SUCCESSFUL LEVEL 3 FLIGHT! April 27, 2002 Whitakers, NC Rocket - Scale Amraam Weight - 70lbs Loaded Motor - Aerotech M1419W Altitude 3660 Feet

The Whitakers launch site consists of a 1500 acre cow pasture, surrounded by similar fields on three sides. It is a perfect location for a launch field. Because it is not harvested, the field remains open year round and the local club holds many great launches during that time. About the only downfall to the field is the fact that you need to dodge the "cow patties" but this is a small price to pay for a good time and a good time it is!

After setting up our canopy and tables, Ken and I went to work on prepping our rockets for the day. As luck would have it, I got a jump on working on the altimeter but soon was distracted by a few early arrivals of local rocketeers. We socialized a while and then the crew arrived. Phil Gerringer, Mark Brown, Jason Myers, his friend Courtney and brother Ben, Ken's son Kent (my video crew) and the original founder of Whitakers and good friend, L3 Jim Scarpine. Well, the group all had one thing in mind; to get their L1's and L2's. Phil, Ken, and Mark all certified Level 2 and Jason certed Level 1, so it was a great day for them. After supporting their launches and assisting, I turned all efforts to the AMRAAM for my Level 3 cert attempt. By the time everyone else had certed, I had accomplished loading the four e-matches in the altimeter unit and had placed 4.5 grams of BP in the canister for drogue deployment. I quickly loaded 6.75 grams in the main canister and the altimeter bay was completed. Next, it was inserted into the center airframe, then bolted in and tac-n-stik was used to guarantee the bay would remain sealed during ejection. Shock cords were next as I was meticulously following my pre-flight checklist. Some wadding was added to the lower airframe and the drogue chute was engulfed in Nomex. The lower and center sections of airframe were mated and I proceeded to work on the upper section. The local TAP member, Mark Lloyd, had arrived earlier in the day and assisted me with the main parachute. He had barely recovered from a BIG EXP launch they just had two weeks prior, had to work out of town until the day before and STILL made it to the site for my launch! I cannot thank him enough for his perseverance and patience. Tripoli TAP members have to be some of the best people in the organization and he is living proof of it! Thanks Mark!!! He showed me different methods of attaching and packing the main, but the decision and final work was mine. That's why they call them Advisors and we soon had it packed and shear pins installed. Only one other item to work on...the motor. The Aerotech M1419W reload is awesome; it kinda looks like a 54mm reload on steroids! It was easily assembled though and the motor was mounted and retained using a 98mm Aeropak retainer. A quick thanks to Ken Allen for supplying the reload and to the other NC Prefect, Alan Whitmore for getting it to Jim Scarpine, who had it delivered in my hands. Mark Lloyd had brought me a couple of rail buttons he made for me the nite before to fit their rail and they were adapted to the AMRAAM. Now, it was time for "the walk". Mark Brown assisted by taking the rear of the rocket (I never did tell him he got the heavy end, but I think he knew it) and we made the trek to the way way away pad. The rocket was mounted on the rail and the ignitor was installed. A quick pause for pics and video; I remember standing next to the rocket for photos, looking at this horseshoe of people surrounding me and thinking "...man it just doesn't get any better than this." The crowd headed back and the altimeters were armed and we proceeded back to the flightline. The big moment was upon us at last. Skies and field were clear and then came the announcement by Prefect, Kelly Mercer. A quick note about Kelly; he also had been at the EXP launch with Mark Lloyd and was a tired guy, but managed to put together one great event and I owe him a ton of thanks for holding the launch. He was busy all day with certs and launches, but still had a good time with it. Thanks much Kelly! My launch was announced first, And nearly everyone except myself was on with a camera. Jim Scarpine had the best seat in the house, doing some close but safe filming. Kent Parker and Courtney were also on video 2 and 3. Well, the count down was on and, just as the M1419 lit, I heard Prefect Kelley Mercer say "...Fire in the Hole!" White Lightning motors are so cool; it's like a mini version of a Space Shuttle launch and this was no exception. The AMRAAM took to the skies, slightly windcocking and rocketed up and out. It burned for what seemed forever, then was spotted coasting to apogee. The model seperated and began the tumble down. At 1500', the main charge fired and the big Skyangle XXLarge Parachute filled with air. I could vaguely hear the cheers of the crowd as it all seemed like it was happening in slow motion. It was like watching it in stop frames as the rear of the rocket swung down and it streched out about 130' in length from top to bottom. A slow rotation could be seen with the main parachute as the AMRAAM settled in the field just behind the tree line where the setup area was located. I do remember Kelly Mercer announcing "...the cows are nodding their heads in approval...!" Everyone laughed at that and it kept the crowd going. We made the drive into the next field. The rocket was about 200 yards past the tree line, so we had to drive around to fetch. Mark Lloyd beat us there and was examining the rocket for damage, but fortunately it was built like a tank and had only a few minor scratches on it from landing. Successful launch! We headed back to the setup area, Mark signed my paperwork and I thanked him again for showing and advising. About an hour later, it started raining, but we all had accomplished our goal that day, so it was a blessing in disguise. On the way back to the hotel we stopped for some drinks to go and celebrated with pizza and beer that evening. The videos were viewed more times than could be counted and we left early the next day and headed for home due to high winds at the field. It was a day I won't likely forget and I wanted to say thanks to everyone who attended. Special thanks go to TAP Mark Lloyd and Prefect Kelly Mercer for holding a great event and putting up with us! Even in their state of weariness, they made the launch and I could not have done it without their assistance. Also, thanks go out to the Rocketry Forum guys and personal friends, Ken, Milo, Phil, Mark, Jason and my camera guys, Jim Scarpine, Courtney and Kent Parker. Moreover, thanks to the spouses for putting up with us and to all those who attended and made it a day to remember. One more group to mention; the local boys here back home who have watched me work on this project from start to finish. MY TAP Kreig Williams, who first approved the conceptual drawings and gave me some good building tips I had not yet implemented in my previous builds. He also showed up during my canceled launch, rain in the air, with his rail so I could launch at Mid-Ohio...but it was not to be that weekend. Also, thanks go out to Jim German for his assistance and enjoyable conversations regarding our L3 projects; he is also making his L3 attempt this year and I will be there for him. More thanks go to the local Quark NAR club guys who were there in anticipation and ready for a launch, but when canceled, still cheered me on. Sure wish you all could have been there, but I will bring videos instead! A special thanks goes to my TAP Gary Dickinson, who assisted me through the build process, answering questions and emails left and right, never stopped and his positive attitude helps make our hobby great. I had hoped to have his signature on my form, but it wasn't meant to be. One more person to add is Ross Dunton of Magnum Rockets. He ordered everything I needed and had it there WHEN I needed it, and it's just a pleasure to know this guy! Sure, he does it because it's his business, but if you ever meet him, you'll see there's more to Ross than just business...a downright great guy! Well, that about sums it up...hope you all enjoyed the story. I do plan on putting it up again locally on a M1939 and look forward to many launches and projects to come. Cya on the field, Carl Tulanko TRA #08664 Level 3 NAR #79454 Level 3