Livermore Unit of the National Association of Rocketry       May/June 2000

Letter From the Editor

Here it is time again to pull together another newsletter, thanks to all who contributed this month. Boy I was sorry to miss the March launch, it sounds like it was perfect. But I made it to the April night launch and we had a great time. The weather looked crappy all day, but in the end, it was fine. Because of the relatively few people there, no lines all day and night. Joe tried to take a core sample out of the top of Tony’s car, but it was too tough.

I have a correction from the last newsletter, the Rocket Flambe owner and fire extinguisher was Henry Ball, not Paul Pittenger. I was guessing and I guess I wasn’t close.

In this issue is an article from Tim Van Milligan of Apogee Rockets concerning safety. Some of our membership may not agree with what he has to say, but it is worth thinking and discussing. It may be a way for me to get more letters to print!

Last Wednesday, I talked to Mr. Fletcher’s Rocket Club at Forest Hills Elementary School in Campbell as a “real” rocket scientist. They fly up to B or C motors once a week in the school yard with school and fire marshal permission for the last six weeks of the school year. A very bright and enthusiastic bunch of boys and girls. My talk consisted of comparison between their rockets and the “real” thing, the point being the only real difference is use and they were rocketeers as much as I am. We then went outside and flew, with safety constantly in mind the kids rockets and the one I had I could fly. Unfortunately my Astron Falcon glider had its best flight ever, gliding lazy circles a hundred feet up and headed downwind. I had my address on it, it may come back! Thanks to Mr. Fletcher for setting up the club and giving the kids such a great experience and to the parents who obviously supported the activity with time and effort.

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 pm, Carnegie Building in Carnegie Park between 3rd & 4th Streets in Livermore. Auction of more of Lynn Kissel’s motors and unclaimed lost rockets.

8 am. - 2 pm at Robertson Park: This is a regular sport launch without a theme.

Note: Competition launch with BayNAR, Pipsqueak-1, will be 18 June. Get those competition rockets ready, see the article in last month’s issue.

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