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 How long have you been into Sport
Rocketry?
"I became a BAR around fall of 2000. I started off slow, but have now built
about 250 rockets, and average around 75-80 a year." - 1/2004
What organizations are you a member of?
"I am a member of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and QUARK, section
624."
What level are you certified to?
"I achieved my Level 2 in December 2003. That's me next to my L2 bird, a Public
Enemy SS-Arrow, flown 12/7/03. With hardly any wind and clear skies, I snuck out on my wife's birthday and flew before
she woke up. We've had lousy flight weather ever since, so maybe it's come back to haunt me. "
What is your all time favorite rocket?
"All-time favorite is a very tough call, but if I could narrow it down to three
I'd say Apogee Saturn 1b, Estes Orbital Transport, and Rota-Roc 18mm helicopter...
"... I don't know what I was thinking... my favorite is absolutely the
Fliskits Acme Spitfire. Behind that, I'd say Apogee Saturn, Estes Orbital Transport, and my homemade Rota Roc."
Tell me an interesting rocket related experience?
"As I started getting back into rocketry, I couldn't understand the interest in
design simulation software, particularly some of the more expensive stuff. After building a couple dozen modrocs, all
under $20, I picked up a North Coast Patriot kit on Ebay for about $75. I spent about 30 hours building it, and proudly
hauled my son out to watch my venture into mid-power, LMR flying. A large crowd watched the beautiful flight and arc,
followed by my repeated screams of "Chute!". The deployment was just a fraction of a second after impact with
the ground, reducing my 53" rocket to a 38" crumpled mess. It was then that I learned that Aerotech RMS
delays are notoriously late, and that a reasonable simulation would have shown me clearly that my Patriot was woefully
under-powered. Ever since that crash, I've learned to appreciate the benefits of design and simulation."
Do you have any other hobbies?
"I also enjoy reading, chess, stamp collecting, and computer
games."
Anything else you would like people to know?
"I've recently ventured into NAR competition flying, averaging about 5-6
contests a year. I'm also a big fan of the NARTREK program, having recently completed bronze, silver, gold, and one of
the advanced levels. I think this is a wonderful program for kids and adults, and it gets nowhere near the
participation and recognition it deserves."
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