TSM May Launch - 05/24/2008

If one had to choose a single word to describe the May launch, it would be 'WINDY!'. Even with the wind, there were a good showing of rockets that were tossed up in the sky by some brave rocketeers.

Tanner had his 'Gold' out to the range for the first flight of the day. It was a nice looking rocket with rear deployed chutes. In a good flight, recovery was made with one of the two chutes. Perhaps a blessing in the wind.

The second launch of the day was also by Tanner with his Blue Ninja on a D12-5 in another nice flight.

Abbey and Tanner posed for a picture, respectively showing off their Viking II and Killer Bee. Abbey flew her Viking II on a H185 redline which had a very quick burn and a nice flight landing close to the range head. A proud Tanner wasnt fearful to fly his Killer Bee on a G80, but the day got the best of the Bee and it will be in for some repairs. Hopefully Tanner will be able to mend the Bee and get it back to Maple Island in short order. Good Luck!

Sharing some of the flightline woes with Tanner and his Killer Bee, Warren and Craig K ran into issues as well. Warren flew his Delta I on an H242T with an expected altitude of 3100feet, testing an EFC. Sadly the Delta ran into some issues and might not find its way back to the range head. Craig flew his venerable Praying Mantis on a I285 to an expected altitude of 2000 feet. The Mantis separated with no chute and found its way to the deployment doctor for a hopeful recovery.

Perhaps toasting the bravery of the flyers at the May launch, Mark T. had his Flying Martini Glass of Death out at the range. The martini glass took off on a C motor and staggered home very close to the range head. Perhaps showing us you should not drink and fly!

Mark H. flew his Hornet Monocopter on a B motor for its maiden flight. All went well and the Hornet flew again on a C motor. The 'copters kept close to the ground with flight card comments of an expected altitude of 75 feet. Also expected to reach 75 feet in altitude was Mark's Texas Special Saucer on a D motor. With the winds as it was, close to the ground was a very good call!

Jacob and Emmett Smith both had flights with their Alpha and Starhawk respectively. Elsewhere in the lower powered flights, Lance had an awesome named rocket called 'Max Destruction Grave Digger'. Lance's rocket held true to its name as it came in ballistic. Lance's Rocket Lion faired better flown on a C6-5.

Brandon flew his White Lighting on a C6 motor and experienced chute separation and he also flew his Long March 3 with a flight similar to a cruise missile - just goes to show you that Rocket Science isnt always easy. Elswhere in the lower power flights, Adam Long flew his CU-Later on a C motor with better results.

Jerry flew his Iris on a F52-T with a picture perfect recovery close to the range head. Nice Flight!

Complimenting Jerrys nice flight, Andy flew his Tachyon Pulse on a F21 and David Whitaker flew his PML AMRAAM-2 on a G71 - both very nice flights.

Bill Assimes flew his Bullpuppy with an expected altitude of 750 feet. Glen had two rockets, his Short Circuit and his Divide by Zero, both powered by D12-3 motors. The Divide by Zero was somewhat complex with multiple deployments and I believe it was equiped with an altimeter as well.

The May launch was a fun day under swept away by wind conditions. It just goes to show you that the fear of a little wind won't sway a true rocketeer away from the flying fields ;-)

I hope to see everyone at the June launch for another dog-gone good time!