May Launch ops

May 8th

UPDATE AS OF FRIDAY @ 10:00 PM

Current Wunderground winds forecast is still for winds from the SSW to W (210 degrees EARLY shifting to 270 degrees) favoring the un-barley'ed side of the field untill about 4 - 5 PM, then shifting from the northwest between 5 and 8 PM. The plan is to set up at 9:00, with flight ops starting at 9:30 or 10:00. We can fly till either 7:00 or until the wind kills us with the barley crop, whichever comes first. The earlier you fly the better your chances it looks like. Ken WILL be on site so BUY STUFF!

A big factor in the favor of May 8th is that Ken Allen will be able to attend since Orangeburg moved their launch to the 15th and 16th to avoid the Mothers Day conflict. (This also means that the die-hards and the BIG projects can still go to O'burg the following w'end.)(dr)

RSO
The new process seems to be working. I want to thank everyone for all of their time and effort. Please remember that any rocket without RSO initials on it will not be launched. For special events like a cub scout troop - we may have an LPR RSO in addition to the main RSO.

Volunteer Please
As always we will need volunteers at the launch. Multiple jobs are available and I will send my sign up sheet template to the others for them to use. Please chime in online if you know ahead of time that you can be available to assist. Jobs are listed below:

Setup - 2-3 people to help carry gear and setup pads. May need someone with a truck to help haul equipment back and forth.

Tear Down - 4+ people to help tear down the gear, move it and stow it. May need someone with a truck again.

RSO/LCO - We need 3-4 people each day to sign up for 2 hour shifts for LCO & RSO (Total of 6-8 time slots). LCO's can be any adult member of NAR or Tripoli (L1 preferred). RSO requires L2 or higher certification. LCO's need to be aware of the rules including verifying the skies and range are clear and LCO's should be on the lookout for problems with recovery trajectory or launch angles that are inappropriate.

2010 - Golf Ball Loft - LPR Competition
I haven't seen official results but I think Sandy won and I think I came in third. I also think there were only about 3 entries! If this contest didn't do it for you please suggest what you think will - contests are fun and if no official contest works dream up a new one like Paul did.

Certify and FLY
Ralph will not be at the launch if we hold it on May 8th. This means no Tripoli Certification can be done. NAR L1/L2 certs should still be an option but you should post here or contact other NAR members in the club to be sure you will have the required observers on hand when you make the flight.

Now that APCP is no longer regulated as an explosive it is easier to certify and fly. However a word of caution. Some people view the three levels as a goal and quickly ramp up through the levels without stopping to enjoy the journey. Take your time and enjoy yourself along the path - don't rush things.

Performance Hobbies might attend
Ken Allen can only attend if we fly on May 8th. You should contact Ken and ensure that he is aware of what you want before May 5th if possible.

NAR HPR H Eggloft - April 2010
Not sure what the results were here. Poor turnout is an understatement. What can we do to make these more interesting? (I was the only one to fly, and my H-180 had a meltdown... omelet city!)(dr)

Thanks
Thanks to all who help make this a great club. We have had good participation with setup and tear down and plenty of additional help in other areas. Pat yourselves on the back - you make this club a great place to have fun.

Sincerely,
Brad Shea
ROCC President
roccprez@rocketrycarolina.org