Nov ROCC launch is a GO with Exceptions (Next Weekend Nov 17th and 18th)

OK, everyone has been bugging me about flying at the Farm. Well, here is the current situation. I spoke to Kip Williams tonight (Nov. 7th) regarding the field status. The left hand side of the field has been harvested both of corn and soybeans. They have begun work in the back on the right hand side of the field to harvest it. He expects it to be done by next weekend. The farm received 4" of rain two weeks ago which has allowed them to plant the Barley for the winter crop. That is the good news.

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General Tibbets

This just in from the "Beeb" Gen. Paul Tibbets, USAAF (Ret.), has passed away. Link

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LEUP and day boxes

I'm working through the process of getting my LEUP and had a very good meeting with one of our local ATF personnel, Inspector Nora Mace, the other day. A question came up that we had no answer for about the use of type 3 magazines, or "Day Boxes", and the labeling requirements of the magazine. She contacted the Charlotte Fire Inspector's office and made some inquiries on our behalf and I thought I'd share what we found. From the NFPA code, adopted by both North Carolina and Charlotte/Mecklenburg: Day Boxes National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 495 Above ground storage of Explosive Materials 9.6.3 Type 3 Magazines: A type 3 magazine shall be a "day box" or portable structure used for the temporary storage of explosive materials. 9.6.3.6 Type 3 magazines containing explosive materials shall be within line of site vision of a blaster. On the question of to mark or not mark a day box with the word �Explosives�: Deputy Fire Marshal Leonard stated there does not appear to be any requirement for labeling or marking. The local ATF office does support labeling of type 3 magazines as "good practice". So while it's not a MUST, it does seem like it might be appropriate. Our concern was one of calling attention to what the contents of the magazine might be to someone who would find it attractive to steal, vs. the need to alert personnel in the event of a fire or other emergency response situation.

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October Launch POSTPONED

I spoke with Ralph about the farm earlier this evening, about a conversation he had with Kip on Friday about this weekend's launch. Between the crops still being in the fields and the NC Governor's statewide burning ban imposed this afternoon we're in a holding pattern as far as a launch window. The feeling is that the risk of fire is just too great to go for a launch. If anything were to go wrong and a spark or burning ember end up in the wrong place we could have a very big problem in a very short time. Please understand that we want to launch as much as anybody else, but we're in a unique situation untill the region gets some water. Keep an eye on this spot for further information. We'll keep you posted as we get word on future developments.

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Balls 16, Black Rock NV

I had a great opportunity to have lunch with Mark Canepa and Brad Shea yesterday in downtown Charlotte. Mark was telling tales about his trip out to the Black Rock dry lake for Balls 16, the experimental TRA launch. I went searching on Flickr for photos and found some, one of which was the full size Nike Smoke (19 feet tall, 4 N2700's and a central N2800). The Nike had a great launch, but came in ballistic and sank some 16 feet or so into the lake bed on impact. This was also the event celebrated on the cover of the New York Times with the high altitude shot from a rocket at apogee of 86,000 feet! Here's the link to the set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jurvetson/1498564962/in/set-72157594310484478/ DR

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Invitational fly-in

Folks: Tony Stit a new member to ROCC has invited Doug Knight to his place for a little fly-in tomorrow and wanted to extend the invitation to the rest of the club members. They look to start around 11:00am. He has a 125 yard X 125 yard field that he said would be good up to a "D" size birds. Note this is not an official ROCC event just a personal invite. Y'all play nice and don't set anything on fire. Ralph Roberts ROCC Prez Here is the directions he gave me to his place, call to clarify or validate. From Charlotte: Take I-77 North to Statesville, NC Take the exit to I-40 East toward Greensboro,NC Go to Exit 168. (Hwy 64 Exit) Turn Right Go 200 Yards Take 2nd Right onto Greenhill Rd. Go until it dead ends Take a Left onto Davie Academy Rd. (May turn into Jericho Church Rd. before you get to Buck Seaford) Go to Buck Seaford Rd. Take a right onto Buck Seaford Rd. Go 7/10s of a mile Look for Tony's Motor home. From Greensboro: Take I-40 West toward Statesville, NC Go to Exit 168. (Hwy 64 Exit) Turn Left Go over the interstate. Go 200 Yards Take 2nd Right onto Greenhill Rd. Go until it dead ends Take a Left onto Davie Academy Rd. (May turn into Jericho Church Rd. before you get to Buck Seaford) Go to Buck Seaford Rd. Take a right onto Buck Seaford Rd. Go 7/10s of a mile Look for Tony's Motor home

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50 years of going 'round and 'round...

From the NASA website: History changed on October 4, 1957, when the Soviet Union successfully launched Sputnik I. The world's first artificial satellite was about the size of a basketball, weighed only 183 pounds, and took about 98 minutes to orbit the Earth on its elliptical path. That launch ushered in new political, military, technological, and scientific developments. While the Sputnik launch was a single event, it marked the start of the space age and the U.S.-U.S.S.R space race. Happy Birthday to space "junk"! Click here to listen to Sputnik pass overhead DR

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Bob Strauss' mother has passed away

Our former prefect, Bob Strauss, has lost his mom. Bob Strauss and Paul Cramer were instrumental in getting Tripoli Charlotte formed back in the early 90s. He basically started the former club know as the Carolina Space Modelers and ran that until about 2000 when Jeff Martin and Bob Schoner reorganized the club into Rocketry of Central Carolina (ROCC). Bob and his mom were avid rocketeers and had a real passion for the hobby. She came to a occasional launch or two and was know to fly a rocket or two as well. Mrs. Strauss has fought a long battle since gall bladder surgery earlier in the year, with many illnesses hampering her recovery. Bob has been a real trooper taking care of her in her final months. I know a lot of you may not know Bob but keep him in your prayers as he is one us "rocketeers". See below for arrangements. Service Friday Sept 28th at McEwen Pineville Chapel, 7:00pm 10500 Park Rd. Sincerely, Ralph Roberts ROCC Prez and Prefect.

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OK, The title says it all....

This thread on the Rocketry Forum says it all... "Mark and Burl have done it! NSL 2008 in Orangeburg!" Here's the link It's a great read and I have to say WOO-HOO!!! Mark your calendars and lets rock & roll!

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Update on availability of Williams Farm

I just got an update on the Williams Farm. Ralph, as one of his tasks as club Prez and Tripoli prefect, keeps in contact with Kip Williams, the land owner, and the way the crop is scheduled the crops won't be harvested until November. So there won't be any launch's until then. Our first opportunity may be the late half of that month. As more information becomes available, Ralph will get it sent out. Roy, ROCC Sec.

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