LUNAR's Bimonthly Meetings

by Andrew Pohlman, LUNAR #555

Greetings fellow LUNARtics. I'd like to introduce myself to you all as I am your newly drafted Education Coordinator. I was the perfect choice for this job because I am the club member most in need of an education in rocketry. I also have the distinction of being member #002 of Team Snag the Antlers; this amazing feat has only been accomplished three times in five years. That blue and orange THOY Falcon dangling from the stadium lights -- its mine.

Now that you can identify me, I'll tell you about some of the informative presentations you can expect in the 1998 activities list. The schedule may well mutate as 98 approaches. The format will be a presentation followed up by questions and answers and will last about an hour. See the LUNAR web site (www.lunar.org) or the LUNAR Calendar on the back page of the hardcopy edition of the newsletter for published dates and times.

Slated for January, 1998, is an opportunity to meet the president. Bill and Hillary will stay in Washington, I'm sure, but our own Jack Hagerty will be on hand to present a discussion for beginners on model rocket motors and fuels. Included will be a watered down chemistry lesson, the numbering system and a comparison of SU versus RMS motors.

Afraid of the dark? Then come to the March, 1998, presentation and you will be shown the light. Bill Orvis will be giving a how-to on rigging for night flight. Circuits, sounds and power sources will all be discussed.

May, 1998, brings us to the topic of building techniques. Lots of class without a lot of glass! Lee Teicheira offered to give a talk on glassing fin joints and adding strength where it is needed.

July, 1998, promises to be especially notable for those of you into rockets of stunning beauty. Royce Longacre has agreed to give us lesson in finishing techniques. He takes craftsmanship to the level of artwork as is reflected in his tubular creations.

Tired of fizzling out on the pad? Which igniter works best in an air-start? How do I wire a four-motor cluster with FireStars? All these questions and more will be answered in September, 1998, when Warren Massey leads a discussion of igniters. Matching igniter to motor, current requirements and proper installation will be discussed as well.

Want more power? Then come to the year's last meeting in November, 1998. I'll be giving a walk through of all the steps needed to get your Level 1 Certification. I recently certified NAR Level 1 and in some respects is was like falling off a log. In other areas, you must do your homework. Many very skilled rocketeers shared their experience with me and now I'll pass it on to you. I'll also bring information of both Tripoli and NAR certification programs. Good rocket/motor combinations and some obvious poor choices will be discussed too.

If you attend the club's meetings you'll get more than just a boost in knowledge. You'll be able to help set the direction of our club by making your voice heard. There were many more topics we wanted to include, but these will have to wait until 1999.

Information date: November 25, 1997 lk