| May 21, 2001 NMSU tailgating lot ROCKET: Yellow Jacket LAUNCH: 8 MOTOR USED: A8-3 SUMMARY: It was a bit windy, but thanks to the fact that I can adjust the angle on the launch pad, I was able to launch without having to run too far to retrieve the model. Liftoff went well and the ejection charge went off when the rocket was nose cone down. Had to run about 70 feet after it because the wind was a little strong. Model sustained slight fin damage upon landing due to a hard dirt ground. ROCKET: Yellow Jacket LAUNCH: 9 MOTOR USED: A8-3 SUMMARY: Much of the same as the previous flight, but the end result was not pleasing. After chasing the rocket some 80 feet to where it landed, the wind began to drag the rocket by the parachute across the dirt. End result was more fin damage and a badly-tangled parachute -- so bad I couldn't get it undone and had to cut it and pitch it. It cost me $4.66 for another one, too; what a ripoff. Rocket is still flyable. ROCKET: Yellow Jacket LAUNCH: 10 MOTOR USED: A8-3 SUMMARY: Another launch much like the first two, but this time recovered on an 18" parachute (not 12"). I was skeptical about putting it in, too; I thought it wouldn't eject. However, it did, and my Yellow Jacket will fly again for the 11th time. DAMAGE REPORT: Tips of two of the three fins on Yellow Jacket are chipped; one 12" parachute lost due to tangle. |