We had perfect launch conditions this morning. I'd been wanting to fly all those bigger models that got benched last weekend due to the low cloud cover and gusty winds. I got my chance today with the temp at 65F, no clouds, and winds of 1-2mph. I'd been keeping an eye on the weather because we had rain all week, but I knew it was going to get better for the holiday weekend. Thanks to my wife and her shutterbug skills for the great photos.

Here's what I brought along today:

2X Challenger-1
2X Javelin
Aero Dart
LOC Viper
Maxi Alpha
Blue Bird Zero

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First off the pad was the Challenger-1 to check the rod angle. Nice, high flight on a D12-5. The chute popped and it looked like it was going to come right back to me, but descent was slower than I would have liked. It was wearing a 15" chute and at about 100 feet above touchdown the breeze shifted and took it towards a busy road about 700 feet behind me. I really thought it was going to end up on the power lines or become roadkill.
At the last moment the breeze subsided and it dropped to the ground 20 feet short of the road. What a relief! I wouldn't want to be responsible for causing a traffic accident. I quickly adjusted the pad to send every subsequent flight west towards the far hill top.

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Second to go was the Javelin. This one's as reliable as they get. Nice straight flight on an E12 with perfect descent rate on a 15" chute.

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Third in line was my freshly restored red & black Aero Dart. This one got a total refit and I was anxious to see how it would perform. My efforts were rewarded with a great E12 powered flight and gentle recovery.

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Satisfied with the previous two flights, I decided to put up the LOC Viper on a trio of D12's.
I never know if the camera is ready so my wife and I have this system where she does the countdown. On the count of 'one' I hit the launch button and I heard her camera rapid fire through about 6 or 8 frames. The rocket never moved. The camera stopped and then the rocket blasted off. Oh well, next time we'll be sure to do video of this one. Who knew the motors would take that long to get moving. Bummer that there's no photo of the fiery lift off, but it was a great flight. Touchdown about 25 feet behind the pad.

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Next up was my Maxi Alpha. Awesome flight on an F23 Black Max. I love the roar it makes under power. Nice, soft touchdown on the edge of the cornfield with an 18" nylon chute.

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