Kolache's from Slovecek's where top notch, and appeased the Rocket Gods!
After making a Kolache selection, my boys found the cinnamon roles (Texas size) next to the register. I was talked into one plus a cinnamon twist! Boys saved Kolache's for later.
A dozen where delivered to the main check in table and appear to have been enjoyed by many throughout the day.
Now for my personal success, I first passed the TRA L2 written even with some new questions thrown in. With all the activity RSO / LCO the table, I didn't get the results of the written until PokerJoe walked up and asked if I was prepping for the Cert flight. After being informed of the written results, I said sure let me pull this I145M out and put in the J425R to the BD Tyrannosaur! Engine swapped and both Altimeter checked again, we where off to have it checked in. RSO looked it over, asked a few questions and said go ahead and put it on the far pad (Closer ones where already taken).
Pad installation was relatively easy. Altimeters activated via switch for a StratoLogger SL100 and a Eggtimer Wi-fi switch to activate an Eggtimer Quark, and we had 2 sets of ready to fly beeps. I had be patient while the near pads where launched one by one to get to my turn. My youngest (6) was eagerly waiting for to get a chance to launch the much awaited Tyrannosaur as well. Finally, our turn was up, count down, and the press of the button..... smoke....red flame!
The boost under the AT J425R had plenty of punch for the nearly 7 lbs Tyrannosaur. It was pretty much straight up with a little spin....maybe that provided some stabilization. The coast was to 2562 (if I remember the beeps correctly) and at nose over, there was separation. The drogue was out and at +1 sec, another puff from the backup charge.... this is looking good I think to my self. The controlled fall under the 12" drogue seemed to take forever, where it this thing going to end up, what are the winds aloft going to do to it??? 500' another event with a 50" main showing up shortly after, then the backup main event at 300'. We watched at the now slow drift it toward a pad of tarmac just south of the away pad! Finally touchdown, and the chute deflates! Do I do it? It is going to be fully intacked on the tarmac?
A short walk over, and this it is, just as it should be! A few minor scratched and nicks, but overall in good shape, not even signs of a drag as much as just settling. We packed up the harnesses and chutes, and walked back to the RSO tent. After inspection, I got a congratulations on your LEVEL 2. I give credit to the kolache's!
It was a great day. Thanks to the Houston Tripoli group for hosting a great lunch. Thanks to Jeff Jones for the tips and extra push to go for it!
I know, now it's time to open the wallet again. Not sure there's an L3 anywhere in my near future, but never say never!
Jack Poehlman
TRA 01260
NRA 41185
L1 - 9/2014 on a 25 year old LOC Precision
L2 - 5/13/2017 on a Binder Designs Tyranossaur that took 2.5 years to get from start to flight!