The final launch of the season started out sunny, temps in the 40's with variable but strong winds blowing toward the parking area; and it pretty much stayed that way for the rest of the day. U. Mass Lowell was there attempting a number of L1 certifications. There were 216 flights total, a pretty good number taking into account the wind and shortened day launch due to set up for the night launch. The motor range was MicroMaxx to I. I counted five CATO's and three tree'd rockets; with at least two of the rockets being recovered. The River Valley Charter School ARC team was there and they got off three practice flights. Kudos to them for starting early! There was only one NRC flight. Mike Sherrod with a egg-lofting altitude flight. The rocket was lost in the swamp area, but luckily recovered later on in the day.
We had 13 HPR flights. There were six L1 certification flights with four successful flights, all going to the U. Mass Lowell team. All of the U. Mass Lowell team received their L1 certifications that day.
There were a few Holloween rockets flown. Scott Clement launched his classic Pumpkin Sky, and Joe Pleva his Wizard's Hat to name of couple. Joe Pleva also launched his Tee Time again. It flew better this time around. Curtis Heisey his Upscale Deuces Wild on two G83 motors. And I believe a first flight of Apogee's TTV (Timer Test Vehicle) at a CMASS launch flown by Peter Chestna. The kit uses Apogee's 'Simple Timer' to control a second stage air start. The second start did not ignite (appropriately) due to its flight angle being too
far off verticle; the ejection charge pushed out the chute and rocket landed safely. So, it all worked as it was supposed to. Ray DiPaola of FlisKits was there launching two tube-fin prototypes; one with 8 and another 12 tube fins; both flew well. Earlier in the day, I launched their 6 tube fin prototype. We use this one at the Page School in West Newbury and have named it the 'Panther'. It also flies really well.
Then there was the night launch! It started around 5:00 pm, and as the sun dropped, so did the temperature! It was probably in the 30's by the time we packed up the night launch. NORG was there, as they always are, for our night launches. Several well-lit rockets were launched and all, for the most part, flew well!
As usual, thanks to the Kenn, Guy, Matt, Howard, Linda, John P., Tony, Scott, and everyone else who helped out with food, LCO and RSO duties, set up and take down for both day and night launches. Pictures are in the Gallery. Please post yours!
This is it for the season. Our next launch will be the Winter Follies in January! Stay tuned!