanks to our president, Bruce Weidner. I sure wouldn't want his job.

I think Tom McAtee comes to the launch with all of his rockets prepped and ready to go. He was first off the pads with his birdie, a badminton bird, on a 1/4A motor. Tom, I think you're ready for some real power like a full A. Jeff Brundt gets the prize for fist high-power flight. He launched his scratch Saturn 1B on an H123. Now call me paranoid, but I'm not sure I could bring myself to fly a rocket that nicely detailed and finished.

We had quite a few certification flights. Mark Grant flew a PML HI-Tech 45 (I think that's supposed to be a LOC kit) on an H123 for a successful certification. Chris Gillham brought out his "Home Grown Got 'M' Power" for a level three attempt on an M1939. Unfortunately, he suffered a recovery system failure (I don't remember if it ejected under power). I expect to see you back again next fall Chris!

Heino Pull made a successful level 2 flight with a Caliber ISP on a J180. Mark Grant then came back for his level 2 flight with an EZI-65 on a J90. I think I missed that flight, but I bet it just kept going and going and going... All right, who let that rabbit in? Don Angle brought out a Binder Design Spike and certified on an H128. One other person also certified. James Hollister finally took the plunge and flew one of his infamous scratch builts on an H128 for a nominal flight.

I found a flight card of Tom's that has a scratch built flying on an H128. Tom, I thought you stuck to the 1/4 and 1/2 A power levels. I didn't realize you were a high power veteran. I hold you in a much higher regard now. I'm also glad you don't seem to mind too much when I pick on you.

Mark Geislinger set up the nitrous system and proceeded to launch a PML Tempest on a J205. I really like the way those hybrids buzz on the way up. Sounds almost like...well, I won't go there.

Steve Mizerany brought out his "Contraption" again. It's a rocket boosted glider/powered/remote control thingie that never ceases to amaze the crowd. It boosted beautifully and Steve made several passes over the field before running out of juice. Way to go Steve!

There were many other excellent flights throughout the day, too many to mention here. It was a great opening to the 1999 high power season. Now if we could only plan around days such as this, we'd have it made.