***RE-POSTPONED***

Due to ongoing red flag fire conditions, we will be unable to conduct our launch in Amesbury on the 16th of November. We will see what we can do to reschedule in December.

To make it absolutely clear, CMASS does not allow "sparky" motors at any of our launches.

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Apr 21, 2024, Launch in Amesbury; Fly Rockets!

Details
Published: Friday, 26 April 2024 19:12
Written by Claude Maina

windy debut 20240423 2034798672We all know that old joke (at least if you are of a certain age).

What's the last two words of the National Anthem?   ...   'Play Ball!'

Last Sunday in Amesbury it was   'Fly Rockets!'   And the new season has begun!

      It was a windy day, with some lulls but mostly moderate to strong winds blowing up the hill most of the day, with temps in the 50's. There were XXXX flights ranging from MicroMax through J motors. Considering that flights tailed off around 2:00 and we ended the launch at 3:00 due to winds, that actually was a pretty good number of flights. There was the usually good crowd for the first launch of the season and included Pack 21 from Newburyport and U. Mass Lowell. Pack 21 had no experience with rocketry at all and needed help from prep'ing their rockets for launch to loading on the pad. A lot of CMASS people helped out and the scouts really appreciated it. I want to thank everyone who helped them out as well. They had a really good time and should be back.

      There were 13 HP flights with at least two successful L1 certifications and one failed L1 certification. One HP drifted wayamesbury 2024 kickoff 20240426 1833321967 beyond Whitehall Road, and I believe at least one other rocket landed in the trees. We had six CATO's that I counted. One was an Estes F15-4 as part of a three motor cluster for my 'Are You Experienced'. That is the first time I've seen an F15 CATO. Luckily there was only minor damage. The six does not include an actual Estes CATO rocket flown by Bailey Sostek. They're fun to see. There were six competition flights; all by Stephen Maire. Unfortunately it was a little too windy for any successful flights. There were no motor vendors at the launch but Happy Chutes was there. If you haven't yet stopped by their table, do so the next time. His chutes are really well made. Bruce Strong was busy over the winter months arriving with at least one new creation, his Terror-Dactyl (not a name that inspires confidence for the RSO). Jeremy Herman flew his Falcon Heavy and Starship Super Heavy, successfully as usual. The largest rocket with the largest motor of the day was Joshua Drummand's Jupiter 3 Lite flown on an Aerotech J435W. It was big and loud and a neat flight.

      One of our neighbors returned a fiberglass HP rocket that lawn-darted into his lawn last November (picture is in the Gallery). The number on the fin, assuming it is an NAR number, belongs to William Hanlon. If anyone knows William, please let him know that I have his rocket.

      Lastly, but not leastly, CMASS tried out a new flight line arrangement, moving the prep area and spectators off to the northwest side of the launch circle. All to make things a little more safe for everyone. It worked well, and we'll be using this arrangement going forward.

      Thanks to Kenn, Guy, Bruce, Jim and Liz, Harry, Joe Robertson, and everyone else who helped out with food, set up and take down. Pictures are in the Gallery. Please post yours. Also, some really nice pictures of the launch were taken by Amanda Goldman; you can see them here.

      Our next launch is May 11th in Acton. Let's hope for no crickets!

ARC Launches 2024

Details
Published: Wednesday, 10 April 2024 19:26
Written by Claude Maina

      CMASS hosted three ARC launches at the Acton field this year: Mar 9 (see previous article), 24, and Apr 7. In addition, Guy and myself helped the Masconomet team on Apr 1 at their high school. Three teams (Manchester-by-the-Sea, Masconomet, and Norton) were at the Mar 24th trials. It was cold and windy, with winds blowing toward the trees; so not a great day for flying. There were several flights but only practice flights. No one was willing to try a qualifying flight that day. A wise decision as at least three rockets landed in the trees.

      The Masconomet team did not want to wait until the weekend before the deadline for their qualification flights. So they held their own launch at their high school after class on Monday, Apr 1st. As all of the school's fields were being used by various sports teams, the flights were launched in the parking lot. They made five flights that afternoon, unfortunately their scores were not good and they most likely will not make the finals. However, they have a good team; and Ryan Quadros has done a really good job mentoring them. They'll be back!

      Four teams showed up for the final ARC launch on Apr 7th: Andover Phillips Academy, Norton, Manchester-by-the-Sea and Groton High Schools. It was also cold and windy that day with the winds also blowing toward the trees. Phillips had some good qualifying flights. I only remember their first score and it was just over 9. So, they could be in the running for the finals! Unfortunately, the qualifying flights for the other teams either were disqualified, or the scores were not good. And there were a couple of rockets landed in the trees as well.

      Congratulations to the Groton Team though! They passed their practical exam for admission to the MIT Rocket Club!

      Thanks to Kenn, Guy, Frank and Stephen M for helping out. Our first launch of the season is Apr 20th at Woodsom Farm in Amesbury! Be There!

  1. March 9, 2024: First ARC Launch
  2. February 3, 2024 Winter Follies Launch in Acton