Brian
White's ECOF-2003 Launch Report
Had an interesting time at the at the registration table. I
had a chance to meet most if not all the fliers, visitors and guests. The
weather was great could not ask for much better.
We had several visitors offering to pay a fee to watch the launches. They were
all graciously told there was no fee to watch and we were glad they came out.
A few visitors wanted to buy some of the raffles prizes but were sold raffle
tickets instead.
A couple of people asked about food and drink items, they were directed to the
concession located at the beach in area C.
I believe we had fewer flyers this year as opposed to last but more spectators.
Kudos to the member who was responsible for the announcement in the Milwaukee
paper. Many visitors indicated the same the announcement.
The youngsters who won the raffle prizes seemed very happy with the kits that
were presented. I would like to thank all those who contributed.
The only negative was a complaint from a visitor early on about the paper
indicating that the launch was to start at 10:00am and that we were slow in
starting. I explained that we need time to setup the ranch check out the gear to
ensure a safe launch. The flyers need time to prep the rockets and that we would
be starting shortly. I think the first launch occurred about 10:15am. This
visitor stayed past noon and seemed to enjoy the launch once the rockets were
flying at a steady pace.
Of course the porta pottie was very nice.
I did not keep track of every launch but we seemed to be very steady and
constant with the launches.
Some of the launches brought out the oohs and ahhs from the spectators, always a
nice touch in my opinion.
Model rocketry promotional material was distributed as well as the WOOSH ECOF
2003 newsletter.
I believe that WOOSH and model rocketry had a very good public relations day.
I answered a lot of questions from visitors at the registration table. I think
we could use an additional public relations/information officer position; It was
difficult at times to handle both registration and questions in a timely matter.
Congratulations to Walt for achieving his level 1. His certification generated
lots of questions.
I launched three times on Saturday, my first launch as picture perfect an
Aerotech G-Force on a SU G80-4, the second the same G-Force on a RMS G64-4 that
fizzled on the launch pad. Produced a lot of smoke, scorched the tail a little
but no other damage. The rocket remained flyable as demonstrated on Sunday with
a picture perfect using the same type reload that as used on Saturday . My last
launch on Saturday was an Areotech Arreaux on a F20-7. The rocket flew straight
drifting slightly south after the boost phase. Then greatly south after
deployment. Somewhere south of the runway behind the tree line lays the rocket,
I could not find it. Note to self, next time use some type of locator.
For the weekend, 4 launches:
1 failed launch - post mortem on the motor indicated the components were
assembled correctly. The rocket did not seem to be hung up on the launch rod.
3 successful launches
2 successful recoveries.
1 lost rocket.
1 rocket in need of minor repair.
Brian White