Do you guys journal or log your rocket flights?

I use 2 forms downloaded from the Apogee web site--1 for the rocket build specs and the 2nd for flight info. As it might be awhile between flights, it helps to note issues or changes when planning on flying the rocket again. When planning on going to a launch, I take a small notebook with notes about the rockets I want to fly and what motors with expected alts. When back home, I load the info a files I have on my computer and also print them off to put into a binder. Even though I have launched only LPR so far, I think it's good practice for getting into MPR/HPR later on. And thanks to lakeroadster for the countdown check sheet, which is probably the most important sheet of all.

Lugnut56 said:

I use 2 forms downloaded from the Apogee web site--1 for the rocket build specs and the 2nd for flight info. As it might be awhile between flights, it helps to note issues or changes when planning on flying the rocket again. When planning on going to a launch, I take a small notebook with notes about the rockets I want to fly and what motors with expected alts. When back home, I load the info a files I have on my computer and also print them off to put into a binder. Even though I have launched only LPR so far, I think it's good practice for getting into MPR/HPR later on. And thanks to lakeroadster for the countdown check sheet, which is probably the most important sheet of all.

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Could you possibly post a link to those forms from Apogee? Their web site is rather extensive and I can't seem to conjure the right search terms to find it...

Anyone else use https://www.insanerocketry.com/ for flight logging?

DAllen said:

Could you possibly post a link to those forms from Apogee? Their web site is rather extensive and I can't seem to conjure the right search terms to find it...

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If you look under "Home > Rocket Books & Videos > Data Sheets > Flight Record Data Sheet" , look for part #'s 35505 (Rocket Data Sheet) , #35506 (Flight Data Sheet) and #35507 (Countdown Sheet). They cost between $2 - $3 each. While looking up this info, I didn't realize they had the countdown sheet. However, the forms in lakeroadster post look to do the same thing and are free.

Looks like thats for a hardcopy. Was hoping for a fillable pdf rather than that. Thanks though!

-Dave

I thought that when I got the forms, I downloaded them as PDF form, but I may have ordered them, then scanned and saved them as a PDF. I have blank forms saved in my computer that I fill out, then "save as" in a rocket info folder so the original blank form is still there. Apogee has always been great to work with, so you might contact them and check if there are PDF forms are available to download.

When I started my re-BAR phase, I started to log my rockets, and my flights. Since I have too many rockets to remember all of the good combinations, this has been a great way to remember what rocket/motor/recovery combinations were good, and which were bad.
I generated this in Word, but TRF will not permit that, so I have converted it to .pdf. Print double sided. THe first sheet has the rocket information and first several flight log spaces, the back allows for a drawing of the rocket or other information (fin outlines, etc.). The second sheet is not used for launches beyond what the first page will handle. I tend to print out lots of the first sheet, and a couple of second sheets. With over 10 built rockets, this has been a lifesaver to keep track of the rockets. I also number the sheets in the order that I built the rockets, and then put that same number on the shoulder of the nose cone to make finding the log sheet easier.

DAllen said:

Could you possibly post a link to those forms from Apogee? Their web site is rather extensive and I can't seem to conjure the right search terms to find it...

Anyone else use https://www.insanerocketry.com/ for flight logging?

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I started using insanerocketry.com for tracking my flights. The web site owner is a local flyer and several of our club members use that site to share details of our builds and post pics of our club launches.

Like Keisling said, many from our local clubs use insanerocketry.com. The site owner (jason cook) is pretty anal about rocketry so he is continually making improvements to site and is very responsive to fixing any bugs that arise.

goose_in_co said:

I also number the sheets in the order that I built the rockets, and then put that same number on the shoulder of the nose cone to make finding the log sheet easier.

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I haven't yet built enough rockets to lose mental track of the order that I built them and although I have unique folders on my computer for all my rockets, I don't date log build/rebuild info as much as I should. I definitely will try to develop a build log tracking system that works for me.

Marking the rocket somewhere itself with a build number (along with repair/modify number) sounds like a great idea as well. Maybe even develop a unique "makers mark" to identify owner.

I have a 2007 version of this: https://rocketkraft.com/model-rocket-flight-log-software/

I like it, used to be called My Rocket Database.

rcktnut said:

I have a 2007 version of this: https://rocketkraft.com/model-rocket-flight-log-software/

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Looks good. I never thought of tracking part costs, probably because it might be best I don't know, lol.

This is a great idea. Just picked up a small pocket journal to put in my field kit. I might transfer stuff to a digital format after the launches but this way I always have something with me that doesn’t have to be charged.

jnelson said:

I put all my flight information, data, and notes into a spreadsheet. It helps me remember what configurations I've used before on certain rockets, what works (and what doesn't work), etc.

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I, with my sister's help, designed an Excel spreadsheet. All flights, even model rockets, are recorded. My JL Altimeter 2 data go into it [for rockets into which it fits - a Firefly is on my shopping list], along with location, meteorological and engine data, recovery specifics, and particular flight results, especially things I'd like to improve/correct/avoid/have learned, etc. Humbling, but helpful. Educative. Thought-provoking and stimulating.

When I was a kid I had a collection of notebooks that I kept information in. I had one for my beer can collection and another one for my flights. I started on day 1, flight 1 and used these little savings and loan notebooks that my Mom brought home from Mother's Club/PTA events. When I got back into the fray in 2001, I was lucky enough to find my original notebook from 1977 and just added the flights from there. (It disappeared when we moved in 2005.) I upgraded to a journal style notebook and started adding information as it occurred to me. From there I began to use the EMRR Flight Logs and I've continued to use them to this day.

JamesS said:

I haven't yet built enough rockets to lose mental track of the order that I built them and although I have unique folders on my computer for all my rockets, I don't date log build/rebuild info as much as I should. I definitely will try to develop a build log tracking system that works for me.

Marking the rocket somewhere itself with a build number (along with repair/modify number) sounds like a great idea as well. Maybe even develop a unique "makers mark" to identify owner.

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When I have a few redundant dual deploy rockets I tend to lose the drogue primary, drogue backup, main, and main backup powder volumes from memory. I know close enough, but you get an occasional boo-boo and have to go back and see what you did.

I have a spreadsheet for all my dual deploy stuff where I log my charges, expected altitudes, etc... When I fly one, I change the sim line (alt/speed/etc) to a tested line and log what happened. Multiple flights=multiple entries.

I have a couple of smaller ones that I don't keep as good of records on, but I know what needs to go in them. I also have a few motor deploy rockets that fly H/I's and I have a pretty good handle on those delays.

Starting to find I need to track my battery usages for the 9V's for future stuff.

I have decided to start logging my flights. I have a binder with the OR details for each rocket anyway, so I will just add a page to each rockets section of the binder. Have one for HPR, and a second for LPR & MPR.

hcmbanjo said:

I log all launches at rocketreviews.com.
Set up an account and sign in.

Like any new interface it'll take a moment to learn how to input the data.
First time you input info about the rocket, "style" and "sizes".
Then you can add the recent flight data, pictures or video.
It keeps track of all my rockets, the flights and cumulative launch data.

View attachment 403629

After the flight data is entered, go to the lower left - "What you can do"
and add photos or video.

Here's the finished flight page:

View attachment 403630

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Me too! Well, not all, but at least many of the interesting ones that I figured would be useful data for myself and others. I've read much of your stuff and it was well appreciated!

I run simulations and then track data on all of my Mid Power and High Power rockets. I then use the data to adjust variables in the simulations so that they more closely resemble reality. Those adjustment to the variables are then used in simulations for future builds. All part of the fun for me.

JamesS said:

Several years ago, I started taking flight notes soon after getting L1 cert. I usually fill these out very soon after the flights while things are still very fresh in my mind and then they all get thrown in a binder. These notes then help me keep track and remember how things went and especially how to improve or make changes going forward and also not remake any mistakes if I fly the rocket again.

I also try to improve my actual log form itself, so I thought I'd check here and get ideas from others who may also journal/log their flights - feel free to post up your forms or share what works or doesn't work for you.

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Absolutely!

Check out this entry on my blog...

https://castlerocketeer.blogspot.com/2017/04/documentation-is-everything.html?m=0

I documented my last in a spiral notebook and then here on TRF. https://www.rocketryforum.com/threa...ssociation-weekend-launch-march-25-26.179070/

I also track my motor inventory to help decide what to launch and what engines to purchase.

I started a couple times but never managed to be consistent.

no fancy forms, just notebook paper in 3 ring binder, Have logged every flight since the early 80s.