Hello NCR, I have some bad news and I have some good news. First the bad and I am just going to get right to it, I am getting out of rocketry. I have been thinking about this for the past year off and on and more so in the last 6 months. This was thought about hard since the last two launches just have not really done anything for me although the last Sponge Bob launch was awesome. I have been in rocketry for about 10 years and I want to move onto something else. Don't get me wrong I still love rockets and watching them I just don't want to build them or fly them any more. I do however really love the people and I still plan on attending some if not most of the launches, camping out and helping where I can. This includes trailer towing, launch site setup and tear down, helping people recover rockets etc.
So I also said there is good news here as well. First all my rocket stuff will be put up for sale over the next few days including my research stuff. I will put it in the swap meet forum hopefully with pictures or links to pictures of what you will be getting. Most of the stuff will be at a great price or at least you will get lots of “Extras” to more than make up for the price. The prices will be firm but fair. The second good thing is that this money will go towards my next hobby which may benefit anyone who looses a rocket.
So what is it I am getting into...powered paragliding or PPG. Yes some may frown, some may say I'm crazy but I have been looking into this for the past year. Powered paragliding for those of you who do not know is someone who uses a parasail and a small motor and prop attached to your back to fly around. Now I see some eyebrows going up. I not saying that bad things can't happen but it is safer than riding a motorcycle on the street. Nuff said.
By me getting into PPG I would be able to look for lost rockets early before flying starts and after when flying shuts down for the day weather permitting of course. Art does a great job looking for rockets flying around but he has a few disadvantages that I would not. He has to wait a day or two after the launch to fly in the area. I would be on-site to fly right after the waiver closes or before it opens. He flies in a plane that has to be at least moving 50 MPH and technically over 500 feet AGL, I can fly 5 to 25 mph and fly one foot off the ground not to mention that I could land and take off to pick up a rocket if the area was ok to land in and the rocket was small enough to carry back. I could also use a GPS and just click off waypoints and radio back info to the flight table.
This benefits me as I get my flight time in and I help out the club and fellow rocketeers find their rockets before they end out in some farmers barn or worse in the trash. All I ask is just a couple of bucks for gas once in a while, and of course that people buy my stuff so I can purchase my PPG setup and training.
Art this is nothing against you or your flying around looking for rockets Please continue to do so as I think it is a great service and you get your flying time.
I will also still be around to help people with research motor questions or mixing them making rocketry parts/building techniques etc. as well as machining needs.
P.S. If anyone is thinking that I plan on using rocket motors with my PPG system, No I won't. But the thought has crossed my mind several times. 😆
WOW!! ?? 😯 🙁
I understand.
Mike, you crack me up. A powered paraglider would be better then a Cessna any day for finding rockets, plus when you are done you probably won’t feel sick like I have the past two times from all the tight turns and stuff. ☺
It is custom to say that you will be missed but it sounds like we will still be seeing you around. I hate to see people like you get out of rocketry (the guys that have been around forever and have a vast amount of knowledge and skill), but it happens. You don’t need to explain anything to anyone, trying to do something that your heart isn’t into is a losing battle, it will always be. Do what you want to do and do what you love!
You don’t have to tow the trailer but I am going to hold you to your promise of showing up from time to time. You have been one of the driving members in NCR and we all owe you for everything you have done! Thanks Mike.
Art
Mike, I just got to thinking and realized that you will be the third major flyer that the club has lost in the last 6 months. First Conway, then Justin, now you. I saw Conway today and talked to Justin tonight. They are still around (well, not Justin, he is in AK) but there won't be any rockets of theirs leaving the pads any time soon, kind of strange to think about it. No more Johnny Bravo, no more 100% scratch built rockets.
Art
Thanks Art...sniff sniff. Hey I won't be selling the rockets, just the stuff. I may still fly under someone else if I get the itch. I do plan on being around however. The rocketry people at NCR and Tripoli Colorado are...well are the best bunch of guys and gals I could think of. Most of them would bend over backwards to help out, give you something you need or crack one of the biggest jokes about you while standing right in front of you. Gotta love it, I can't go away.
Got to say Sponge Bob and his friends could always fly under my name. We all learned alot from Mike - don't write him off completely. True rocketeers always come back to the launch field eventually. Cheers!!! How much do you want for your Suburban?
Awh Joe and his humor...Certainly one of the main reasons why I would totally never leave rocketry. Like I said some of the best guys and gals around.
Funny...the Suburban is not for sale (wifes car). Besides how can I still help tow the trailer is I don't have the sub? I do need money you know.
Well, I'm bummed. I was just getting set up for the AP mixing....
BUT, I understand. That's how I got here. I was into many hobbies but hard core 4 wheeling/rock crawling and technical scuba diving lasted for many years. Some friends were mad and others understood, but each taught me and gave me experiences I will never forget.
One plea from me though. PLEASE KEEP THAT DANG PPG AWAY FROM ME.... 😀 I don't need another hobby. Well, at least right now. 😛
Greg, nothing to be bummed about, I am still around. I will be here to help with research endeavors. Besides I expect you may interested in what I have to sell.
Mike,
I'd definitely be interested in reloads if you have any that fit AMW 54mm or the AMW 75/6000 cases.
Warren
This is my third time into the hobby. Started in 96', got way into it, quit. Came back in 2002 then quit to get into RC planes. Well finally convinced myself im a really crappy RC pilot and crash alot 🙂 and put that hobby on hold.
Through out the years I was soooo tempted to sell all my rocket stuff but something made me hold on. Now Im glad I didnt sell my stuff. Very glad to be back flying again. Plus the people in this hobby are some of the nicest people ive met.
Im sure if you are like me you wont stay out of it long.
Mike, I'm saddened to hear you won't be quite as active flying rockets - you have always been a pillar of the rocketry community on so many levels. Sponge Bob's flight at MHM was one of the greatest boosts I have ever seen, and what you have done for EX speaks for itself. Thanks for all you have done, we will hold you to your promise to show up on a regular basis. And be careful with that PPG!
Thanks John I really appreciate that. I hope to see you around as well. I still plan on for sure the big launches, I like camping with Steve and Chris F.
As far as the PPG I will be careful...if I get off the ground at all. The wife now has the kids working on me now. Just today I was up getting rocket stuff down to take pictures and put up for sale and my 11 year old walks up and says "Dad flying is dangerous, why are you going to do that?". Great I thought, where is your mother? I told him that I am still going to do it but with cation and reserve and I plan on being safe. He said "That is what mom said you would say." and walked off. Such a great kid.
Best thing about Para-Gliding is you allready have the parachute on!! 😉
True, but I will also carry a reserve. This is the unit I am looking at which has a quick release system for the motor.
http://www.fresh-breeze.de/video/quickrelease.mpg
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