Date: March 7, 1999

Location: Bear Creek Lake Park, Denver CO

Club: CRASH

I went to a CRASH launch during a visit with some friends in Denver. I brought along my Estes Big Daddy and Python, a Patriot clone, my Vaughn Bros. Javelin, and my LOC IV. I loaded the Big Daddy and the Python with Aerotech E15-7 su motors with Lazerfire ignitors in each. Both Lazerfires were spit out without lighting the motors. I could only dig up one extra Copperhead and decided to use it in the Python. Meanwhile, I flew the Patriot to about 500 feet on a C6-5. Even though I broke one of the Patriot's fins off while waiting in line to put her on the pad, I managed to super-glue it on in time to fly it. The 18" 'chute I used was just slightly too big, and I had to chase the Patriot about 200 yards in the light breeze.

With a Copperhead in the Python, I put her back on the pad. She screamed on the E15 to about 1500 feet. Nice solid, straight, fast flight. Thanks to the E15's White Lightning smoke, it was quite easy to track. It also drifted quite a bit in the breeze, and I had to chase it about a quarter-mile. It landed about 200 yards from the lake. The rarified Denver air kicked my butt from all that running. After recovering it, I noticed another chip in one of the fins, and there were a few scorch marks on the shock cord. Gotta keep an eye on that cord. Note to self: use a slightly smaller 'chute when flying the Python on an E15!

After finally getting the F40 assembled, the Javelin was ready to fly. I wanted to fly her on a G64 this time, but the local Hobbytown didn't have any, so I settled for another F40. The Javelin spit out two Copperheads before finally taking off on a Lazerfire. Talk about a head-scratcher... The Javelin took off nice and fast and loud to about 1000 feet. Just as she reached apogee, the wind died, and she drifted right back to the range. She was headed for the parking lot, and I chased after her to keep her from hitting a parked car. She ended up hitting the club's Mantis pad, the 'chute catching the tip of the launch rod. I got a nice cheer from the crowd for landing closest to the pad. :-)

Since I had so much trouble getting the Javelin to fly, I didn't have time to fly my LOC IV. She didn't get to fly, but I did get several complements on her sharp red & black & checkerboard looks. Looks like she'll have to wait for Springfest for her first flight.

I barely had time to squeeze in another flight of the Patriot before I had to leave. Another nice, straight flight on a C6-5. This time the super-glued fin came loose when she landed. No biggie.

Overall, a very enjoyable launch. Lots of flights by lots of kids and adults alike. CRASH has excellent facilities and if you're ever in the Denver area, I highly recommend flying with them. It looks like I'm moving to Denver in the next month or so, and I look forward to joining them for more flying fun.

Motor Count: 1/2A - 2, A - 3, B - 1, C - 3, D - 3, E - 1, F - 3