Quote from Eric Becher on March 9, 2026, 3:12 pm

March 8, 2026 Launch Report

FINALLY – a good enough day to fly! We haven’t been able to fly since early January, so while conditions were not ideal, it was nice to get back out to the field and fly a few things.

Engine totals:

0 – 1/2A Engines
4 – A Engines
24 – B Engines
3 – C Engines
2 – D Engines
6 – E Engines
11 – F Engines
3 – G Engines
Total of 53 engines on 53 flights.

View Launch Statistics

There was a small, but enthusiastic crowd braving the mild weather, the standing water, the mud, the gusty wind, and the evidence of geese taking unspeakable liberties with the field. But if you were there, you enjoyed the day.

Starting off the day was a dramatic drag race of upscale Goblins on G engines from Neil and Christian. Christian won by roughly 1.452 miles! Neil’s took it’s time getting started, but when it did go, there was a surprise pumpkin chute. Who would have thought they’d see a Jack-o-lantern in March!

Charlie then flew with his traditional “Snitch” saucer. Trying out a new flight configuration, the Snitch took the launch rod with it, and managed to stick the landing. The snitch never touched the ground and the rod didn’t even bend! That wasn’t the only one to be a “stick in the mud”. Several other rockets look home a little extra mud sample. At least it was a soft landing, minimizing the landings for some.

We had some catching up to do in observing past holidays that we missed. Chris O. flew his “Fire Horse” for the Lunar New Year, which came with his colorful streamer. Eric & Jo Ann flew their pair of Valentine’s rockets. And Eric flew his “Mardi Gras” rocket. For some reason we did not see the groundhog this year. I guess it saw its shadow. Also, in early observance, Hudson flew his Estes Goddard rocket for the 100^th anniversary of Robert Goddard’s first liquid fueled rocket. More on this later.

There were a bunch of ARC teams there, as expected. With no available field, and the deadline looming for their qualifying flights, the pressure is on for the kids who have entered the challenge. We saw at least 9 ARC flights yesterday. Knowing they have catching up to do, CENJARS is doing what it can to support the teams in the area. Brian has gained permission to use the field for EVERY REMAINING SUNDAY IN MARCH. So if you are an ARC team, there are still a few opportunities to fly with us (weather permitting). And if you are NOT an ARC team – come on out to fly anyway. We’ll be there with the equipment, so take advantage of the bonus days if you can.

While not doing the ARC challenge, Eric R. made a bunch of flights with his Athena, apparently gaining some flight data. No less than 14 flights with 2 versions of it. A busy day for him, but it was fun seeing them go up so often.

And finally, we have to thank Charlie for his work in replacing the wires for the controllers. The new set is much less bulky, and longer, which allows safer distances from the pads, and a better spread of the ¼” rods and rails. There was a fair amount of soldering involved in this, and it was no small task. Thanks Charlie!

Our next equipment upgrade will be the new controller that Brian has been working on, and is getting closer to completing. We’re starting to look pretty high-tech out there!

So the next launch is scheduled for March 15^th. We will have 2 occasions to observe that day. The following day, March 16^th, is the above mentioned 100^th anniversary of Robert Goddard’s liquid fueled rocket “Nell”. Modern rocketry started with this small, simple rocket, but within 43 years we were traveling to the moon and back. Everything mankind has been able to achieve in traveling into space can trace it’s origins back to this launch. Estes has released a small plastic version to mark the occasion and is encouraging clubs and schools to launch this, or any other rocket, in observance. Flis Kits also has a larger version that is more complex to build, but a little more historically accurate. Several Club members have either or both versions and are readying them for launch. So if you have one, bring it out and join us. And if you don’t have one, bring something else to pay tribute to Robert with.

And of course, next week is St. Patrick’s Day! Bring out your flying Shillelaghs, shamrocks, or anything else green. We all get to be Irish!

Pics are in the Gallery. We’ll probably add to them each week.

Note also that Rocketship Games is not likely to join us for these launches. But he will do his utmost to rush you an order if you need something in the next few weeks. Since he’s close by, the shipping should be fast.