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SpudRoc-15 was held on Saturday, May 8 at the Swan Falls launch site and was a great success. Vern Knowles, club prefect, stated "Anyone that decided to skip the launch by looking at the weather in the morning missed a good launch." While the day started out with clouds and wind, the clouds eventually thinned out, and the day became mostly sunny with light winds. The club launched a total of 51 rockets -- 33 model rockets and 18 high power.

Vern also wrote in his launch update about several members achieving new certifications:

1. Brian Carlson certified level-1 on a Kosdon H155 in his Aerotech Strong Arm.

2. Dean Klein certified level-1 on an Aerotech I211W in his scratch built "Red One" rocket.

3. David Hassinger certified level-1 on an Aerotech I600R in his scratch built "Slightly Shorter
Bob". He then passed the level-2 written test with a prefect score and then launched the same
rocket on an Aerotech J500 Mojave Green for a successful level-2 certification!!

4. Corey Morasch certified level-3 on an Aerotech M1500 Mojave Green motor in his Gryphon reaching
12,876 feet. This was also the highest flight of the day.

Well done guys!! These were all great flights! Congratulations.

Here are some videos from the launch taken by Steven Collins:

 

 

Vern also wrote "I would also like to thank the guys that did all the towing for this launch. Joe Bowen and Frank Ross towed the equipment trailer. David Hassinger and Rick Bier towed the port-a-potty to and from the launch site."

"We had a nice team effort at LCO as well." writes Knowles, "Myself, Joe Bowen, Frank Ross and Neil Pyke all spent time running the launch at the LCO position."

Here are the motor counts from the launch:

Qty	Motor
8	A
10	B
6	C
3	D
2	E
1	F
3	G
4	H
7	I
4	J
1	L
2	M

Weather permitting, our next launch will be in two weeks on Saturday, May 22. Thanks to everyone that attended the launch! Hope to see you all again in two weeks.

[Boise, ID] TIR held it's annual meeting at the Idaho Pizza Company on Friday, Jan 8.  Idaho rocketry enthusiasts made plans for another great year of flying and fun.

TIR members re-elected club officers Vern Knowles, Prefect, Frank Ross, VP/Webmaster, and Neil Pyke Secretary/Treasurer.  Club dues remain the same for another year, but with an addition of a "family" membership level.  Dues are $20 for new members, $40 for renewing members, and $50 for family membership.

Launch schedules were discussed and dates selected for the 2010 flying season (see launch schedule).  The club chose to have a more flexible schedule this year in order to optimize our launches according to flying weather.  It will be important to watch the weather closely and, as always, call the Launch Phone prior to all launches!

Members discussed some criticism and ideas for making the launches more friendly and more accessible to new flyers.  Vern brought up concern expressed by a member that the club should do more to help track rockets so they’re not lost.  The general agreement was that ultimately the individual is responsible for their rocket but the club members in attendance could do more to help track if requested.  Vern will add a check box to the flight card that can be used to let the LCO know that tracking help is needed.  All agreed that the pre-flight meeting at the beginning of the launch was a good idea (another member suggestion) and will be continued this season.

Equipment looks good, for the most part for the season, but we'll be looking to add some shovels and a free-standing ladder to the club's equipment (currently we're "borrowing" Vern's).  Please be on the lookout for bargains at garage sales!  The club will also be looking to fix up the trailer with some shelving for better organization and to keep the equipment from getting too banged up.  Anyone with ideas, supplies/materials, or some spare time is welcome to help.  Please contact the officers for details.  The club also agreed to pick up the tab for the trailer storage at Swan Falls Storage -- currently this is provided courtesy of Vern.  Finally, the Plafcans agreed to store the trailer indoors in their shop for the rest of the winter -- Thanks Mark and Priscilla!

Vern asked for additional volunteers for towing duties (trailer and port-a-potties) for the upcoming season.  We had the potties this last year thanks to members JC Worthen and Rick Bier (Thanx guys!)  For information on volunteering contact Vern.

Finally, Joe Bowen announced that due to the recent lawsuit victory (TRA vs. BATFE) he no longer sees the need to continue motor purchasing/storage.  Joe has been a fantastic asset to the club by providing this service over the last 10 years while we battled it out in court.  Joe sent out an inventory clearance sale list and will update soon with any remaining deals.  Thanks again Joe!

 

Birds of Prey, 2009 TIR launch is scheduled for Saturday, October 10.  Range set-up will begin at 9 a.m. with launches commencing at 10 a.m..  The FAA 16,700' waiver will remain open until 6pm, provided there are still rockets to fly.  Port-a-potties will be available on-site.  As always, spectators are welcome.  Kids fly for free (adult non-members can fly for a small $10 equipment maintenance fee).  We hope you'll come out and join us!

TIR members will be heading south for the annual pilgrimage to the Blackrock desert of northern Nevada for XPRS-5.  The annual launch sponsored by Aeropac of California is one of the biggest regional launches, if not one of the biggest in the country.  Every year it draws hundreds from all over the northwest as well as many from all over the U.S. and even from several other countries.

 TIR regularly attends, and this year will be no different.  There will be a group heading down on Thursday, Sept. 17, most of whom will camp out on the beautiful playa for several days of exciting rocketry.  A few others will opt for the plush comfort of Bruno's Inn in nearby Gerlach, NV.  The coming weeks will be time to gear up for the launch.  Come join us at the September TIR meeting to get more details.