FLASH Rocketry

Located in Southwest Florida, the club is both a prefecture of the Tripoli Rocketry Association and a NAR section. Club members gather once a month to fly rockets powered with motors ranging from 1/4A to K. For L-M flights, contact the prefect for pre-flight approval. No sparkies please. The FAA waiver is good for flights up to 15,000 feet. New fliers and spectators, of all ages, are always welcome. Enjoy the company of fellow rocket enthusiasts and watch rockets of all shapes and sizes take to the skies.

Club project photos | Mega-K launch video

GSE to launch floating-injector type hybrid motors is available. Email Bob before a launch if you will need it for a flight.

2/5/10 LAUNCH CANCELLED

I am going to do something I have not done since I have been with the club. I have been fighting this nasty, on again-off again cold for more than two weeks. I really need to take some time and rest up so I can finally kick it. With being busy at work, I have not had time to do this. Well, the weather for tomorrow is a bit iffy, and it is supposed to be windy, so I am afraid the launch is scrubbed so I can rest.

I apologize for the inconvenience. See you next month.

Harold

2/4/10 LAUNCH ON SATURDAY

Well, so far this winter we have not been shut down, although the weather has been iffy at best. Well, Saturday is not going to be the exception. The drought index is good and we are -planning to have our regularly scheduled launch. So far the weather seems nice, high sixties and sunny, but perhaps a tad breezy. Of course, pay attention in the morning before you leave. If the weather changes, I will send an email Saturday morning.

Hope to see you there,
Harold

1/2/10 : It takes more than wind and cold weather to keep real rocketeers from flying.

Check out the Launch Photos & Videos.

12/30/09 Launch on Saturday

Ok, so Friday is News Years day. That is good, and I want you spend the day resting and recuperating, because Saturday (January 2) is our first launch of the new year. It should be a beautiful day, like springtime up north. Ok, so that means it will be a little cool for us, but it will be an excellent break from the cold. No word from Bernie, so assume he will not be there (hey Bern, you listening?). Since we were rained out in December, I expect that many of you will want to come out and make up for lost time. Last I heard, the sky will still be there, so lets not waste it. Hope to see you there.

Harold

December 3, 2009 To launch or not to launch?

Wait! That's not the question. What kind of stupid question is that?

Seriously, we are scheduled to have a launch on Saturday, but you know, rain can be a good thing and a bad thing. Getting rain today and tomorrow is a good thing, because it means the field is too dry. However, getting rain on Saturday is a bad thing, because.... well I think you know why. Currently the forecast is calling for 50-60% chance of thunderstorms for Saturday, but we also know how reliable the forecast can be. So I will plan for the launch to go ahead, however, watch your email on Saturday before leaving. I will send a note before I leave here (approx 8 AM), or don't leave here as the case may be, to let you know how it looks. But I make no guaranty.

Don't you just love a positive launch announcement?

Harold

11/7/09 : Very windy day, altitude flights limited to our braver fliers.

Check out the Launch Photos & Videos.

Nov 4, 2009 Launch on Saturday (Turkey day soon too)

Hear ye, hear ye,

Let it be known by all people that this Saturday is our monthly launch. And now a word from our sponsor....

He folks, we have a special treat this Saturday. Besides Marc's M motor in a saucer I mean. Bernie is coming out. You remember Bernie. He's that guy that likes to go around accosting harmless prefects and selling stuff. Well, I have it on good authority that he has a fresh load of motors and is offering bargains galore. I happen to know a several of you guys have been complaining about not having motors, well this is your chance to stock up, so bring out the cash.

Also, not to depress anyone, but the drought index is starting to climb. That means, unless we get some more rain, our season is nearing an end in a month or two, so don't slouch. Make hay while the sun shines, as someone's father used to say. My father used to say "get up off your a**, you lazy @#$%^.....", or something like that.

See you Saturday,
Harold

10/3/09 : Great launch, lots of fun flights.

Check out the Launch Photos & Videos.

9/30/09 Yet another incredible launch next Saturday.

Ok , so let's see. Saturday is another launch. What can I say about this one. Hmmmmm.........

Oh I know, I am testing a new creation of mine. Now, before you get excited, it is not a big rocket, but rather a low power rocket. However, I have been playing with this for a while. It is a two stage Fat Boy with an Estes Astrocam nose cone on top. Kind of looks funky. It will fly on four C's in the booster and one D in the sustainer. Hopefully it will take a picture. Of course, I am not too sure about the stability, but hey it should be cool.

Wait, that's not exciting? Damn. Oh I know. I have heard through the grapevine (I would have said a little birdie told me, but don't get me started on birds......) that several of our esteemed members (cough cough) have banded together to put on a special show for us. Mind you, we are all confident that it will go well, but they are highly esteemed members after all. That's all I can say about that......

I hope to see you there.
Harold

8/1/09 : Another fun launch, no rain.

Check out the Launch Photos & Videos.

9/2/2009 Launch Saturday (woot)

My dearest fellow club members......
(everyone else too)

I write you today to inform you of a matter most grave indeed. You see, this Saturday is the 5th day of September. Now I do not want to alarm you, but this just happens to coincide with our launch schedule. So this leaves you with a most perplexing decision to make. Whether or not to come out to the launch. Now it is true that Bernie and Bob will not be there, but it is also true that I will indeed be there, and along with me, the magical rocket trailer with its amazing toilet facilities. How much more can you ask for?

So, I hope you will make the obvious best choice and come out to fly some rockets. They can be large, small, spectacular or routine, as we love all rockets. I feel relatively sure it will be hot all day, and possibly some rain later in the day, so come early.

Have fun,
Harold

8/1/09 : Great launch, no rain.

Check out the Launch Photos & Videos. Thanks to Jimmy for the videos.

7/30/09 WOOHOO LAUNCH ON SATURDAY

Yeah, yeah, I know.... Always waiting until last minute to post, but I am only trying to keep you guys on your toes. Well, here it is: we will be having a launch on Saturday. I cannot say if Bernie will be there or not, but I can say that I will be. It should be a good day, so I hope to see you there.
Harold

7/4/09 : Another great launch, very hot.

Check out the Launch Photos & Videos

7/2/09 Saturday's big launch

Well, well, here we are again. It is another launch day this Saturday. But not just any launch day, it is the Fourth of July. Extra cool. And we have some special stuff too. So let's see if I can remember it all. First, we are expecting Pete Fox to bring his half scale Patriot rocket to fly. Now that is an impressive rocket. Well, not as impressive as my Sanding Sucks, but then, it flies a lot better.... Ok, where was I, oh yeah, we have a couple of red/white/blue drag races planned. One between Myself, Donald Besaw and Marc Slabbinck, and another all Slabbinck race. Our beloved vendor Bernie will be there to swap all his cool stuff for your boring old cash. And, you know I saved the best for last. Don Mazzarella will bring his world famous barbeque with him. You know Don is a master chef, trained at the Antwerp school of hot doggery, don't you? Well, we will have hot dogs for all, both the meat kind and the turkey kind, so you will feel extra happy. Heck, we will even have buns, but you will need to supply your own drinks (no alcohol), because we are way to cheap to buy that.

I can't think of a better thing to do on the 4th, can you? It will be lots of fun, so I hope to see you out there.
Harold

6/6/09 : Great launch, no rain.

Check out the Launch Photos & Videos

6/2/09 Did I tell you there is launch Saturday?

I just spoke with our favorite vendor, Bernie. Well, ok, he is our only vendor, but he is still ok. Anyway, he is planning to join us at the launch on Saturday, so bring lots of money. Remember, there are no legal restrictions to buy motors, as long as you are an adult, so stock up and be sure to grab the rest of your rocket goodies from him and save on shipping. And don't forget, Prefect bribes are accepted in the form of motors as well as cash.....

See you Saturday,
Harold

June 1, 2009 LAUNCH ANNOUNCEMENT

WOOHOO

Ok, so I went out to check the launch site, and it is looking fairly sort of almost ok. The ground in nice and moist, and the green stuff is starting to grow. It all looks good for a launch next Saturday. Since it has been a while, I would like to offer a few reminders....

First, just to be clear, sparky motors are never allowed at our site. Not now or in the future, regardless of size or brand, even in the middle of a hurricane. No sparkies, period, None, nada, zero, zip. Do not even ask.

Second, our standard limits are K impulse level and 6000 foot ceiling. We are waivered to 15,000 feet, but I am concerned for the nearby homes. If you wish to fly a higher impulse or altitude, I would ask you make a request prior to the launch. Exceptions are possible depending upon the flier, the site conditions, and other specific information, but as a general rule, I would like to try and hold to the limits.

I always suggest you wear long pants and closed shoes. This goes double for the kids. If you choose to do otherwise, well it is a free country, but let's just say I strongly recommend the extra protection.

June is membership renewal month. You do not need to be a member to fly with us, but if you do so frequently, it pays. Membership is $25.00 and it saves you half of the flight fees. Fees for non-members is $10.00, $5.00 for members. We only charge once for a family, but a group of friends riding together are considered individuals. TARC teams (in season) are free, as is all low power usage.

We do have toilet facilities on site, but no food or drink. So, bring your own, but no alcohol. Also, vendor participation is spotty, at best.

Finally, I need to let you know that my van is currently not drivable. I am assuming I will have it repaired this week, but only if a payment I am expecting arrives. If it does not, I will be looking for someone to help pull the trailer to the launch site. I will send a note later in the week regarding this, but if you are able to help in this matter, it would be appreciated. The alternative would be yet another cancelled launch.

It has been a long hiatus. I hope to all of you next Saturday. Rick, feel free to pass this to your membership. I know some of them are probably desperately in need.....

Harold

1/1/2009 No Launch Saturday

Sorry folks, still way too dry.

12/4/08 Saturday Launch Cancelled

That is correct my flying friends. Those of you who have flown with us for the past years know that when the weather turns extremely dry, we need to suspend launch activities. It is a safety concern I do not take lightly, especially with residential areas not far off. I do not know what will happen in the coming months, it depends on the rain. All I can say is watch the email and website for updates.

I apologize to those that have been looking forward to getting out, and hope to be back at it again soon.

Also, there are clubs that launch in the Tampa area and West Palm Beach area. Contact me if you need more information on these clubs.

Harold

4/3/08 Launch information, be sure to read it all........

Ok, this will likely go down in history as my longest launch announcement ever. In fact, it is so long, I will have to break it up into movements. See if you can recognize the theme......

Launch movement number one: the invitation. Ready, go. Ok, so we are having a launch on Saturday at the usual time and usual place. The weather has been very cooperative and the drought index numbers are low. Of course, using care is always prudent this time of year. I plan on doing something really silly this month. I am actually going to fly a high power rocket with a K motor in it. Can you believe it? Amazing. Details to follow.....

Launch movement number two: vendor enhancement. Ready, go. You all remember Bernie, right? Well, if you have forgotten, he is our beloved vendor, the purveyor of fine rocket stuff. Now I know he has not been out in about a hundred years, and you guys pretty much wrote him off, but he has assured me that he intends to return to our launches on a regular basis, starting this Saturday. That's right, Bernie will be out at the launch, so it is a perfect time to come with a fat wallet, intending to lighten it some.

Launch movement number three: shameless self promotion. Ready, go. Ok, I think at some point, all heavily addicted rocket people have considered selling rockets. Or maybe that was just me. In any case, our very own Marc Slabbinck has actually done it. He has opened a new online rocket store, and is selling favorite rocket kits at a really good price. You can check it out at http://www.rocketarium.com. And, for members of our club you can order and pay for your kit online, but get free shipping by having it delivered to the field. To do this, simply enter the coupon code FLASH on the checkout page and the shipping will not be charged, informing Marc that you will pick it up at the field.

Launch movement number two hundred thirty seven: TARC teams. Ready, go. Last week the club on the other side of the state weenied out just because of a little highly noxious, poisonous spraying that was being done, so with this being the last weekend for TARC teams to qualify, I was called by TWO different teams on that side of the state. They are both planning to come out and attempt their qualifying flights with us. This is always a lot of fun, and the experience of watching true innovation at work is great. We are proud to have them come.

Launch movement number four, the attempt to score free motors. Ready, go. Many of you know we have a local small motor maker amongst us. His name is Jim Harris, and his company is Gorilla Rocket Motors. He is located somewhere in the Tampa area, and has a number of motors certified with Tripoli. So far, only 54 mm motors have been certified, but he also has a bunch of 38's sent in, waiting for Tripoli to get them done. I have flown a few of his motors, and they work well. In fact, the K motor I will be flying on Saturday, is a K327, one of his long burn white motors. I am expecting 4-5 thousand feet. You can see his website here http://www.gorillarocketmotors.com. Probably the best part is that I think we can arrange for free delivery to the field, saving major bucks in the form of hazmat charges. Check it out.

Ok, so that should be enough to keep you busy for a while. See you Saturday,
Harold

Club contacts:
Prefect Harold Sasloe
President Robert Backlinie