Launch Report WOOSH Bong State Recreation Area March 18, 2000

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Low and High Power have a great day, despite the forecast!

Bong RA, Burlington, WI - The forecast called for deteriorating conditions as the day progressed, but the ceiling held in there at about 5000 to 7000 feet the whole time, and no one saw any snowflakes.  The wind was ESE changing to East by late in the day, and never got much above 10-12 mph.  We even had about two or three hours in the afternoon when the wind hardly there at all.  The temps stayed at the mid 30's for most of the day.  Not bad for Wisconsin in March!  Along with the good weather, was the fact that we had no prangs or major failures.  All in all, it was an extraordinary day with over 70 flights!

Things got started with Dean Roth's Launch Pad Harpoon at 9:31 flying on a "Never CATO" D12-3.  A little problem with the first igniter was solved when he switched to a DaveyFire N28F.  That got it up and going for sure.

John Barrett flew the most, with 21 flights today!  Way to go, John!!  His flights included a Lance Beta flying on an F62-4 Dark Star, a Patriot on a cluster of 4 D12-3's, and a cluster of 2 D12-5's powering an Impulse.  Unfortunately, the 2 D12's BOTH CATO'd on the Impulse (the first time I have ever seen 2 motors CATO simultaneously.)  John was in tune with his Irish heritage, and the time of year, by flying his Shamrock and Shamrock II today.

David Seer flew his Hi-Tech twice, once on an F40-7W, and again on a G33-5.  Both were good flights.  He also got his Initiator off the pad on an Econojet F23-4 for another fine flight.

Fred Jarosch launched his NCR Patriot on a G75-6, an NCR Big Brute on a G80-7 and an Aerotech Initiator on an F25-9.

We got to see an UgliStik go up on a G64, with 2-stage deployment, thanks to Don Wende.  The altimeter worked flawlessly, and reported an altitude of 1972 feet.  Nice work, Don!  Earlier in the day, Don boosted a LOC Onyx on an F50-9 for another successful flight.

Paul Smith was busy, with 10 flights to his credit today.  He put up a PML Black Brant VB, Farside, Avenger(2X), Cobra, V-2, LongShot, National Aerospace Plane(2X), and a Falcon.  I am sure Paul's students will get over having their class shortened this morning...  We were glad to have your company.

Eric Schimmel from South Bend, Indiana was visiting us today, and launched his Mean Machine for the first time on a D12-3.  Schimmel & Company stayed around for some time, enjoying the Launch.  Nice to have you launch with us.  Please come again!

Scott Hansen was on hand to fly his Patriot (Classic Citation Series) on a C6-5.

Others on hand to support the activities were:

Thanks for your support everyone, by coming out to fly today!

Young people made their mark, too!

Viv and Meg flew their own design named the Cat's Eye on a D12-3, and had a perfect flight.  They also flew their Mosquito (the original) at about 11:00.  I don't know if they got it back or not-it really went up there fast!  Those ¼A's can really move.  Let us know, gals, if you were able to find the little bugger. 

Jared Wende flew his MX109 on an A8-3 and had a nice flight.  Kimberli Wende flew her Sidewinder on an Estes B4-2, and got it up to about 200 ft.  The helo recovery took over just as it was supposed to, and the rocket landed about 30 feet from the pad.  The Wende family was also represented by Joshua, who flew his AIM-9 Sidewinder (the scale model of the missile) on a C6-5.  He also had the last flight of the day, flying the "Saucer" on a ½ A3-2.

Eric Seer launched his Legacy on an Aerotech F22-5.  Nice first flight for the Legacy, Eric!

Its fantastic to see the younger crowd taking an interest in Rocketry-be sure to make it a habit, guys!  We want to see you out there.

Yes, there was some High-Power, too!

David Seer showed versatility by flying some HPR also.  We got to see his Ariel on an H180 using altimeter backup and again on an H97-5 for two nice flights.

Fred Jarosch launched his Phoenix on an H123 for a perfect flight.

Paul Regan flew his Weezy 165 on an H123, and got his Level 1 cert.  Congratulations, Paul!!

Then some big ones came out to "Wow" us.  A Black Brant X, courtesy of Mike Dybul ripped off the pad on a J350.  Later in the day, he treated us to seeing his 35 lb. Ultimate Endeavor go straight up on a K700.  The flight was flawless-the stuff of dreams, but the two altimeters had a difference of opinion about exactly how high the bird went.  One reported 2347 ft, while the other reported 2275 ft.  Close enough after a flight like that!!

Dean Roth flew the "mini-beast" (4-inch airframe) on an I435 for a great flight to 2000 feet.  Too bad we weren't having a spot landing contest, because this one landed within 100 feet of the pad.  Fantastic flight!  Later, he flew the Beast (6-inch airframe) on a K700.  Max altitude reported was +3200 ft.  Some trouble occurred at apogee separation, when the bird was "reverse-zippered" ("UP" the airframe instead of "down" it.)  The Beast also battered itself by banging one of the fins against the upper airframe . Dean says even longer shock cords are in order for the next flight.

Dave Zupon got a late start, but had two good flights to his credit.  He flew his Mustang Dawg on an I211 and got to 5285 feet!  The rocket landed by the road near Lot "G," in good shape.  After switching the chute over to his Test Dawg, he launched that one on an I284.  It really ripped up the rail.  Another nice flight

Despite cooler temps, and only occasional sun, everyone had a great time today.  Thanks to everyone who helped organize and setup, and thanks to everyone who came out!

David Seay
NAR #21472

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