July 24, 2004
May 15, 2004
April 26, 2003
November 9, 2002
September 7, 2002
August 4-9, 2002
April 27-28, 2002
February 17, 2002
January 19, 2002
November 18, 2001
October 28, 2001
August 18, 2001
June 16, 2001
April 21, 2001
September 16, 2000
July 8, 2000

McGregor, Texas
My first Level 1 Certification was unsuccessful, but I'm still very happy with the results. I flew the “Tethys Project 4” on an Aerotech H123 reloadable motor. A certification flight requires that you fly your rocket without damaging it. The boost section of the flight was picture perfect. Unfortunately, the nosecone and booster section collided during parachute deployment, damaging the booster section. The parachute tangled and while out, never fully opened. The rocket descended much quicker than desired, but suffered no damage on impact.

While not getting my certification was disappointing, a lot of anxieties have been overcome. I had never built and flown a rocket of this size. It held together very well, even surviving a rather harsh landing. Also, I had never assembled and flown a reloadable motor before. I had fears of it blowing up or having a blow by fifty feet off the ground. Luckily, this didn't happen and I was very pleased with the flight.

Earlier in the day, I flew the Aerotech Warthog on a G80-7T. Beautiful flight, but a lengthy walk on recovering the rocket.