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.

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

Photos & videos from the November 1st launch.

A touch windy but still a very fun launch, see the photos & videos.

10/30/08 And yet another launch

Yup, that's right, its a new month coming and that means we have another launch this Saturday. Now, last month's launch was kind of stinky (pardon my strong language), what with the rain and all, but this time it should be really nice. Not too hot and (hopefully) no rain. I am really looking forward to a nice day. I have a couple of small single use rockets to fly and I hear that Bob might even fly a rocket this month. Of course, I can't say if that guy that keeps sending me money will be there, but I hope so because I can always use more money. I have not heard from Old green hair (Bernie), so I suspect he will not be there. So be sure and carry what you need. Well, that's about it. No profundities this month. Sorry to disappoint, but it has been a crazy week. See you Saturday.

Harold

Photos & videos from the October 4th launch.

Got rained out today which is why the photos & videos page has fewer flights than usual.

Oct 1 2008 Saturday Launch Announcement

Attention all members, non-members and fliers at large,

This is your official notification that we are having our monthly launch this Saturday in the usual location, that is, Labelle. This is a serious launch, and failure to show up may have dire consequences. So to make sure it goes ok, I have devised a plan, which you must accept immediately. You must come out on Saturday, and bring a large bribe for the Prefect, who will be sure to use it for your best interest. Failure to do this immediately will surely result in the end of rocketry as we know it.......
:-}

I have also learned that Bernie is coming out to the launch bringing his trailer loaded to the gills. So, if you need any rocket stuff, now is your chance. Be sure to bring all of your money so you can get rid of it before it is too late.

Finally, I do have a serious announcement. I regret I have neglected my duty to inform you that FLASH NAR SECTION has a new president. Bruno DiPasquale was elected in July. I should have notified you last month, so I sincerely apologize to Bruno. If you need to communicate with Bruno regarding the NAR section activities, please send me a note and I will put you in touch with him. I do not want to broadcast his email address.

I hope to see you Saturday. The weather should be good, and it will be a fun time.

Harold

September 4, 2008 Launch announcement

Ok, so this is the first Thursday of September. That can only mean one thing. That's right my friends, there is a launch on Saturday. And I have several things to say about this unique event. Ready, go! (gotta love tubulums)

First thing is to watch the weather. There are about two hundred and thirty eight storms out there at the moment. I do not believe any of them will affect Saturday, but watch the weather. If it rains, I will not be there.

Don is coming out to fly his really cool pod rocket (you know, the "duck under the trailer" pod rocket) again. It worked really well last time, and will again no doubt. But more important than this, Don is also bringing his BBQ, and you know what that means..... FOOD! We will have hot dogs of beef, and for those that think birds taste better than cows, we will also have hot dogs of turkey. There is no charge, but I always accept bribes.... Maybe if this goes over really well, we can convince Don to become our club food vendor. Whatch think Don?

Third, Marc is planning to fly a large L motor this month. That should be a real treat. I remember when I used to fly big motors.... Wait, I need a moment. Ok, I'm back.

Fourth, if you bother to read my emails at all, you already know Bernie is Level 3, and how scary that is. Of course, if you don't read my emails, then you won't see this either. And why DON'T you read my emails anyway. You know I stay up late nights composing this drivel.... Sorry, lost it again. Anyway, I do not think Bernie is back yet, and if he is, he will need to rest up, so don't expect him to be there. I do hope he keeps the green hair, though.

Finally, I have lost the email addresses for Bob Chilmonik and the Kohlmans. If anyone is in touch with these folks, please let them know I need updated addresses, if they wish to continues getting updates.

Hope to see you Saturday,
Harold

Photos & videos from the August 2nd launch.

Yes folks, Harold flew a rocket, and we all survived! Don't take my word for it, check the photos & videos.

7/31/08 Warning launch on Saturday....

Ok, rocket geeks, get ready. We have another launch this Saturday, and there is a nasty rumor floating around that I might even fly a rocket or two. Now I know what you are thinking, but before you head for the hills, I want you to know I have been practicing. For instance, I flew a rocket up in Tampa. Once. Then there are the micro maxx in my driveway. So, you see, it is perfectly safe to come out and fly your rockets. For those of you that did not like our toilet, we now have a real live porta potty. Definitely a sight worth seeing. Oh yeah, and Bernie will be there as a consolation, so you can buy stuff before he heads off to the big one (LDRS) to seek his level 3. In fact, I might even have a little tribute flight for him. Hope to see you there.
Harold

And ps. Will someone please remind to use my sunscreen......

Photos & videos from the July 5th launch.

Click here to see some of the flights we had this launch. Note that we had lots more flights, not all had good video.

7/2/08 Launch on Saturday

Well, howdy folks. How have you been. Did you know that Saturday is a most momentous occasion? Well, let me explain. First it is the day after the Fourth of July, then it is in the middle of a three day holiday (for most) plus it is the day after my birthday. But most important of all, it is the day we have our July launch! With all the rain we have been getting, the ground should be nice and moist, which is a good thing, and the weather should be good for flying. Also Bernie, our vendor buddy from parts unknown will be there. It would be nice to have a good turn out.

There is also a little business to conduct. June is typically the month of renewals for our club, but I postponed it to July since we had no June launch. SO if you wish to be a paid member, receiving your flyer discount and all the other member perks, please bring your membership fee of $25.00. If you cannot make it to the launch, you can mail the fee to me at the address below. All checks should be made out to Mark Morris, our Treasurer. Also, there are club office elections to hole. The positions available are Prefect, President and Secretary. Please send me nominations (yourself or others) for what ever position you choose, and I will present them to the club for a vote in a future email.

I hope to see you at the launch on Saturday.
Harold

June 4 2008 Launch Scrubbed

The monthly launch for June is scrubbed for this coming Saturday, due to fire concerns. The field is still a little too dry. If you were at the last launch, you will understand.

The good news is that the daily rains have started and the drought index is coming down, so we should be good for all future launches this year. Stay tuned for more info.

Thanks,
Harold

Photos & videos from the May 2nd launch.

Click here to see all the flights we had this launch. There appears to be some issue with the camera used, making nearly all images and video blurry. Sorry about that.

5/1/08 I am ready to launch. Are you?

Man, can you believe the weather this year? It has been cool and not too dry. Perfect flying weather with no interuption so far. I, for one, am ready to launch. We are going to have a great day this Saturday. Bernie will be there. The new trailer bathroom is completed. And don't forget our new, super duty, extra cool wire reel (courtesy of Bob -- thanks Bob!). And, of course, Marc is bringing his new super humongo rocket (if it is finished) with the removable fin design we will steal for the next project, which by the way will fly on the newly certified O 8000 from CTI (did I say that?). I am telling you, there is lots to see, so come on out.

Also, if you happen to see Bernie on the side of the road when you are coming to the launch, toss him an extra transmission, and grab me some stuff, will ya?

Have fun,
Harold

Photos & videos from the April 5th launch.

Click here to see all the excellent flights we had this launch..

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