December 13, 1997 Launch Report

Contributed by Mark Henriksen

The St. Louis Rocketry Association held our last launch of the year at our Elsberry, MO site on December 13, 1997. We set up on the road due to ground conditions after the rains the last few days. Temperatures were brisk, starting around 30 in the morning and topping out around 45. Blustery winds were on hand to both help drag rockets through the mud and make prepping hands go numb. However, the skies were clear most of the day.

A total of 64 flights were logged among 21 fliers for a good day considering the conditions. Everything from 1/2A to K motors were launched. Most used was the C motor with 18 followed by 13 G class. We had an unprecedented number of certification attempts, both level one and two. Most were successful and Bruce had his hands full.

Kevin Souers flew a Cluster R Sandhawk on an H123 for a successful certification. Bill Hrach made a good flight with a LOC EZI-65 on a J350 for level 2. Heino Pull didn't fair so well. His Thoy Falcon separated at ejection when powered by a J135. This was Heino's second attempt. You know what they say, three's a charm.

Fred Gruis finally made it official with a successful certification flight with his Hyperhopper on a K550. Simulations put this rocket at about 9000 feet and just over mach. Dave Ratcliff made a nominal flight with his LOC Minnie Magg under I161 power for a level one. Rob Chappie brought out his Hail Mary on a J415 for an excellent level 2 flight. This minimum diameter rocket was simulated to over 9000 feet at 1.4 mach.

Jack Hollister brought out a VB extreme 24 three times, stepping up the power at each appearance. He started out with a D12, moving up to an E15 and finally topping it off with a G55. I half expected him to be back with an H180. Where did you go, Jack?

Aaron Edwards brought out his modified Estes Sizzler for a flight under F power. It was a picture perfect flight that ended with a separation. The booster came in ballistic and core sampled about 10 inches. Suprisingly it sustained minimal damage. At least before the trip home. A chair fell on it and finished the job. The day started off with a couple good landings on the road within twenty feet of the pads. Jeff Brundt made a good flight with his beautiful Mercury Redstone on a G64. Gary Bievenue had a screamer of a flight with a LOC Aura on a G80.

We had a few multi-stage rockets as well. Jim Thomas flew an Estes Mongoose on a B6 staging to an A6. Aaron Edwards flew a Commanche on a D12 to a C6 to a C6. He actually recovered all pieces except the nosecone which turned up missing. Mike Hill launched his Streggo rocket using flash bulb ignition. Off the pad on an F40 and staging to a C6, it was a nice flight. Steve Mizerany brought out a finless rocket called "The Russians are Coming" for a good flight on an F52.

Steve also had the last flight of the day with his scratch "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds." Due to the weather, this would turn out to be an early day. Tear down started about 3:45. See you next year!