Quote from Eric Becher on January 28, 2024, 2:23 pm

January 2024 Launch Report

Happy New Year! (FINALLY!)

It was a long time coming, but we finally got to launch. We haven’t been able to say that since November 5^th. Even though we are at the end of January, we were so itching to get rockets in the air, we couldn’t wait until next week/month’s regularly scheduled launch. Furthermore, we launched on a Saturday, because Sunday’s weather was forecasted to be miserable. And as I write this, it is indeed very wet, windy and dreary outside. So good call, and thank you President Brian for securing permission to use the field on all of the previous weekends that we have been trying for.

But on this Saturday’s launch, the weather was pretty great for flying. Winds were light, to non-existent for most of the day. A little chilly, but reasonable if one dressed for the occasion. Even the wet field was workable, and since the north winds allowed it, we could set up our working area on the concrete near the building. So all-in-all, it was a nice day.

Motor totals:

1 – 1/2A motors

1– A motors

4– B motors

19 – C motors

15 – D motors

10 – E motors

8 – F motors

0 – G motors

Total of 58 motors on 52 flights, which is in line with previous winter launches.

View Launch Statistics

Since we didn’t have a chance in December, there were a few Christmas themed launches. Eric flew his “Christmas tree”, “Santa Leaper” and “Buddy Elf” rockets. Jo Ann had her “Elf Shoes”. Charlie also flew his Christmas Tree. All were successful, with one spectacular exception (we’ll get to that later). And just so he can say he did it, Charlie also threw in his improved “Oh my Gourd” for a pretty Great Pumpkin flight. (Charlie Brown fans will catch that one)

Moving on from the holidays, we are in (T)ARC season (the American Rocketry Challenge), and 3 teams showed up for some test flying. Mixed results, with promising flights, and hard lessons learned. It’s good to see them coming out for test flights and learning what works and what doesn’t, which is the point of the contest. We saw some separations, and hard landings, plus one rocket that literally came down in flames! Some different approaches were taken too – some rockets on F motors, and some on 2 E or D motors. The teams also asked a variety of good questions from us old folks about building techniques and flying. Interesting to watch their progress, which is already apparent in some who have been flying since the fall. Good luck to all and we hope to keep seeing you each month.

So even with a light crowd, there were plenty of nice rockets on hand making great flights. The calm winds made for straight up and down flying and short walks. Jeff had his copper “Patriot” and “Tall Daddy”, with a last second chute release preventing total disaster. Manav had a good variety of rockets, including a nicely done “Great Goblin”. Dan flew his egg lofting rocket (gearing up for Easter) and a few others like his larger “Smoking Alien”, but his “Sputnick II” was an entertaining liftoff. Jo Ann’s “Retro Rocket” is a nice little rocket on a big D motor that flies well. Her “Harry Potter” pleased the muggles as well.

But as the saying goes “When it goes as planned, it’s cool. But when it doesn’t, it’s REALLY cool!” We had plenty of that too. There were a number of CATO’s, mostly involving the infamous Estes E12’s. Eric suffered 2 such events, totally destroying "Eat Mor Chikin" in a spectacular explosion on liftoff. Not much of that left but the nose cone! His “Christmas Tree” had a great flight early in the day, but on the second attempt, the tree blew apart shortly after departing the rod. There were a few TARC rockets that suffered as well. Not just the above mentioned "down in flames” event, but a couple of big fireballs too. In non-CATO flights, Joe K. flew a box of Life cereal. Mikey didn’t like it and the box spiraled back to the ground before ejecting the chute (but it did eject!). Joe also tried flying his “Majestic”, but for unknown reasons it didn’t want to fly in a straight line. Twice he got some nice spiral smoke trails.

Speaking of Joe, his Rocketship Games store was on the field. Joe has a nice selection of rocket kits, as well as a lot of motors available. He won’t be with us for next week’s launch, but hopefully we’ll see him in March. Browse his store and place your orders before he attends a launch to save on shipping. (Joe usually posts a discount code for CENJARS members before a launch he attends.)

Pictures and video in the Gallery. If anyone has any of the CATO’s or other nice flights, please feel free to share.

Speaking of sharing, many thanks to Diptanshu’s family for bringing a great spread of snacks for all to share. It was delicious and very welcome on a cold day!

Next launch is scheduled for February 4^th. If the weather cooperates (🤞), we’ll be launching again. Just like Groundhog Day. You can get your Valentine rockets out too!