Launch is currently on for Sunday, 8/17, at 10AM. Long, wet grass. Expect to carry supplies long distances - only minimal vehicular traffic will be allowed.
 
Launch status may change in the event of rain before Sunday.
 
Kevin

All,
 
The CRMRC's only level 3 certified rocketeer could not make our normal launch last weekend. He, and anyone else who wants to fly, will be having special second launch for this month, on Saturday, August 23. The location will be the same as last weekend, with directions below. As with all our launches, the launch will be conducted in accordance with the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) safety rules, allowing flights up to 10,000 feet.
 
Kevin, the level 3 rocketeer, will be flying his level 3 certification rocket on an "L" motor. This will be the biggest rocket and motor that has ever been flown in Vermont. The rocket will be almost 50 lbs at takeoff, is almost 12 feet tall and will take off with a tremendous ROAR!. Flights will start around 0900 with the largest rocket planned for 1100. At least two other flights are also planned.
 
The field can be reached from downtown St. Albans by going out Lake Street, past St. Albans Bay State Park onto Maquam Shore Road for about 1.2 miles beyond the traffic circle. Parking is on the right where the CRMRC sign will be. Please parking just off the road, in the designated area. It will be a 2000 foot walk into the field to the launch site if you want to get closer (which we recommend). Handicapped parking will be available immediately next to the launch site.
 
The weather is predicted to be warm and sunny, so plan accordingly (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, drink). As of last weekend, the grass is about eighteen inches tall, so long wear long pants to protect from ticks. The launch is the middle of a field, so bring chairs to sit on and do not expect any facilities. A limited amount of shade will be available.
 
If you want to see a big rocket fly, this is your chance.
 
Howie Druckerman
President, CRMRC
NAR Level 2 Certified

Sunday, October 19, 10:00am to about 2:00pm will be the Champlain Region Model Rocket Club (CRMRC) launch in a field off Maquam Shore Road in St. Albans Bay, VT. The launch will be conducted in accordance with the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) safety rules, allowing flights up to 10,000 feet. Anyone is welcome to join us, either to watch or fly your own rockets. Club members have plans for several high power flights: a 60 pound rocket to 6000 feet, two different 15-20 pound rockets to 4000 feet and over a dozen 3-10 pound rockets to between 1000-3000 feet. While we get excited to watch these big projects fly, we get just as excited to watch Estes rockets fly too. Additionally, since it is October, you can expect to see some odd empty plastic beer bottles taking to the sky to celebrate Octoberfest (empty is the key word, as no alcohol is allowed on the field).
 
For you rocket scientist nerds, here is something to ponder (the rest of you can read this paragraph if you want). How much energy is required to make a 60 pound rocket go to 6000 feet in 20 seconds, with the rocket standing still at the start, then 5 seconds of acceleration, and then 15 seconds of coasting back to a velocity of 0 due to gravity and air resistance? Think about how much power is released in that five seconds. What do you estimate the maximum speed to be? If I guess it to be 400MPH -- so the rocket goes from 0-400MPH in 5 seconds, and then 400-0 in 15 seconds. Imagine the G forces.
 
For you non-rocket scientists, think about it this way -- stack 4 men's bowling balls on top of each other and then throw all four at once to a height of 6000 feet. Then get out of the way as they come down.
 
The field can be reached from downtown St. Albans by going out Lake Street, past St. Albans Bay State Park onto Maquam Shore Road for about 1.2 miles beyond the traffic circle. Parking is on the right where the CRMRC sign will be. The farmer has given us permission to drive out on to the field and park so no one will need to walk too far between their car and the launch (of course, the closer you park the more you risk having a rocket land on your car). Please drive slowly on the field.
 
The weather is predicted to be sunny with highs in the mid-50s and a light 6MPH wind. This should allow anyone who wants to fly high to do so. Fliers and spectators should dress for the weather and bring something to sit on. A limited amount of shade will be available. Expect to spend a couple of hours in a field so bring whatever you think you will need.
 
The club has many model rocket kits and motors which will be available for purchase on the field at significant discount. If you buy a kit, it will include the a motor if you return to a CRMRC launch to fly it. Additionally, we have parachute protection which you can use for free. To top it off, we have hundreds of motors at either $1.00 or $1.25 each.
 
If you have never seen a high power launch, this is a great chance to see several high power flights. All of the club members are enthusiastic. So if you have any questions or want to see what is involved to fly model, medium or high power rockets, do not hesitate to watch and ask questions.
 
Any launch requires the weather to cooperate. Please check the CRMRC web site (www.crmrc.org) or call my house to get up to the minute status. If you have questions, feel free to contact me via email or phone. Otherwise, I hope to see all of you on Sunday.