Quote from Eric Becher on April 13, 2025, 8:59 pm

April 2025 Launch Report

The forecast promised this to be a nice day of flying. Promises were broken! It was much windier than any one of us expected. Thankfully it wasn’t too cold, but the holiday, spring breaks, and the delayed launch seemed to keep the crowd low. Motor totals reflect this.

Engine totals:

2 – 1/2A Engines
9 – A Engines
6 – B Engines
9 – C Engines
7 – D Engines
2 – E Engines
5 – F Engines
0 – G Engines
Total of 40 engines on 37 flights. The lowest count in 2 years!
View Launch Statistics

 

The wind was, yet again, a big issue on this day. While it was predicted to be light, and decreasing, that did not prove to be the case. But some diehards worked though it and we got some “eventful” flying in anyway.

I recognition of Easter, a few egg rockets were launched (though most without eggs in them), even though there was no real contest. Brian C’s was probably the most spectacular with a CATO just after liftoff on a D12-7. Eric also launched his “Easter Hopper” a couple of times, with about as much success as anyone can have with that kind of “rocket”. Our ARC star, Diptanshu, launched some eggs too, but unfortunately part of his rocket was lost into the back bramble.

By the way, Diptanshu’s team apparently had a pretty good score in ARC qualifying, and we look forward to having them go to Virginia for the finals next month. Good Luck Diptanshu and the Mach Lightspeed Team!

Another unfortunate feature of the day was the corner rocket eating tree. It has munched on some rockets before. Jeff has had one in there for a few months now. But on this day, it outdid itself. The corner ate no less than 3 rockets, all in quick succession. Jo Ann’s “Red Flare, Chris’ “Harpoon” and Manav’s “Prototype 1” all fell victim within a few minutes of each other. For Manav, I think it was the first flight of a nice-looking rocket. Sorry buddy. Happens to the best of us.

But there were plenty of good flights, with happy landings. Brian brought back a dried-out Pringles, which had gone for a swim at Red Glare. Eric & Jo Ann flew a bunch of rockets, including some with new “CENJARS” parachutes (obtained with the help of Neil). Jay & Christopher flew their “Michigan Beats Alabama” to great heights. They also flew a red rocket, currently unnamed, that got lost, but was later found. Jay – you can pick it up next launch. Dan had a few small rockets, including a small 2-engine cluster. Linden also had a couple of nice flights, including an interesting Mongoose flight that seemed to leave the booster behind, yet took off with the booster engine still attached and burning (check out the Gallery). Brian C. also had a few nice flights, including his “Trajector,” “King Ring,” and “Just Another Rocket,” all on big E & F engines. No guts, no glory!

Well, with the small crowd and high winds, we called it a day a little early. It got to the point that most were not willing to risk another rocket to the trees, bramble, or lawn dart target area across the street. But thanks to Jeff for the pretzel bites, and Eric & Jo Ann for the Easter eggs.

Next launch should be a fun one. It will be on May the 4^th – Star Wars Day! So, bring out your best rockets from a galaxy far, far away. There promises to be Death Stars, X-Wings, R2-D2’s, and possibly appearances from beloved characters!

Stay tuned folks. The weather has got to be nice for us one of these days!