I will be holding at least semi annual launches from a location in Northwest Iowa. These launches are open to both experimental and commercial fliers, but prior approval must be obtained before flying. See the contact page if you would like to fly or be a spectator.
Upcoming Launches: May 17th, 2008
We're about a week and a half away from launch date, so I wanted to update everyone with a few more specific
details.
Launch Coordinator/LCO: Scott Fintel
Assistant LCO: Ben Holmes
RSO: Joel Mueller
SSO: Michelle Gillespie
There will be three pad areas set up, one at 200' for up to and including "J" class motors, one at 500'
for "K" through "M" class motors and one pad at 600+' for my "O" class hybrid.
I'll have my remote launch controller set up for my hybrid and the "other" Scott's hybrid. I'll use my
other wired launch control system for all the other solid motor launches. If you have you own launch controller
you want to use that's no problem, let me know in advance.
I'll have my large tower which uses uni-strut rail available, and my 10' lugless launch rail available. Steve is
bringing a launch rod/pad for his rocket. So if you need something else, either bring it along or let me know now
so I can accommodate you. In fact, if anyone is bringing a pad please let me know so I'll know what we have and
where it will be placed.
The plan is to be at the launch site around 10:00 am to set up the launch field. Plan on being there so you have
your equipment set up and ready to go by noon. At noon the waiver opens. I'd like to get all the smaller rockets
launched between noon and 1:30 PM, at 1:30 we'll set up the larger rockets for the 2:00 opening of the 25,000'
window. Once all the larger rockets have been launched, we'll close the high altitude window and launch the remainder
of the smaller rockets. The waiver closes at 4:00 P.M..
There are no facilities at the launch site. The site is about 7 miles from the nearest services so plan to bring
drinks/food as needed for the day.
Weather is always a big question. I'll keep track of the forecast and post updates as the launch date draws closer.
Wind is always a problem around here, especially in the Spring. Even on windy days there are lulls from time to
time, if we have to we'll try to work the launches around the wind. A high thrust to weight ratio is your best
insurance of a good flight on windy days. A tracking transmitter is a good idea if you're flying over 5,000'.
Looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Scott
Previous Launches:
Nov. 3, 2007 Aestus Rocket Launch Powered by an "O" Class Hybrid
October 28, 2006: Defiance "O" Class KNER Rocket
October 2005: A2MD "N" Class KNER Rocket
October 2005: Dual Outboard Rocket
Here's a map of Paullina with my property marked. From highway 10 take North Willow Street south for one block, turn west on West Commerce Street, it will be a gravel road at the intersection of West Commerce and North Willow. Note: West Commerce Street ends as a paved road and turns to a rustic gravel road, follow the gravel road around the curve and it dead ends on my property.
This Google Earth image shows the Paullina Launch site and surrounding area.
Here's a closer image of the area. The launch site will be accessed from 490th Street. From Highway 10 (460th Street) go South on Olive Avenue for 3 miles. Turn East (left) on 490 th Street for 1/4 mile. The first farm acreage on the South (right) side of the road will be our base of operations.
The launch site is about 18 miles west of Paullina. Take highway 10 west out of Paullina through the town of Granville, 4 miles west of Granville turn south on county blacktop L14 (also known as Kiwi Ave.), go three miles south on L14 then turn west on 490th Street, go about 1/2 mile west on 490th street and look for a field entrance on the North side of the road. Please do not enter the field if you don't see anyone out there. Call me first on my cell phone at 712.539.1852.
Here's a satellite image of the launch site.