I learned about the Rocketflite name years ago when those super sparky motors were all the rage. Greg Dyben has been a household name around the hobby rocketry arena for years producing great products like the Silver Streak motors and his Magnelite igniters.

I FINALLY GOT A COPY of the much-debated article this afternoon and have a few comments to make about it. The article is titled "Mission Out of Control" and is found in a very liberal publication called Details Magazine, July issue. The magazine itself is mostly about being wild, and sowing wild oats — geared towards moral-less young people between the ages of 19-35.

AFTER WATCHING "Mr. Holland's Opus" recently as it played on television and considering Mark Bundick's editorial in the Model Rocketeer, I was reminded of a teacher who really inspired me. Mr. Kayl Craig was our counselor in junior high school. His background was teaching science, and he really loved kids. He took on the task of leading a school rocket building class.

This premiere review is on the National Atomic Museum in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The museum, whose front door is framed by a pair of Terrier missiles on a rail launcher, features a huge display of history-changing events surrounding the work performed in the New Mexico area by the various government agencies in regard to atomic research and development.

There are two proposed rule changes in the NAR contest "Pink Book" that were just published in the NAR "The Model Rocketeer" Newsletter (June 1999). These two rule changes would have a vast impact on model rocketry, far more than they will have on competition rocketry. So I am urging people to get out and vote "NO" on them.

RETAILERS ARE SCARED. Not just in the hobby industry, but in almost every industry, all over the world. They're scared because communication advances and fast, inexpensive shipping have steadily eroded their place in the distribution chain.  In the 1800's, the retailer was supreme, challenged only by the Sears & Roebuck catalog, and even then the sale was usually made through a local general store.

ALL THE LATEST UPROAR over BATF involvement has got me (and no doubt many others) thinking about alternate forms of propulsion. Let's face it, no matter what the outcome of the NPRM that is coming, I think we are in for a dramatic increase in the cost of AP based rocket motors. Either licensing and regulations will drive up the prices, or many casual fliers will be driven from the hobby, which will also cause a price increase for those serious enough to stick with it.

ORANGEBURG, SC REMAINS A FABULOUS PLACE to fly rockets, and the TRA local prefect, Jim Conn, a wonderful host. The recent "Small Balls" was a small, chummy launch, certainly not more than 50 people. Reminded me of high power rocketry 10 years ago, when everyone knew everyone else and the big question was, would your motor work right?