Flight Log - 2013-11-09 - Kirk Greenfield's P.O.N.G. by Custom Rockets

Skill Level 3, probably due to smaller size and paper components. Some difficulty getting white glue to harden fast enough before it soaks into the paper. Construction is still in process.  Why do they not recommend sealing the balsa fins and lug stand-off before attaching to body??? How about shapping or feathering the fins?  Also,  paint the decorative rods black before gluing to the body.  Will have to see how well this unit actually flies, and returns with a streamer. I suspect it's more a showpiece for the mantle than a regular flier!

Flight Date: 2013-11-09
Rocket Name: P.O.N.G. by Custom Rockets
Kit Name: Custom Rockets - P.O.N.G. {Kit} (10043)
Flyer's Name: Kirk Greenfield
Motors: A8-3
Expected Altitude: 200.00 Feet
Wind Speed: 10.00 mph
Launch Site: Bob Evans Farm, Rio Grande, OH

Determined earlier failed flights were due to too weak an engine not lifting high enough to allow streamer to deploy correctly. Bought a pack of 4 A3-4 and used two successfully to launch without losing another balsa fin.  The  re-gluing of the fourth fin proved to be the trick to complete a successful launch and recovery.  Streamer must be packed loosely, in bottom half, with all shockcord in the top half. This allowes evacuation charge to blow recovery wadding and streamer out, and shock cord snakes out to protect top half.  Very pleased to finally launch and recover successfully. Saving last two engines for another round OR weaker rockets.

StageMotor(s)
1Estes A8-3

 

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