What a great day to fly rockets! True, it was cool, but low-to-no winds at Bong! Nice day, and the larger group that showed up to play surprised Frank and crew. Good times had by all on the frozen, but thawing tundra!
Mark K. got things rolling with his silver phenolic rocket on an I65W...a great tribute to Jack Svetlik who passed away recently. Jack was a faithful attendee of TWA launches, and other launches in the Midwest for that matter dating back to the early days of the Danville launches. Jack would share his stories and photographs with all; in his white T-shirt, khaki pants, regardless of the time of year or weather. We miss you already, Jack! Unfortunately, Mark was too quick and I didn't get the camera assembled in time to photograph, but I'm pretty sure Kevin H took better shots of this flight than I could anyway!
I had a Madcow Big Fizz (4" Alpha) prepped for 6 months or so. Flying the alphabet G-K on Sunday, we started with this one. Mild flight on a fun little H115 Dark Matter.
It was so good to see Bill Bertoldi back at Bong. After being away for some time due to health issues, he returned with his usual clever style and warm smile. Great to see you, Bill! Bill built a Wildman Super Jart and adorned it with Duck Dynasty gear in honor of the wonderful Peggy! Clever name, if you look closely from top-to-bottom on the airframe, it shows
Love Si-Ants. Bill and Peggy, both teachers by trade, love science. Nicely done! Bill and Peggy:
Frank became jealous and wanted his picture with Peggy too!
After all the photo goodness, Bill flew it on the lovely Aerotech J800T. Love that motor! Great flight and excellent dual main chute recovery right by the pad; nicely done!
Gary
Mr. Top Flight Recovery Pletzer was on hand to melt some prairie grass, hang out, and visit. He flew the dependable RW Rogue on a sparky J motor. It was loud and the Rogue flew straight and true. Recovery was great, even if the JL Chute Release did let go a bit early.
Who doesn't love an Initiator?!?! Here's one with a great (bright!) paint scheme on an Aerotech E15-4W. Nice majestic boost with the crackle of White Lightning!
Eric B. promised us a flight with his new 3" Punisher and he didn't disappoint. Aerotech H242T for the boost and dual deploy recovery. Gotta hook you up with a "standard" Top Flight chute! Nice flight!!!
Charles McG broke out of the fermentation plant for a few hours to fly some exciting creations. First up an upscale Quinstar on a G79 Smoky Sam. Cool rocket, beautiful flight!
Another tribute to Jack! I didn't have any of Jack's favorite I65W motors, but I had a CTI I55 Mello! I55 Mello+light winds+Caliber ISP=good combo. Just kept burning and burning and burning; said hello to Jack way up there! What Mellow propellant lacks in visual appeal it makes up in long burn excitement....pictures just aren't the best way to experience this propellant.
Finally got my son Cody to get out of the truck. He launched his Rocketry Warehouse Scarab 54 on a CTI G80 Skid...fun little motor and landing near the pads...good job buddy!
My Dad Tom decided it was time to participate, flying the venerable PML 1/4 Patriot on an Aerotech I161W....just remembered that was my second HPR flight ever in January 2000. Great combo!
Next to the Patriot on the pad was a 3" Wildman Dual Deploy. Wooshed the skies on an Aerotech J401FJ I believe. Another cool flight!!!
....to be continued...