My Level 1 Certification flight was today and it was fantastic, one of the best days in my adult life. I was really excited about the flight. I painted the fins in different colors, for the three people I lost in the last five years.
My mother got a green fin with Irish orange writing. She was a first-generation American Citizen. from Irish parents. My lovely sister's fin was purple on one side, rose on the other with silver writing. Those are colors she often wore and look fantastic in. My brother's fin was gold with black writing, our High school colors. I feel that I owe them for still being positive guidance in my life. It was a special metaphor, sending my prayers up into the heavens.
I had big plans, like filming from all angles, using my altimeter, my on-board camera. Thankfully, it just came down to me getting my Apogee Zephyr Rocket up and safely returned. Last night I realized that was all that I needed to do, to not overcomplicate and increased the odds of failure.
For the next flight of this rocket, I will add the name, Thre Generations Live On I will also add pictures of my mom, brother and sister, with their children. I will also add a picture of my daughter holding her Alabama University sign, where she was accepted an is now doing wonderful in college. She has a huge smile.
I launched with the nearest NRA club that flies year-around. Colorado Rocketry Association of Space Hobbyists (C.R.A.S.H.) whom launch on 250 acres of State-owned prairie in Ft. Lupton Colorado. Weather is a risk this time of year, since the beginning of the year, we have had not more than 8 days of good weather between snowstorms.
A little wind, but a clear and sunny day with great people of all ages launching. Not as crowded as the summer launches, but with all the right people. My launch was flawless, with the help of a Tripoli Level 3 good man, who certified me. I had never done a high-powered launch before.
With his guidance, everything worked perfectly after an earlier high-powered launch fizzled out. On the wide-open prairie, It was a countdown, then ignition, with a bright flash, and up it went into the blue sky, straight as an arrow flying 1800-1900 feet high, out of visual sight. With an 8 second delay and great tracking smoke, it was pretty easy to pick it up when it came into view. I used an Aerotech DMS H100 WS 14A motor. I adjusted the delay down to 6 seconds last night. I was not too nervous but cautious. I did not want to get over-confident. It drifted gently down, spinning slowly, and landed 8100 feet away from the launch sight, near where an early guy had used GPS to track. The bright orange shock cord made it easy to spot. I know really know the reason for dual deployment.
The attention to my flight and the many congratulations was heartwarming. Most of the flights were lowe-powered. One was a glider that flew down by remote control. I felt like I was being welcomed into a new club of amazing individuals.
I will edit this and post, adding pictures once my friend sends me the pictures that he captured.
May your flights be straight on clear days with a beautiful sun.
My mother got a green fin with Irish orange writing. She was a first-generation American Citizen. from Irish parents. My lovely sister's fin was purple on one side, rose on the other with silver writing. Those are colors she often wore and look fantastic in. My brother's fin was gold with black writing, our High school colors. I feel that I owe them for still being positive guidance in my life. It was a special metaphor, sending my prayers up into the heavens.
I had big plans, like filming from all angles, using my altimeter, my on-board camera. Thankfully, it just came down to me getting my Apogee Zephyr Rocket up and safely returned. Last night I realized that was all that I needed to do, to not overcomplicate and increased the odds of failure.
For the next flight of this rocket, I will add the name, Thre Generations Live On I will also add pictures of my mom, brother and sister, with their children. I will also add a picture of my daughter holding her Alabama University sign, where she was accepted an is now doing wonderful in college. She has a huge smile.
I launched with the nearest NRA club that flies year-around. Colorado Rocketry Association of Space Hobbyists (C.R.A.S.H.) whom launch on 250 acres of State-owned prairie in Ft. Lupton Colorado. Weather is a risk this time of year, since the beginning of the year, we have had not more than 8 days of good weather between snowstorms.
A little wind, but a clear and sunny day with great people of all ages launching. Not as crowded as the summer launches, but with all the right people. My launch was flawless, with the help of a Tripoli Level 3 good man, who certified me. I had never done a high-powered launch before.
With his guidance, everything worked perfectly after an earlier high-powered launch fizzled out. On the wide-open prairie, It was a countdown, then ignition, with a bright flash, and up it went into the blue sky, straight as an arrow flying 1800-1900 feet high, out of visual sight. With an 8 second delay and great tracking smoke, it was pretty easy to pick it up when it came into view. I used an Aerotech DMS H100 WS 14A motor. I adjusted the delay down to 6 seconds last night. I was not too nervous but cautious. I did not want to get over-confident. It drifted gently down, spinning slowly, and landed 8100 feet away from the launch sight, near where an early guy had used GPS to track. The bright orange shock cord made it easy to spot. I know really know the reason for dual deployment.
The attention to my flight and the many congratulations was heartwarming. Most of the flights were lowe-powered. One was a glider that flew down by remote control. I felt like I was being welcomed into a new club of amazing individuals.
I will edit this and post, adding pictures once my friend sends me the pictures that he captured.
May your flights be straight on clear days with a beautiful sun.
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Looking forward to the pictures.
