August Launch Report

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!

Gary Stroick

We also had a J class two stage record this month set by Gary Stroick and his PML Quantum Leap. In the booster, Gary used a Cesaroni I540 WT and in the sustainer a Cesaroni I285. His rocket achieved an altitude of 6750.2 feet for yet another spectacular flight, but just shy of Pat's altitude. Two-stage rockets are very complicated and, many things can go wrong, but this was a perfect flight, congratulations. BTW Gary is planning his level 3 CERT attempt later this year at BALLS.

Carl Wasleske

Yet another record setting flight was Carl Wasleske and his rocket "Mad Dog" which ripped a big hole in the sky with an Aerotech K550W. Using the mighty K550 Carl achieve an altitude of 6527 feet, which secures first place in the K class record book. If you didn't get a chance to see his rocket the workmanship and attention to detail are incredible, I can't wait to see what Carl puts up next month.

Bill Kalsow

In the J class Bill Kaslow held the record for a very short time on Saturday. The name of his rocket is "All My Ca$$h" which I think stems from his L2 attempt earlier this year where things did not go quite as planned. However this Saturday, Bill's flight was perfect and he did receive his L2 certification. He used an Aerotech J540R to achieve an altitude of 5322 feet, which secures second place in the J class altitude records. Congratulations on a great flight and the level 2 certification.

Mike Corbett

The final record set this month goes to Mike Corbett who is new to the club this year. His PML Tomahawk powered by an Aerotech I161W achieved an altitude of 2202 feet. He also received his L1 certification along with the I class altitude record. This was a great first flight and congratulations on both setting the I record and receiving your level 1 certification.

Some other memorable fights this month were Rob Grygar and his rocket "Tuff Stuff" powered by a Cesaroni K445. Although Rob had avionics on board, a accurate altitude reading was not possible. His recovery was one of two tree landings. After a little tree trimming Rob was able to free his rocket from the trees. When you see Rob next month, ask him about some of the unique recoveries of "Tuff Stuff" this rocket has been through a lot.

Wayne Johnson had an interesting flight and recovery as well. The fight went perfectly but after a couple of hours of searching Wayne found his rocket hanging from yet another of our nieboring trees.

The other certifications this month include Ian Sinclair for his level 1 certification and Jef Jordan who received his level 2 certification on Saturday as well.

On the other side of the coin David Kittell and his very nicely built R-2 were blown to bits when the J500 decided to do a rapid disassembly. Sorry Dave but if it helps we all feel your pain.

This rounds off the highlights from our August launch. Remember a challenge has been placed by Dave, our Prefect, that we have at least one M launch every month from North Branch next year. Bill would like to start this challenge early and try to get it M flight up at the October launch this year so stay tuned.

Fly High -- Fly Fast -- Fly Safe