Author Archives: Blake

January 2014 Launch Report

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Our first launch for the year was relatively subdued.  Whilst the weather was excellent (around 30°C and clear skies) it was the school holidays.  The usual company was at the beach.  Even the usual fly population was subdued.  However, we managed twenty launches (including one cluster) on mainly mid to high power motors.

Our much travelled rocketeer, Nic, attended and launched two rockets.  One of them drifted towards the river (Nic and the river seem to have an affinity) but was recovered intact.

Bruce and Shirley had a nice stroll to retrieve his Fantom EXL (launched on a J381SK).   This motor was the largest of the day.

It was good to see the high percentage of successful flights with no ‘events’.  There were many launches trying out new tracking systems and on-board videos.  It appears that Santa had had a busy time with the rocketry community this year.

Rob launched his rocket named Smokey von Kracklestein Boxcar III.  I guess you need a good sense of humour with this hobby.

The corn field had been ploughed but Ari received some good news.  His beloved Ariel, which had been gobbled up at the December launch, had been recovered intact by the farmer.    The farmer’s grandson appeared at the launch and presented the rocket to Ari.  He was delighted.

On a lighter note, it was interesting that all of the QRS level 3 certified rocketeers were in attendance at the launch i.e. Ari, Blake, Nic, Simon and George.  Due to individual work commitments, this hasn’t happened for some time.  It was great to see them all there and offering assistance and advice to the others.

August 2013 launch date change to Sunday 18th

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Please be aware the August launch date has been changed to the 18th August 2013. This is because the Logan Ekka show holiday resides on a Monday. As the launch site is based in Logan and with a number of members either living or attending work in this area, it has been decided the following weekend which is not a long weekend is better suited.

We look forward to seeing you on the 18th.

14 July 2013 Public Launch

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LAUNCH INVITATION
The Queensland Rocketry Society Inc. (QRS) would like to cordially extend to all interested persons and members of the Australian Rocketry community an open invitation to join with us for our July launch. This will be a public open launch day. For those who have not experienced one, it is a chance for the QRS to display the pastime of rocketry to the public. We will be advertising the event to many media outlets including newspapers, TV and radio. Based on past experience, we can expect up to 1,000 visitors.

The launch program will be similar to the usual non advertised events but with a few more special launches. One super special event for March will be the launching of Ari Piirainen's OZ Thunder rocket on an M motor. This will be a exciting experience. Another special event will be a drag race for the pink and blue Crayon rockets (a boy's v girl's race).

LAUNCH DETAILS
Date : Sunday, 14 July, 2013
Range Open : 0800
Range Closed : 12.00
Ceiling : 5,000 Ft AGL
(A NOTAM will be posted with Air Services Australia Office Brisbane)

DIRECTIONS 
If you need details of how to get to Launch Area 2 (LA2) at Cedar Grove, please visit http://www.qldrocketry.com and ckick on 'Launch Dates/Directions'

SPECIAL NOTES FOR THE DAY
* As usual with this type of event, we would request some additional assistance with the organisation. We are requesting volunteers to assist with the traffic control, bar-b-cue, bump-in and bump-out duties. A separate email has been distribured to members with the details of volunteer duties required. We would really appreciate your assistance.
* Wristbands will be required for all members who are flying on the day. This helps the LCO/RSO keep track of all relevant participants. Please note that if you do not have a wristband, you will NOT be able to fly. These can be collected from the RSO table when you sign in.
* Members will still be able to push the launch button, however ONLY the LCO will be permitted to physically arm and prep the launch controller.

TRA CERTIFICATION FLIGHTS
Certification flights will be conducted at this launch for anyone seeking TRA certification.

IN THE EVENT OF UNFAVORABLE WEATHER
This launch event is subject to weather conditions on the day of the launch over which we have no control. Adverse conditions such as rain, high winds and limited visibility will affect the ability to safely launch from this location and the launch will be rescheduled.

If, on the day of launch, you suspect that this may be case, you are encouraged to check this post again for updates or contact 07 3333 1655 and follow the prompts to local clubs. A cancellation notice will be posted at the launch site shortly after 7:00 AM on the day of the launch.

Hope to see you there.