VAST August Rush Launch

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Chuck Neff

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VAST will be hosting a 2-Day Tripoli Research Launch on Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at our launch site, Croft Field, in Swoope, Virginia (see directions/map on main page of our website). The Research Waiver will be 15,000 feet AGL (75%) and 20,000 feet AGL for commercial motors). "M" impulse motor limit with larger motors considered on a case by case basis. E-mail [email protected] with request and details for larger motors. Level 1 & 2 Certification flights (Tripoli only due to Research launch) can be done with advance notice. Licensed high power dealer will be in attendance with growing inventory. Email [email protected] with requests or more information. Model and mid-power rocket kits as well as "G" motors and below will also be available for purchase at the site.

Per the Tripoli Research Safety Code, you must be a Tripoli member and at least 18 years of age to fly commercial motors. Only Tripoli members that are L2 certified are allowed to fly research motors.

A Night Launch will also be held Saturday evening after the daytime launch, tentatively from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm, depending upon darkness. Waiver is for 3,750 feet AGL. Qualifying rockets shall be continuously illuminated from a time just before the connection of igniter leads until the recovery/landing and must have flown successfully in the same configuration (motor, weights, illumination devices, etc.) during the daylight portion of the launch. Email [email protected] for more information.

Launch fee for adults is $10.00 ($5.00 for club members) per day (Saturday's fee will include the night launch portion). Spectating is free and encouraged! NOTE: Porta-potty is on site!

It is recommended that all flights over 10,000 feet contain some sort of tracking device. Also, due to the rolling terrain that makes up our launch site, it is also recommended that main parachutes be deployed at the upper limit settings that your electronics allow. This should help provide the maximum amount of hang time for locating it before dropping below a hill line.

Check out our Featured Launch Projects page at https://www.valleyaerospace.com/featuredprojects.html

Thanks,
Chuck Neff
Valley AeroSpace Team - President
 
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Anybody thinking about coming to this event? There should be someone out there that these days work for. The opportunity to fly research motors for two days straight, not to mention the research night launch.

Our launch site has a standing 20,000 foot AGL waiver...not call-in..STANDING for commercial motors! That leaves 15,000 feet AGL for research motors. I'm still waiting for someone to do a little waiver tickling at some point...who knows who it will be and when!

Our launch site terrain may be a bit hilly than what most of you are used to, but I'd be willing to bet the view we have isn't like most views seen from launch sites. We have the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as our backdrop.

So, check out our website for more information (www.valleyaerospace.com) and come join us!

Thanks,
Chuck Neff
Valley AeroSpace Team - President
www.valleyaerospace.com
 
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Put me down as tentative. A 2 day research launch sounds really great. I might even bring a large project.
 
If I wasnt seeing my grandparents I would be tickling that with a 13,500k flight on the Sandhawk

Ben
 
Anybody thinking about coming to this event? There should be someone out there that these days work for. The opportunity to fly research motors for two days straight, not to mentione the research night launch.

Our launch site has a standing 20,000 foot AGL waiver...not call-in..STANDING for commercial motors! That leaves 15,000 feet AGL for research motors. I'm still waiting for someone to do a little waiver tickling at some point...who knows who it will be a when!

Our launch site terrain may be a bit hilly than what most of you are used to, but I'd be willing to bet the view we have isn't like most views seen from launch sites. We have the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as our backdrop.

So, check out our website for more information (www.valleyaerospace.com) and come join us!

Thanks,
Chuck Neff
Valley AeroSpace Team - President
www.valleyaerospace.com

I had a great time this weekend, so I'm putting this on my calendar.

Maybe some of these Vikings might be getting anxious for a launch opportunity.
 
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That looks like a nice field and a neat place to fly. I've heard of VAST but never checked out the site. Hmmmm...gotta make a rocketry roady next year and since LDRS is waaaaaay out in CA...I'll keep this one in mind. :cool:

-Dave
 
Only a little over 3 days to decide whether to attend VAST's innaugural August Rush 2-Day Research launch. If you're on the ropes about it, come on out and at least take a look at our site. If you don't like it, no one says you've got to come back. :)

Make the trip and support rocketry here in the western portion of Virginia.

Thanks,
Chuck Neff
Valley AeroSpace Team - President
 
Looking forward to it. Heard a lot of good things about this field.
 
I should be there with three LPR birds, and two more that can be MPR depending on what motors they are given. I'm fairly excited as I've only flown one of the 5 before.

I'll have to hunt around for someone to help me out with hooking up the cluster to the leads on the pad. Its my first launch of that rocket since I inherited, and repaired it.

Guess I should run out and grab some more engines and start painting the two I finished up last night.
 
Thanks VAST crew.... enjoyed the launch today. .. and only one windshield was busted today!
 
LOL post pics!

I didn't make it out, being a non tripoli member flying LPR/MPR 1 or 2 times a year... Trying to fly at a research launch seemed cost prohibitive.

Maybe I'll be able to hit up a normal launch at some point. lol, it would be nice to fly my stuff some time.
 
LOL post pics!

I didn't make it out, being a non tripoli member flying LPR/MPR 1 or 2 times a year... Trying to fly at a research launch seemed cost prohibitive.

Maybe I'll be able to hit up a normal launch at some point. lol, it would be nice to fly my stuff some time.

Pictures?
Rockets magazine was there so I'm sure there will be pictures aplenty.

Advice to all...periodically check your recovery harnesses for wear and heat damage, particularly any portions exposed to ejection charge heat, and BTW: nomex sheathing for harnesses is well advised. Make sure it is correctly positioned over the part of the harness that is the most likely to be subject to heat exposure.

I'd toss any harness that shows wear or age...and of course when you build, throw out that cheap elastic band type stuff or nylon webbing that some kit makers supply.
In the long run, it is much less expensive than loosing your rocket to a bad recovery, or damages that may result.
 
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