March Launch Report

Saturday 9^th March 2013

Although is was chilly and a bit breezy we had a very successful launch day.  It was quite a surprise to see the amount of fliers that came out today, despite the rainy and cold temperatures the night before. 

Range setup went smoothly in the morning and we began launching about 9AM in the morning.

The range was shutdown at 2:00 PM. Thank you Richard Dierking for bringing out the trailer this month. 

 We had several volunteers that were attending their first ROC launch and the assistance of the regulars and new volunteers was greatly appreciated. As usual, we did much on the job training during the launch and we always welcome new folks coming up to learn the jobs.

Overall attendance

Total flights: 270

Certification flights

David Baldwin flew his “Blue Sky” on a K-700 packed full of electronics including HiAlt 45, stratologger, a Rocket Tracker on a dual deploy.

Mike England flew his scratch built “Rapid Pulse” on a cessaroni K-360 with a camera, hope everyone waved.

Andy Tran flew his Liberty 4 on an AT K-550.

Cal Poly flew their “Platypus” on an ATl1420.  Unfortunately this flight did not end well.

A big call out to Cor Rurien, who managed to get his Nar L-1 certification on an H175, I know it was a rough day for you, but I am glad you stuck it out.  Congratulations!

Josh Jersin did his L1 certification on his first visit to ROC with a Madcow Super DX3 called “Avalanche” on a Cessaroni I-345.  His was the Last of many L1 and L2 certifications.

Welcome to our newest Executive Member James Turner!

Once again I want to thank all the volunteers who helped set-up, operate and tear-down the launch.  I want to remind everyone that ROC is a volunteer organization.  No one gets paid for the time and effort they put forth to help at these launches.  The board members give of their time for the love of the club and the love of the hobby, but we can not do it alone.  We need the help of each and every one of you.  Whether you are an executive member or a pay-by-day flier we need you to step up and give some time to make each launch a success.

We look forward to seeing you next month!

weather/lakebed update

For those of you wondering about the Saturday launch, here is the latest from Richard Dierking on site:

Didn’t ever think I would say this, but the wind is really helping. Currently, it’s about 25 mph. Also, the Sun is out. I called the portable toilet company and they’re going to deliver the toilets later in the day.

There are white (dry) patches showing now, with no standing water. Only the top 1/2″ of soil is damp, and it’s not sticking to my shoes anymore. As usual, there are muddy patches, but by this evening those will be gone. So, in my opinion, go for the launch. Jack has been here since Thursday morning.

I will be sending an update at about 5:00 this afternoon.

Richard

Greg Lyzenga
ROC Board Member – NAR #13295 / Tripoli #12088

Launch this Saturday 9th March 2013

Fellow ROC Members,

A quick reminder: this Saturday (March 9, 2013) is the next ROC Launch. Weather forecasts indicate clearing weather for the launch.  Meteorologist Kevin Martin predicts that showers will have moved east into Arizona by launch day, bringing mostly clear skies, cool temperatures and northerly to westerly winds hopefully 10 mph or less.  Overnight lows will be in the low 30′s and daytime temps should warm up to somewhere in the mid 50′s.  Dress accordingly!  As usual it is expected the best conditions will be in the early morning, with speeds gradually increasing after mid-morning.  Despite the cool temperatures, be sure to bring (and drink) plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock to avoid getting burned.

We expect to have the equipment trailer on-site by 7:00 a.m. Saturday.  (A big THANK YOU to ROC member Richard Dierking for stepping up to tow the trailer this month!  We’re still looking for volunteers to tow next month and beyond, so let us know if you can volunteer.) The more help there is in setting up the range, the quicker we’ll be able to start flying and taking advantage of the good morning air.  As usual, we are dependent on YOUR HELP both to set up and to operate the range — the range doesn’t open in the morning until range duty slots for the day are filled.

SIGN UP HERE NOW:    http://mysignup.com/rocrangeduty

If you have an important flight you need to launch in the morning, twist your friends’ arms to sign up.  Peer pressure is a wonderful thing!  Don’t let that sign-up sheet be empty on Saturday morning.  A playa with rockets is a terrible thing to waste!  Please let the board know in advance if you have any large projects or unusual support requirements that we should know about.  Non-member daily launch fee is $15 and the paid-up member fee is $5.  Everybody needs to register and get a wrist band to fly.  Overnight camping is allowed as usual, but be sure to keep all campfires in above-ground containers to comply with BLM rules, and pack your ashes and wood debris out with you when you leave.  Let’s always try to leave the playa a little cleaner than we found it.  Portable toilets should be delivered on site by Friday to support overnight campers and setup.

Let’s fly rockets!  We’ll see you on the lake bed!

P.S.  Have you done your ROC-Stock T-shirt design yet?  We’re still waiting for your ideas!  Otherwise you’ll forfeit your right to complain when the June ’13 design is a plain white tee with my picture on it! :-)

———————————————–

Greg Lyzenga

ROC Vice President and Board Member – NAR #13295 / Tripoli #12088

Fabulous launch today

A beautiful day on the lake bed today for those who did not make it.

Clear all day and the ‘W’ was moderate until after noon with temperatures reasonable for February. No delay getting a pad all day and great to see some new faces.

Many thanks to all those who helped, we cannot do this without you.

Next launch is Saturday 9th March and look forward to seeing everyone.

Launch is GO!

Weather seems to be holding…clear skys and low temps so dress accordingly. W is mild at 5-7 mph.