Launch morning greeted us with clear skies and it was going to be a tad hot. We felt that already at 6.30am a few early birds turned up to set up.
Final set up of all the launch gear took place and special thanks to Dean and Larry for bringing in their trailers for the larger motor launches.
As always, Andrew had maintained the launch leads so we wouldn’t have any problems with them today.
With the impending hot conditions and the fact that the Bathurst races on that day, there was an anticipation that the expected crowds would be reduced. Approximately 150 arrived for the event so it probably wasn’t too bad.
Warren reported from the gate that about 80% of visitors were there for the first time. This was a great result.
The wind had picked up for the start of the launches but it didn’t stop the launch program.
Even with the small crowd,we were entertained with some great launches including many new rocketeers launching for the first time.
47 rockets were launched with the largest being Dean’s Dark Star lifting off on a K360. Dean, Larry and Matt launched some bigger rockets using J and K power, always a crowd pleasers. Matt had what is called an ‘interesting’ flight trying to launch his cluster (3xH motors) rocket. Only one motor ignited but thanks to perfectly working electronics the rocket was saved with a low level recovery.
Noel’s Level 1 certification flight attempt had some problems on the launch pad. The motor failed to perform properly. However, he had a later attempt which performed as per design and he achieved his certification – well done, Noel.
Many thanks go to all the volunteers again for helping all this happen. It was a hot but great day of rocketry.