GRIZZLY - FIRST FLIGHT

MACH 2.77 - This insane project is still in the very early stage of designing. Hope to get it done and flying in 2017 in a dessert far far away.. For now this project is set for 2018. Still need more insight on the Av Bay setup and also some free time and money.

http://aeropac.org/files/Finding.the.Launch.Site.pdf

Update 08/13/2018 - This project has been speeded up for now, getting all the components ready and together and a bit more tests to prove the GPS / Radio and Phone communication. Trying to contact Aeropac for a launch date outside their normal launch schedule. And the use of their equipment.

Update 08/14/2018 - Did a check on the CG and see how close it was with all my components. It was at 46.750" very close with the estimated in OR. Next this to do is to test the Charges and the RTX and Radio transmission inside the nose cone.

Update 01/28/2020 - Yes already a few years later now... Most of the progress has been updated in the Rocket-list of Grizzly... So today I tested out a small camera 4K that will tag along with a NEXUS 5x phone in the AvBay. Also tested the space in the front part of the rocket that will hold the chock-cord and the 65" chute. It fits, yes it does but still need chute protector in there and also the 8" charges (2).It's tight but all will fit nicely topped off with dog-barf !! Will ask Buddy *Rocketman* for a high speed/altitude chute as small as possible for packing. More soon...

Update 02/01/2020 - Called Rick of FAR site, and it seems that he has all the bells and tools there to fly way over 100 K. He has full accommodation and setup there and you can even ship your rocket there so that is safe. So that is my #1 Launch site for now, If the rocket survives than I will take it to Black Rock to join Jason there for a second flight on a N impulse motor. So I hope all works out soon.The flight will be from Jacksonville, FL to Burbank, CA. That is a 2 hrs drive from the FAR site, California city is the place where I want to be for accommodation, only 40 min away from FAR !

Update 02/02/2020 - FAR Launch request:https://friendsofamateurrocketry.org/launch-request/?fbclid=IwAR1gjziJ9e6q1kcrePnnsOB-81gjyEqs8pINNPBIeul5Azb7Xqu6gPjoVg4

Also asking around for accomodation: Best Western in California City seems to be a nice place to stay !!

https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=!1s0x80c22cdeb49a8cc3%3A0xbdfbefbba25210d9!3m1!7e115!4shttps%3A%2F%2Flh5.googleusercontent.com%2Fp%2FAF1QipPkWEz7VJIejPM9arh7wpM9Kc9c_-757hMPh5xL%3Dw301-h200-k-no!5sbest%20western%20california%20city%20-%20Google%20Search!15sCAQ&imagekey=!1e10!2sAF1QipPkWEz7VJIejPM9arh7wpM9Kc9c_-757hMPh5xL&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwibrsLCkLTnAhUEx1kKHSRBA84QoiowC3oECCwQBg

So the plan still stand for this year:

Approx time frame: September / October / First week of November - Weather permitted (December to cold and wet). Days there: Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday.

1) Flying from Jacksonville to Burbank, Ca - Morning flight

2) Renting car for 4 days at airport location, van model

3) Driving to Hotel In California City - Best Western fairly new hotel. Hoping to arrive in the early afternoon on a Thursday - Drive time around 1.30 min - depending on traffic at the Interstate 5 in the LA area.

4) Making accommodation to pick up rocket crate and motor from or at location - FAR.

5) Hoping to see or meet Jason Cook at close by location

6) Friday - making more preparation and assemble motor (6XL O 3400 Motor). Getting all ready for the next day to have a flight early morning - lunch time.

7) Saturday - Driving with rocket and assembled motor to the FAR site to meet Rick Maschek. Lots of pictures taking and setup all camera's - Ground camera's 3. Hoping of a fast recovering and packing everything back in box and secure it all, asking Rick to mail it all back UPS to my home giving hem sufficient $$$. Driving back to the hotel for a good conversation and diner and sleep.

8) Sunday - After sightseeing, getting ready to drive back to Burbank, Ca for our return flight / drop of rental there.

GPS update - So for now there will be a Nexus 5x phone (running IR app just for collecting data NO video) with Bluetooth dongle AND a radio in the nose cone. The second Nexus 5x phone will be in the AvBay for recording data and video running IR app. Jason is actually the main scientist for this part.

Back Up GPS will be a PR100 style transmitter.

QUESTIONS FOR Rick Maschek:

1) Launch tower / Launch rail / 4" launch tower for 4" rocket - no launch buttons needed ? Can it handle an CTI O3400 take off ???

2) Does he have a PR100 receiver?

3) Are there tools on the site ? Drills, glue, tape, small hand tools ?

4) How is weather in September / October / November ? Any rain ?

5) Recovery possibilities, like 4 X 4 drives ?

6) paperwork FAA ? Paperwork FAR?

7) When is the launch site accessible? Friday, day before launch ?

8) Does he have other GPS devices available ?

9) What address for shipping crate with rocket ?

10) What if shipping motor also separately?

11) Possibility to pick up crate and motor day before the launch to assemble motor and dry fit the other parts again ?

12)How are the driving conditions to the FAR site ?

13) Are there accommodations like Bathroom ? Bring wife.

14) Clothing selection ?

15) Ask Rick if he has cell service out there and if so what carriers reach well.

To be continued......

PERSONAL LIST - THINGS TO BRING:

1) Most small tools will be packet in the shipping box, like / screw drivers / masking tape / electrical wire / Screw gun (new) and drill bits in all sizes / battery charger / shear pins / little screws / charges / ignitors + extra's / FFFFg powder in small amounts / wadding / dog barf / motor grease / motor glue / needle nose pliers / scissors / small crew drivers/ blue tape / electrical tape / rubber bands / swivels / quick-links/ Utility knife / knife / blue paper towel roll / sand paper / baby powder / drogue chute / main chute / chute release / casing and closures / WD-40 / charge tubes + extra's / 9 V batteries + extra's / camera charges / AAA and AA batteries / small camera's / phones Nexus4 and 5x / charger cables / radio's + charges and batteries / binoculars / foam sheets to protect phone and radio in nose cone / Screw gun and bit in suitcase to open crate at location / extra crate screws / duct-tape / rags / epoxy glue / fiberglass sheet / little dremmel / Latex gloves (sets) / walking shoes / Band aid / Medication / lots of fluids / tripod / booster screws (4) + extra / shear-pins+ extra / extra ignitors (packet in Nose Cone) / Nose cone screws (4) + extra / Jason Cook back Up Blue Tooth Procelle / Jason Cook back Up Phone Nexus 5x / trash bags / plastic bags/ DeWalt work gloves/ Sandpaper !!! / dowel for motor grains / GMRScigarettes'lighter car charges/RTX charger / back up glasses / reading glasses

..To be continued......

Update 02/03/2020 - Contacted Bernie today for the cost and delivery time for an O3400 Motor. He will look into that. Contacted Jolly Logic to upgrade my Chute Release for higher flights. Elevation of FAR is around 2400 feet.

Delivery of fiberglass sheet - Wildman Rocketry / Delivery of two Battery Holders 9V - Binder Rocketry

Still to deliver: Apogee - 18" Chute protector

So far no answer from Jeff for the 2 Stratologgers.

Update 02/04/2020 - Trying to figure out the drogue size, keeping the descent rate around 50 -70 ft/sec. Used different calculators and all give the same result for a field that's 2000 feet elevation. Drogue diameter will be around 24", will order one from Buddy Rocketman. Also got an answer from Jolly Logic for the Chute Release, he said I should be fine with mine but can always sent it back for modification... So I might do that. There are a few mountains around the area, possible 800 feet high.. Also might order the Weather Balloon chute release !!! Saw this on Buddy Rocketman website !! Looks great !

Just realized that the crate will be 5 feet X 20" X 16" big, try to gather plywood sheet at work to start making some parts already. The motor casing will be secured inside the booster or just maybe next to the rocket.

Update 02/05/2020 - Also selecting a Nexus 5x phone, with the help from Jason. It will be running his IR app for data and video recording. Just want to get one to dry fit in bay and nose cone.

Update 02/06/2020 - Buddy confirmed the 24" high speed drogue and also the chute release will be drop shipped by Jolly Logic... Wondering if he's gonna send a billing.

Investigating a phone on Ebay now, looks great, just need charger cable. Made offer for Nexus 5x phone and got it for $60, still need charges cable for it. The chute protector Orange 18 x 18 came also in today from APOGEE. Things are going fast now.

Update 02/08/2020 - Talked to Bernie today at the NEFAR Launch, he will make sure to get the casing and the motor ordered and will give me a discount. He also knows a friend that might ship the motor to FAR.

Update 02/11/2020 - The Nexus 5x came in (Ebay) just need a charger cable so I can install IR app in the weekend and test it out. So far no news from any stratologger...

Update 02/12/2020 - Ok, got some time to dry fit the Nexus 5x and the radio in the nose cone bay.... It did work a bit, the phone is big and takes already half of the space there, so I have to shave the back of the radio off were the clip snaps on the back of the radio... hope that will work better, still gonna be tight but they will be in there together face to face with a thin foam sheet in between for protection of the screen. When that is all in and have a charging cable I will test the IR app and see how long it works and how far distance etc... So far all good. Also planning to have two *GoPro* like camera's in the AvBay recording at 4K, they should fit in there, and are very reliable as I tested one out on a previous flight sitting in the booster for 30 min. and very very packed, with a 32 GB mini flash card.

Update 02/13/2020 - Shaved the Hell out of the radio. Have to slide in the phone first and than the radio with the foam sheet taped on it, I also tested out if the buttons on the radio are touching the phone so things might change or channels or even turn off, nop I pressed and rolled the phone over the front of the radio and no buttons were touched directly or changed anything on the radio, so I'm good there.

Also got some 3/8" plywood from the Eckstein jobside for the crate.

Also talked to Jeff Millner today, he will sent me two stratologgers, one is an older type 100CF used 2-3 flights, and a newer one not used. SO I will use only one of them. Contacted Clayton Birchenough also and try to get another newer model stratologger.

Next concern might be that the little jack of the dongle might not work getting the radio in the nose bay...

Update 02/14/2020 - Clayton confirmed that he does not want to sell his stratologger. Ok that's ok, no problem there, I understand. Also with the Blue tooth dongle on the radio, both phone and radio do not slide in, all is incredible tight. have to figure out something here.

Update 02/15/2020 - Grinded a bit more of the radio, hope that it fits a bit better, and yes after a few runs it does fits smoother !! Much more confidence now with those two sitting face to face in the nose cone bay. test will be conducted tomorrow. Also started on making the crate, have it halfway done, need more 3/8 plywood from the job-sites I'm working. Also Jeff his stratologgers will be arriving on Tuesday!

TEST ONE - all items in nose cone, Radio dongle and phone, face to face. All working with IR on and having live data on IR data page. Battery good, temp. staying low for a long time, no critical phase there. Test duration 45 minutes, shacked rocket for video recording, all stayed broadcasting. More tests next weeks to come. Battery 65 / temperature 91 F in house 74 F.

Update 02/16/2020 - Jason just gave me a high-res picture of the IR logo, that will go on the crate.

Update 02/18/2020 - The 2 stratologgers from Jeff arrived, and he also shipped a surprise in it, a skydiver with a nice parachute !!! haha. I only will use 2 of the stratologgers, the newer type, the older 100Cl will be used to replace on older one on the sled. Also all sides of the crate are done, except the two ends, I'll do that in the weekend, so actually I can put it together and start making the 3 ribs and the space for the tools and other items.

Update 02/19/2020 - Installed all 3 sided of the crate, did lock them in at the right measurements. Will cut the left and right squares next day, and will finish that off and glue that all in, Than I will work on the ribs with body cutouts. Also nerd from Perfectflite confirmed my hardware order. hoping that he will send the stratologger back that I mailed him 6 months ago.

Update 02/20/2020 - More work on the crate done, side L & R are in place. Just the bibs and the space for items, than the foam !

Update 02/22/2020 - Did some work on the crate despite the cold weather, Cut the ribs (3) and also cut the circles out were the booster will o and the nose cone. It will be all layed inside with weather stripping to protect the body. Also the 1" tick black foam sheets will get in there after more re enforcement of the left and right side of the crate.

Update 02/23/2020 - Did some more work this morning, just the sliders for the 3 ribs and the ends. have to figures out that I cut the rib pieces in a proper manner like halfway.. and than secure the bottom parts in place. An get the weather stripping on the inner circles.

Update 02/24/2020 - Cut the ribs halfway, all 3. Did install the weather seal. Fit everything in the crate.. Also cut out / circles for handles to pull out the top half of the ribs to free the rocket easier.

Update 02/25/2020 - That Corona virus frightens me a bit for traveling by plane, might drive to FAR.. Will follow the news close by every day and see if the can contaminate it...

Update 02/26/2020 - All 3 stratologgers came in today, with mounting hardware. So I will start working on he setup of the sled any time soon now. Also ordered my drogue chute from rocketman Buddy today -https://the-rocketman.com/chutes-html/?fbclid=IwAR1-uX3MmQy7EQ3Cb3nTdad9TLVmuMBd1tSUARi3_g2n7OjBmz1xfy3dzjg- 24" drogue.

Update 02/27/2020 - There was also a 3.3 Mag. earth quake at the FAR site today - No damage reported. https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/ci39083439/executive?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ENS&utm_campaign=realtime&fbclid=IwAR1eSyJNdQC17eZy8aoLB75XcQURqpH-GT-bsZkWImoK_NUiRgE0BLgfyDg

Update 02/28/2020 - Corona virus fear gets worse. Planning to drive to FAR and not sitting in a sardine aircraft kinda plane. Own space own timing ! And some confirmed that there is WIFI and Cell service at FAR, now that seems great for recovery I hope and the Whistle tracker.. also working on the sled, 2 stratologgers and 2 battery holders in place. Will finish that up in the weekend. Tired now.

Update 02/29/020 - Drogue parachute came in, 24" and very strong cords. Folds up pretty small. Got the stratologgers and 9 V battery holders in place and tightenall the screws really thigh.

Also found another Launch site MTA nearby FAR, Might be also a possibility to launch over 50 K. Will contact them.http://www.rrs.org/?fbclid=IwAR3HzK2LM6jpxeSUTnvpZIfn0HoWiVdpgLkqWM40YjYEqeld441AD1dRnPM

Update 03/01/2020 - Made a fiberglass sheet that will hold a phone (?), little 4K camera (?) or something else, it will be a stand- off for the screws sets of stratologger and battery holders. Also it might hold an extra stratologger (?).

Also made the second sled that goes on top and in the back of the original sled that covers the crews of the stratologgers and the battery holders. This is hold in place by the raised stratologger hardware. I also drilled circles holes for some weight saving. I will try to loose some more weight when all is in place and see were I can drill a few more holes some where. All the screws will be epoxied and the wires will be soldered. The second sled will hold a phone / camera / or something else.. TBD.

Update 03/05/2020 - Worked on the crate, installed some final outside lattice...Will finish up in the weekend.

Update 03/07/2020 - Did some more work on the crate, all finished up on the outside, will sand all the corners smoother.

Update 03/17/2020 - Got some response from MTA - All this Launch project will be delayed for another day and year TBD -You replied on Tue 3/17/2020 1:39 PM

Richard,

Larry asked to forward you the details from Freddy Willems, a NAR member Class 3, in Florida.

He wants to launch a high-powered 4-inch rocket from the RRS MTA. See the discourse below for details. I also have Freddy's email on CC.

If Freddy downloads, fills out and submits an RRS Standard Record Form to the RRS president, as is our policy. mWe can review his proposed vehicle and intended flight from the RRS MTA.

president@rrs.org

From what I've read below, I don't see any problem other than needing to ask the FAA for an extension on our altitude limit for our waiver once we have established a launch date. I would recommend that Freddy request a date as soon as possible. This will make planning much easier on everyone.

We will also need to get our adjustable launch rails refurbished unless his rocket can use our 16-foot 1515 rail.

Dave Nordling

RRS.ORG

818-390-3548

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Update 06/15/2020 - Response From Frank Schneider on motor assembly:

Freddy, I don't have a video but I loaded 6 of them so far without failure.

Make sure liner slides in case without issues and dry fit slugs without O rings. I then take slugs and liner out of case and make sure disc is glued on top of liner. Mix up epoxy real well and start epoxy for edges. I always turn them as I go in. Once you start with epoxy do not stop until you are finished. I take slugs as boxes are numbers 1-6. All slugs get epoxied. Load first slug in liner from bottom and push in far enough to put O ring behind it, epoxy two thru 5 same way. You DONOT use airing between 5 and 6. You epoxy the top of six to bottom of 5. Do not over epoxy as you don't want it to run into center of it. After 6 is loaded I put put a little epoxy around nozzle and put on bottom and stand motor up. They the center of top disc I push slugs down and sit in corner over night to dry. Next day I slide in and tighten up closures. Try not to leave more than a thread on either end. Mix up epoxy real well. Forget edges part above. One thing I forgot is the red O rings go on closures. Oh yea, don't forget to grease outside of liner before sliding into case. Make sure you take liner out of case as soon as you can. .

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Update 06/17/2020 - FAR Link -https://friendsofamateurrocketry.org/

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Update 06/20/2020 - REMINDERS - Still looking for glass for the bay windows !!!! One for the phone and one for the GoPro Camera. One GoPro will be inside the AvBay and another one will be taped on the shock cord !!!! Pretty risky...

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Update 06/21/2020 - Did some work on the AvBay, had a dream to accommodate the GoPro camera in the phone side, But that did not work. So I could see that I could move up those battery holders a notch more just enough to get the GoPro camera under it !!! And yes it worked ! Was not a big job, cause I could use the pre-drilled holes from the top battery holders and yes it's away from the stratologgers, I might get some electrical tape in between them. Also build up a cushion for the top back of the GoPro camera so it sits in an angle facing down. This will be hold in with electrical tape and zip ties !! SO that part worked out so far. Still have to drill the window for the camera lens and find a nice way to get that window in there ??? Next was (actually first I did) drill the holes for the switches. They are so close to the wall of the AvBay so I decided to drill some holes so they have more play and not getting activated by accident. A bit off but big enough to make it work on the outside. That will be a very small hole, just enough for a screw driver tip to switch them on.

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Update 06/22/2020 - More work on the AvBay, drilled hole for the Nexus 5 camera and the GoPro camera. Holes came out a little wacky but will adjust those with fiberglass and the holes in the rockets frame will be tighter and neat. Now the difficult part is to find some curved glass or heat resistant plastic for the windows. The final holes for the switches will be the size of a drill bit just enough to put a screw driver inside to activate the switches. The GoPro camera will be activated first before taping and zip-tie on the sled. More to come.. Also just messaged RICK that my project is moved to next year, asking him the best month to come over, like March. April or May and told him also no rail buttons on my rocket, so that will tell him minimum diameter 4" rocket in a launch tower. Hope he responds smooth and positive.

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Answer Rick:How many fins? We have an old tower that I've used that is really for 3 fin rockets and we have our newer one for 4 fin rockets that adjusts from 3-12" airframes. February is 'normally' our rainiest month followed by Jan and thin March. Nomally May-November are good months but you never know about the weather. Two weeks ago at FAR when we were supposed to do the virus cancelled FAR-1030 comp, the forecast was 25-40 winds with 50+ gusts so I was 'glad' schools were closed down and we had to postpone the comp to the fall. Last year at the FAR-1030 we had a thunder storm pass through and I was concerned we would have to stop launching (we had two Florida school teams that drove out. We managed to launch in holes that came over. I've been to BALLS with 3 days perfect weather and other times we were eating and sleeping with dust storms.

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Update 06/23/2020 - THE ROCKETRY FORUM:https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/cti-o3400-motor-assembly-video-request.160135/#post-2013360

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Update 06/23/2020 - THE ROCKETRY FORUM:https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/heat-resistant-bendable-plastic-request.160136/#post-2013479 - Also working on getting a solution for my 4" curved glass window covers for the two camera's, will contact a glass maker in my neighborhood and ask if he has something to fit in there.

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Update 06/23/2020 - THE ROCKETRY FORUM:https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/bonding-grains-to-liner.159934/#post-2010044

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Update 06/23/2020 - THE ROCKETRY FORUM:https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/cti-n1560-altitude-record-2016-balls-26.160231/

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Update 06/23/2020 - THE ROCKETRY FORUM:https://www.rocketryforum.com/threads/98-mm-6-gxl-hardware-dry-fit.160266/

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Update 06/24/2020 - Rick (FAR) posted a video of his 4" buttonless launch tower, That might work for me, but still will have the option for the 10/10 rail-buttons.

Message from Rick (FAR) -Rick Maschek, Freddy, yes, we have WiFi, also cell service

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Update 06/25/2020 - Tested the liner and the grains today, the open end of the liner seems to be already smoothed out (Bernie) ? All the grains slides in smoothly, no obstruction so far, very confident that it will work good on the field or in the hotel. Did NOT apply the O rings between those grains yet, also I only tested the grains one by one and did not slide the whole pack of 6 grains in the liner. Numbered the grains with marker # 1 to 6 in case there is confusion when they are out of the boxes. Made some pictures and a small video of loading the grains.

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Update 06/24/2020 - Will dry fit the nozzle and the two O rings later this week.

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Update 06/27/2020 - Had a horrible week, twisted my foot badly, thought it was broken, lots of swelling and blue and purple, but x-rays did not show anything broken, just lots of rest, not for me, can't do that doctor. So I worked on my AvBay again to get some fiber glass pieces in to hold the phone and camera (GoPro). Tacked it all in for now and when it's dry and tested again I will epoxy them in permanently. Hope all this will survive Mach2.77 or close. I want to use this rocket again to fly with Jason at the Black Rock site. Made a small video to locate the camera window. Had to reposition it a little bit so all is centered better. Sanded (rounded) the all edges smooth of those new installed fiber glass upright pieces that holds phone and GoPro in place. So now it slides all smooth in the AvBay and at the same time holds the sled in more secure.

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Update 06/28/2020 - Ok today I tested out the nozzle and liner, it looks like the nozzle is not tight in the liner it has some play. Also I fitted the nozzle in the casing with one of the O rings. It was really tight and had a hard time getting the nozzle back out of the casing. So yes I ruined one o ring that will be replaced. I will order new a set of zo rings from Bernie. Also did some wiring, connected the Battery lead and also the leads for the switches on both stratologgers. Tested it out and all working. Still have to soldered the contacts secure, and find a way to connect to the charges. Also installed the cushions for phone and GoPro, Have to clean up the sled a bit and secure all the contacts better.

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Update 06/28/2020 - Response From Frank Schneider on motor assembly:

Remember you are epoxying propellant into liner so the nozzle will be glued in place. Just make sure you don?t use to much epoxy and drips into nozzle area. I always epoxy propellant in the night before, seat the nozzle and stand in corner for night. Don?t forgot to push propellant down thru top hole in liner once you have nozzle in place. Next day grease up liner and slide case over it and put closers on. I always put top one on first. I usually lay case on side and push liner in until it hits top closure. Put rear closure on and adjust until threads are where you want them, and use wrench to tighten everything up. Also don?t forget delay charge in top enclosure.

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Update 07/02/2020 - Contact information FAR - For me you'll get faster response using facebook messages. Here is the FAR contact that goes to their email: https://friendsofamateurrocketry.org/contact/

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Update 0/03/2020 - Contacted FAR today:

Hi Rick,

My project has been postponed to April/May 2021 for now. I will set an exact date as soon they have the Corona vaccine. I bring my wife so I have to make sure that our travels are safe. There are a few things that I would like to know to finalize my project and trip out West.

I prefer not to use any rail buttons, so your 4? tower launcher can take an O3400 take off for a minimum diameter rocket? Does it need modification for that? Let me know - 3 Fins rocket and 95? long expected altitude 56 K / velocity around 2.77 Mach.

I have GPS devices, but do you have or lend out a PR100 GPS back up device? Just in case.

Since I?m driving to FAR I bring most of my tools, but does FAR have small tools available?

What is the weather in April / May there? What about clothing? Just my wife?s concern. Haha.

Does FAR has recovery vehicles available??? I bring my own car but it might not take those dessert recovery roads.

When is the launch site available, I?m planning to launch on Saturday as early as possible, I mean around 10? So the night before I will do most of the preparation as I can, don?t want to be stressed out on the field. But is the FAR site accessible on Friday, the day before the launch?

How are the driving conditions going to FAR from California City?

Since I bring my wife, are there bathroom facilities at FAR??? Asking for my wife.

And yes, you confirmed already that there is Cell and WIFI signal around FAR. Good.

I will file the FAR paperwork as soon as I?m closing in, like 3 months ahead for sure, I friend might join me, but other wise I?m a one-person army (+wife)

Any FAA paperwork to file in advance?

I will bring camera?s and my wife will also have a camera on her, and it?s always nice if you can get a video.

My dream was always going to FAR, I?ve been working on this project for a few years now and really want to see it happen.

Freddy WILLEMS

Update 07/08/2020 - Reply from FAR on my questions -holthaus@ix.netcom.com

Hi Freddy,1. I prefer not to use any rail buttons, so your 4? tower launcher can take an O3400 take off for a minimum diameter rocket? Yes. 1a. Does it need modification for that? No. 2. I have GPS devices, but do you have or lend out a PR100 GPS back up device? No. 3. Since I?m driving to FAR I bring most of my tools, but does FAR have small tools available? Yes. 4. What is the weather in April / May there? It can be cold at night and in the morning, and hot during the day. 4a. What about clothing? Wear layers and remove or add as required. 5. Does FAR has recovery vehicles available? We have a quad motorcycle that can be used for recovery. If it lands on BLM land or private property, you will need to walk to your rocket. You can get close enough to walk to the rocket on the local dirt roads. 6. When is the launch site available, I?m planning to launch on Saturday as early as possible, I mean around 10? So the night before I will do most of the preparation as I can, don?t want to be stressed out on the field. But is the FAR site accessible on Friday, the day before the launch? You can stay Friday overnight to prep your rocket. I get there about 8:30 am and we can launch by 9:00 am. 7. How are the driving conditions going to FAR from California City? Half on county roads and half on dirt roads. The county roads are good condition. The dirt roads are a little rough and are passable by the family car. 8. Since I bring my wife, are there bathroom facilities at FAR? Yes. Men's and women's restrooms with running water, flush toilets, and toilet paper. 9. Can you confirmed that there is Cell and WIFI signal around FAR. We have good cell tower coverage. No WIFI. The cellphone network works well out at FAR Site for smart-phones and tethering. 10. I will file the FAR paperwork as soon as I?m closing in, like 3 months ahead for sure, a friend might join me, but other wise I?m a one-person army (+wife). Just specify you and how many are coming with you on your launch request.11. Any FAA paperwork to file in advance? None, if you stay under 9,208-pound-seconds total impulse and under 50,000-feet altitude. Mark

Update 08/08/2020 - Yes, again a few months later in the year 2020. Fitted the new casing from Bernie in the booster and try to line up the screw holes in the avBay that I made when I had Jason his 98 mm Casing. Nop did not line up after 7 rotations as I measured before just a few rotations off. The whole rotation takes 11 and 1/4 turn to fit completely in the fore closure. so that's what I did and that works great. If I turn some more than the foreclose starts to turn also but no more movement down will occur. So that's perfect. And that's where I drilled the new holes (4). Turns in smooth and tight ! Made some pictures of the new line up and some markings on the booster and avBay. Should all work just great. Will test it again in a few weeks. Also the top of the closure ring on the fore closure has to be flush with the end of the casing !!!!!

Update 08/17/2020 - Uploaded some pictures of the launcher of FAR that I will be using.

Update 08/21/2020 - It seems that ALEX PAVLIK can make curved glass easily, I asked him to make two, like 1 3/4" diameter and 1 1/4" diameter. 125 thickness. He seems to be an expert in making those..

Update 09/13/2021 - Jason gave me a great link to launch to 55 K in Texas -http://www.potrocs.org/

Update 11/21/2022 - Ok just for information, the curved glass window is squared away, Jason ordered a beaker�and cut pieces from it, The beaker�had the same diameter as the rocket 4". Gluing�those pieces in worked really well, I'm real happy how they came out. Also got an Eggfinder from Tim, it works via a�browser and the phone. There is an actual Launch (arm) site and a Test (arm) site. Works perfect for me. Will use this as a 3rd device on this rocket with a Lipo battery to make sure there is separation. Data is logged and visible on the phone.