Next few nights are pretty busy, not sure I'll be able to get my build groove on, so here are some pictures that I kinda like showing the progression from Level 1 to where I am now.
The picture below is me prepping my Level 2 rocket, the WHAMmer. This one was named as an acronym for my family, W (Whitney), H (Hobbes, my labrador), A (Annie, wife), M (Madison, youngest daughter). It was my own design and built mostly with PML components. Funny part is, I clearly remember loading that motor, an aerotech J350, and being very intimidated by it's size. Funny that whole WHAMmer would almost fit inside the booster section on my current project.
Here are a few more pics from my Level 2 flight day. For the record, if any of my TAPS are reading this, I got 100% on my L2 written test.
This last picture was taken by my Dad. It was one of those really awesome days you have, but maybe don't realize just quite how awesome until later. Level 2 certification is a pretty big deal, there is a written test component, then the flight. By definition, you've never flown anything with as much power as what you are attempting, unless it's not your first attempt. This was my first, and I was very nervous. Dad and my brother both came up to help out and provide moral support. The weather was perfect, the flight went great, and I think they were both a bit shocked at just how powerful the rocket was.
Dad passed away a few years ago. He and I did a lot of really cool things together, but that day up at the launch will always be one of my favorites. We were all excited and having fun. No work stress, no phones ringing, no yardwork, no real reason for anything other than having a good time. I think that's probably one of my favorite parts of rocketry. The beautiful remote locations we fly at and no outside world distractions. It makes it so easy to just concentrate on nothing but having a good time.
You are right, it ia assume to be at a launch and no out side world to bother or distract you. It is a religious experience for many of us.
ReplyDeleteIt is great to read your blog and hear about your memories that you have from Rocketry and how you have progressed in the hobby. So many memories from launches and people that I have met at different launches, I will cherish them always. I never was able to go to a launch with my father but we did go down to the ball field a fly a few when I was young. I will also cherish that time with him. Rocketry makes some great fun and great fun makes for great memories.
Loved this post. I miss your dad.
ReplyDelete