UKRA 2002

Early on the 7 th June 2002 I set off to Pete's with my Grandad armed with my rocket fleet ready for the weekend. After a 2.5 hour journey, it was time for something to eat, there was a quality selection of Little Chef or McDonald's !!! Seeing as it was cheaper, we opted for McDonald's, after which we headed for Pete's Farm. When we actually arrived it seemed deserted, because we had got there so early (around 9 am) nobody was there. I went into the prep. area and met up with some of MARS who kindly allowed me the use of their benches. After a while or so the numbers began to increase steadily until by about lunchtime many of the UK's rocketeers had turned up. 

So by about 1 p.m. I was ready for my attempt at Level 1 certification, the rocket I was using was a BSD 4" Diablo, with a newly certified H110 Pro38 Reload. It was simulated to go over 3000 ft so a rape alarm was fitted which consists of a pull-pin to actuate a very loud piezo siren. 

BSD Diablo at home.

(picture to follow as camera is currently not working)

Right, up to the launch area with the rocket fully prepped. As the cable is reeled out, the tension is building and with the heat of sun beating down I feel the sweat dripping off me. The rocket is placed on the pad and the croc. clips are connected to the igniter leads. It was at this point at which something went wrong, which I will discuss later. Standing about 2 ft away from the rocket I shouted back for a continuity check but as the safety key went in, I heard the most tremendous roar and heat as the H110 lit literally inches from my body. I lost sight of it but luckily heard the alarm and it was recovered in tact without a scratch. Shaken but alright I failed my level 1 because it was not a controlled launch. The problem was that the controller I was using was a modified Estes Electron Beam that was running off of a 12 V motorcycle battery, and a 12 V bulb. It was the bulb which caused the problem due to the fact that it draws current from the battery and this set the e-match off. lesson learned, don't put in a visual continuity check. Luckily as well, there were only about 4 of us up at the range unlike on Saturday.

Back to the workshop to ponder over my failure and then at about 4 or 5 we headed off to the hotel for the night.

We woke up bright and early on Saturday at about 8:30 ready for the day ahead after another McDonald's breakfast, it was off to Pete's and straight into the shop to try to get another H110 reload for my re-attempt at level 1. Again as before the rocket was simmed. to go over 3000 ft and was fitted with a rape alarm. So up to the range again, also this time I actually filled out a flight card !!! After a few smallish flights, it was my turn to step up. Using Jim McFarlen's controller and Dave's pad, it was ready to go. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM went my heart as the moment edge closer. I got clearance from the RSO and "On the count of 5...4...3...2...1...0" an almighty roar filled the air as the rocket zoomed off the pad with lightning pace, as it became a small dot, a whistle could be heard as the rocket coasted towards apogee. Then a slight arch and POP, ejection of the parachute and alarm. I was now certified level 1 and got a nice round of applause. Later that day I flew my Mustang on an F20-7W and then it was back to the hotel to get changed for the evening meal. It was a curry at the local Indian restaurant with MARS. Then back to Pete's where we greeted by a spectacular display of fireworks. To top it off there was a rather hilarious flight from Ziggy Klynoski on some Pitfield motors, which unfortunately (or hilariously) decided to crash on to the road just before a car drove past.

Sunday morning already and there wasn't really much planned, we went straight down to Pete's where we had breakfast courtesy of Burger Bill, then the heavens opened and it started to chuck it down with rain. After about 1 hour of sitting around in the workshop, I decided it was time to go and so said my goodbyes and set off on the 2.5 hour trip back home. All in all I enjoyed the weekend mainly because I passed my level 1, but also got to gain more experience in rocketry.