Washington High Power Rocketry
Launch Reports
(Note: Click here for archived reports)
MAY 23-25, 2003
FIRE IN THE SKY LIGHTS IT UP
Submitted by Scott Binder
Fire in the Sky 2003 is complete, and it turned out to be a wonderful launch, and great times were had by all who attended. Over 300 people, both spectators and flyers visited the farm this weekend, some showing up as early as Thursday morning, to help set up and prepare for the launch.
Ursula from All Hobbies, as well as Chris and Jane from ACME Rocketry were in attendance. Both were well-stocked with rocket needs for the entire weekend.
Flyers that showed up on Friday were able to obtain motors and fly for L1 and L2 certification, and we even had one L3 flight! Six Level 2 tests were administered over the weekend.
There were 352 flights, using 414 motors, including clusters and staged flights. Here are some of the highlights....
Friday morning was beautiful, and a large turnout generated 97 flights for the day! One of the big flights of the day, was Craig Christenson's 7.5" BSD Little John Upscale, which was flown from the away pad on an L1120, and 4 J570's. Unfortunately, all the J motors lit about a second after liftoff, the rocket reached an incredible speed, causing a failure and recovery of the rocket airframe near the upper main chute compartment. Tons of fire and smoke were seen in flight, and it's rare to see a rocket that large moving that fast! But that’s one element about rocketry we like, flying bigger and faster and pushing the envelope as long as the flight can be done safely. Craig’s booster was recovered and it achieved an altitude of over 7,200 feet.
Jack Anderson flew his "Rumble Bee" on an L1060, air-starting 2 J350's - a most impressive sight!
Dave Woodard brought his 1/50th scale Saturn V and attempted a flight using a J400, and 4 F20's, which were supposed to air start. It was a less than perfect flight, but the rocket was recovered and flown again later in the weekend, for a great flight on a J400. The Mother of All Rockets, or MOAR, as Dave called it, was flown on a Pro38 J285. Dave's daughter Beth, also flew a LOC Graduator on an F12 and an F25.
Idaho was well-represented by Vern Knowles who had some spectacular flights throughout the weekend, and Team Boltizar, consisting of Rich and Richie Boltizar. Vern flew his Dynacom Scorpion on Friday using a K550, and a scratch-built Nike Dart on a J420 Redline motor.
Rich and Richie Boltizar have an immaculate trailer for their rockets and equipment, complete with a checkerboard floor, and constellation map wallpaper. Richie is an accomplished flyer, and Rich cooks steaks so tough, you need a chainsaw to cut 'em.... (NOT!) :-)
Not here to just sell the popular Pro38 reloads, but Chris and Jane from ACME flew several flights with these impressive reloads. Chris flew his unique FLASH! on a Pro38 I287 Smokey Sam. These are really neat motors that have the energy of a white lightning-type motor, with dense, dark smoke!
Paul Nelson flew his scratch-built AMRAAM rocket on a Pro38 J330 for a successful L2 flight. His son Ian also flew his Estes Big Daddy on a D12-3, a Launch Pad ASRAM on 2 D12's, a modified Estes Gemini DC on a C6, and a scratch-built Mach Buster on a C6.
Darrell Smith from Pendleton, OR, had several good flights, as well, although tree-borne and power line-supported recovery plagued a couple of his flights. Darrel also flew a really neat looking rocket that was an upscale of an Estes Airbone Surveillance Missile.
The Washington Aerospace group was represented by all three members of the Board of Directors, including, Scott Bowers, Andrew MacMillen, and Bill Clugston. Bill and Andrew were at it again with the hybrid pad, as well as Steve Cutonilli. Between these flyers, more hybrid powered rockets were flown than we've seen at Lowden in the past - perhaps more than any launch in the NW in recent years!
Andrew MacMillen flew his Ratt Hybrid-powered "Ratter" on an H70. Andrew's daughter Kari, flew her purple BSD Sprint on a G80, which resulted in a tree-recovery. Later in the evening, a gust of wind safely removed the Sprint from the tree!
In addition to his hybrid activity, Bill Clugston managed to burn some AP in his custom Offut Hawk, using an H123. As usual, little-cutie Kaitlyn Clugston had some good flights on her rocket fleet, as well.
Jim Pommert was on hand to demonstrate his "lite" rockets, which included a 5.5" BSD Apache up-scale that probably weighed less than half of what the stock 4" apache weighs! The Apache Lite was flown on an H128, and later on a motor you'd never fly a standard Apache on - a G80! Jim also had several other flights that included a PML "Patriotic" Patriot, that sported a US flag paint scheme, and a PML Black Brant VB, that is missing decals because somebody hasn't finished them for him yet!
Bob Yanecek from Spokane, WA flew his scratch-built GTV on a G35, and the Ultimate Objective on an I130.
RJ Hall had a B6-4 cluster flight on his Estes OSHA Ranger. Randy Hall flew his PML Pterodactyl Jr. on a Pro38 I205. Becca Hall few her Estes Fat Boy on a D12.
Bob Moscoe and wife Yvonne came from Portland and the OROC group, and were extremely helpful throughout the weekend. Bob gladly volunteered to do a large portion of the RSO duties, and was first to arrive at the farm. His efforts were greatly appreciated, and OROC is very lucky to have such an energetic individual as a part of their organization! Yvonne completed her L2 written exam, and followed with a picture-perfect L2 flight! Welcome to L2, Yvonne! It's a family-affair with the Moscoes, and even the children flew rockets and did a couple of "guest LCO" appearances, helping mom and dad.
Jim Wilkerson had some great flights, including a LOC IV, Estes Maxi-Alpha III, his scratch Maxon, Vaughn Bros. BOB, Applewhite Saucer, and a PML Bulldog. Jim is also a very interesting person to talk to, and has some interesting stories about flying C-17's into Iraq - as recently as a few weeks ago!
Claudia Kester flew her "Naked Diablo" on an H153 for a L1 flight, and again as the "Diablo Desnudeo" on a G35.
Jeb Stuart, otherwise know as Jebster, or if you're not into the whole brevity-thing Jebsterino, flew his kinda-PML Phobos on an H128, a PML AMRAAM on a smoky Kosdon K, and his 4" Thor on a Kosdon K.
What can you say about Mad Missile Mike? Mike Watkins was at it again this weekend - flying like a mad-man on Friday and Saturday, He did the entire LCO stint single-handedly on Sunday, and was an entertaining LCO to say the least! After a successful flight on a J350, Mike's fabled "Six Pack to Go" went Ker-Boom on the pad, and is no-more..... Mike did have many lovely flights, including his custom-pinstriped PML V2 on an I195, and his Diablo of Death on an H242.
Jim Hudak was on hand and flew his LOC Aura on an F62, and his scratch-built upscaled Quest Tomahawk Cruise Missile, which was also noticeably lacking decals that he'd asked for about a year ago.....(!) Jim also flew his PML 1/4 Scale Patriot on an I211.
Kris Hull flew his Estes Super Wizard, and his Estes Phoenix. After completing his L2 test, Kris also attempted his flight on Saturday, but was unable to recover the rocket for inspection.
Les Friend flew several scratch-built rockets, and had some great flights on rockets like "Sugar Daddy", "Bingo", and "Sugar Baby".
Matt Conelly flew his custom Silver Bullet on a J350 for a successful L2 flight - Matt's comments on the flight card read "...it was hard for me, so back off!"
A night launch on Friday night saw a few good flights, including Mad Missile Mike's "Gawd..... What's That?!?!", and a spectacular CATO on Rand Bishop's H220 Silver Streak-powered BSD IRIS. Jack Anderson flew his PML Patriot on an I161, Kari Lehman flew "Blinkie" on a D12.
One of the most spectacular flights of the day was on John Hawkin's beautiful DG&A Armageddon for his Level 3 certification flight. The rocket flew beautifully straight, and left the crowd in awe. The rocket was recovered, and John is now a certified Level 3 guy! Congratulations, John!
Day two of Fire in the Sky saw beautiful sunny skies, and little to no wind. It was also HOT!
Mad Missile Mike was back with the "Brick Pile" on a J400 Smokey Sam. Mike tried the Pro38 for the first time on this day, and had a whole new sparkle in his eye after the flight. We may have a Pro38 convert on our hands!
John Hawkins had his giant Bomarc all loaded up and ready to go - A K1100, and 4 J350's providing the thrust. Unfortunately, The K1100, and only one of the J350's ignited, and the rocket climbed to only a couple hundred feet, rolled over, deployed the 'chute, and tangled in it's own lines resulting in the loss of the 65 lb. beauty. John says he'll re-build!
Dave Bradley flew something, but used a red pen that didn't stand up to the evenings showers, so I'll try to decipher it now.....Tiny Pteroghahd oab gnarfle on a G64 haoio, or something like that..... Dave's other flight cards held up to the weather, and reveal that he also flew a "3 by 38" on an I211, and a BSD Little John on an I211.
Rick Clapp brought his beautifully-finished BSD Apache, custom-painted by Dave Proffitt in a white and marbelized purple finish..... almost too pretty to fly - almost! Rick lost the nosecone on the rocket, but borrowed another to make another flight later.
Shelby Schultes flew a couple of maiden voyages on his rockets, including a scratch-built cluster model that flew on 3 G80's.
Vern Knowles took the crowd to the away pad for his scratch-built Vulcan on a K700 - and his comment on the flight card read "just another sub-orbital flight. If you ever get a chance to visit with Vern at a launch, make sure to take a good look at his trailer, and the way his rockets and equipment are organized. It'll blow you away!
Level 3 flyer Larry Morgan from Kennewick, WA flew his Aerotech Mustang on a F40, and his scratch "Engine 34" on an I211.
7 year-old Allison Krause came with father Tom, and flew her Estes Alpha III for her first-ever rocket flight!
Paul Montenegro, Scott Binder's step-son, flew his original design "Rasta Rocket" on an I211 for a perfectly straight flight under increasingly threatening skies.
Rob Clement flew his BSD Horizon named "Fire on the Horizon" on an I161.
Scott Roberts was busy with his "Primed and Ready to Go" on an I211, and an upscaled Super Big Bertha. His counterpart, Chuck Layton brought out the Kosdon motors, and flew his "Tikishwaii" and "Big Sky" in a flying frenzy that lasted the remainder of the weekend.
Dave and Gabe Deupree wowed the crowd with their gigantic "Tangerine Dream", which ignited 2 E9's on the ground, creating a smoke cloud that was compounded by the ignition of the central K700 - A great flight!
Kent Newman was on hand with an Aerotech Arcas that was flown on a couple of different Kosdon motors.
Steve Cutonilli flew his scratch La-Scala on a Hypertek K240 Hybrid.
Steve Willey successfully flew his PML Sudden Rush on a J350 for his L2 certification - congratulations, Steve! Steve was one of those guys who you can easily remember his name.... it's hard to forget a guy with blue hair!
Bill Clugston was back at the hybrid rack for a flight on his LOC Graduator, and a Ratt Works hybrid.
Paul Alger from Kennewick, WA made his debut at FITS with his yellow and red Binder Design Spike on an E9 - unfortunately, Columbia Rural Electric Coop will be retrieving the rocket for him in the next few days.... :-(
By this time, Mad Missile Mike was like a man posessed with Pro38 Fever, launching his Diablo of Death again on an H153.....
Scott Binder (me!) flew his OD Green Binder Design Honest John on a J275 with about a pound and a half of tracking powder in it, creating a pleasing orange poof! at deployment.
Eric Bloom flew his "Pork Sword" on an I284 - don't know much about the rocket or the flight, I just like to say "Pork Sword"...... :-)
Tom Van Etten and Rob Clement teamed up to fly their PML Rottweiler, or Bulldog on a K550 for a most spectacular flight.
Ryan and Roger Ressmeyer had some good flights on Saturday, including an Estes Death Star, which wowed the crowd as it broke into 5 pieces as planned, and scattered itself around the range.
Bob Moscoe took a few minutes out from behind the LCO table to fly his Estes Stormcaster on an E9.
Back to the away pad for Vern Knowles, with his "Wildfire" on an L850 with on-board TV transmitter, with GPS overlay information and lots of electronics and tracking devices..... another fabulous flight and recovery.
Andrew MacMillen flew his BSD Thor, au naturale, on a Ratt K240 Hybrid.
The skies took a turn for the worse late Saturday, and as wind and rains picked up, the range was closed down for the day.
Randy Bishop's band Trespasser began a show that showed us how dedicated these guys are to performing. After the first set, the band was extremely rain-soaked, and took a little break. The wind stopped, rain stopped, and the band played on into the evening, as happy rocketeers danced the night away. Trespasser plays regularly at Kennewick's Branding Iron club, and it really shows in their professionalism and sound! They're good! :-)
A night launch was coordinated with Randy on-stage, and in between songs, he'd see if any rockets were ready to launch, and turn things over to Bob Moscoe at the LCO table. We had many colorful night launches!
Day Three saw grey skies, and a slightly thinner crowd, but the grey cleared off, and we were able to launch over 120 rockets!
Mad Missile Mike was stuffing Pro38's into rockets as fast as he could.... and the V2 went up again on a 3-grain Pro38 I205.....
Andrew MacMillen flew his Au Naturale BSD Thor again , this time on a Ratt K500 Tri-brid motor, and his "Kandy Kane on a Hypertek I225.
Jim Pommert demonstrated his boost glider prowess with a E9 cluster boost glider.
Birthday-boy Rand Bishop flew his 3" BSD Thor on an H128 for another perfect flight and recovery, and his red, white and blue BSD Horizon on an I211. Just three more years, and Rand will be a shoe-in for Level 3. Under supervision, Rand has built up to a K700!
Jack Anderson's Mini-Mag didn't fare well on a J350 - no deployment.
Jim Pommert brought out his 5.5" Apache again, and this time sent it skyward on a J570 - and then turned around and did it again on an I300! Jim also brought out his 2.6" Thor and flew it on a G25.
Jim Wilkerson flew his beautiful PML Bulldog on it's maiden voyage on a J800, and then brought out the Bulldog again, this time on, as he put's it - "A K700, Baby!" Another beautiful dual-deployment flight for the bulldog.
Kent Newman flew his appropriately-named "FITS" on a K400.
Ian Nelson took the "Most Flights" honors for the weekend, with literally dozens of flights! Ian was followed closely by Kaitlyn Clugston.
The motor breakdown for Fire in the Sky 2003 is as follows....
1/2A-1; A-19; B-23; C-46; D-45; E-39; F-55; G-45; H-34; I-50; J-38; K-15;L-3; M-1
At the end of the weekend, everyone who remained pitched in and helped clean up the farm and pick up the range - it took no time at all, and the help was greatly appreciated.
Mad Missile Mike stayed on-site for another day (or two), and was last seen muttering something about "gotta get more Pro38's" as he headed out at 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning.....
CD's of photos taken by Tsolo are available directly from him for $15 plus shipping, and 8x10 prints of any specific photo you may want are available for $5 plus shipping. You can contact Tsolo at whtatrp@pocketmail.com Samples of his work can be seen by clicking here. But don't forget to check out all of our photos from this launch by clicking on our Launch Photo page.
(Note: This launch report is made from a compilation of sources including the flight cards that were filled out during the launch. We work off the flight cards and our memory, which isn’t that great. So if your flight card information isn’t written clearly then we can’t report the fight information clearly. However we encourage you to send us an e-mail if we’ve made any mistakes. We make mistakes too and can't always blame the flight cards! Sooooo......updates and/or corrections for this launch report can be made via e-mail to the WHIP Webmaster by clicking here.)
