Slideshow: Lance Wright's successful Level 3 flight.

If you were lucky enough to attend the June launch of Tripoli Central California, you can say you were at a launch that was like no other. Spectacular flights, some were good, some were interesting and some downright exciting. 

Going into the day most of us knew it was going to be a bit warm, and warm it got! Or should I say HOT because boy did it get hot. Throw in some humidity and you have a day that you all have to be careful. Thank God we don't cancel launches in June if it gets hot, that only happens in August. Ok, so it was 113 degrees out there, weather.com said it was cooler, 111 degrees. We all survived. Enough about the weather. On to the good stuff, the people and rockets.

Things took a bit to get started but once we had our initial flight things really got rolling. First flight of the day was yours truly, this turned out to be one of the exciting flights. A 1/4 scale PML Patriot stretched on a J500G that ripped off the pad but failed to separate. Comes in, doing the famous "Lawn Dart" landing. It may be repairable, only time will tell. After that things seemed to be smooth sailing for most everyone that launched this day.

Jim took over where Andy Woerner left off, flying his helicopter.

Pictured at left is Jim, he took over where Andy Woerner left off, flying his helicopter. I think he was trying to amuse us in between flights. Enjoy retirement, Jim. 

We had several certification flights during the day along with our frequent flyers. For the day we had 50 flights ranging from A's to M's. We had four certification flights with three being successful.

Pictured above at the right is Lance Wright's successful Level 3 flight. Lance put a lot of work into this rocket and this flight really showed it. Lance Wright flew his Polecat rocket to an altitude of 7,420 feet, the drogue ejected at apogee with the main coming out at 1,300 feet.

He used PerfectFlite and Missile Works electronics and extended his parachute bays to make it all come together. He also had someone watching over him on his journey, his son Bobby who did his level 3 at LDRS26.

Future high power fliers filled the Estes pads with a total of 40 flights.

Next up was Ashley Lightfoot who completed a level 2 flight using the "Green Weenie" on a J350W. Greg Smith did his level 1 with his Phantom 4000 using a H128. Congratulations to you all!

Pictured at right is a future high power flier. Off the Estes pads we had a total of 40 flights, not bad for a warm day. Some of our frequent fliers were Tyler Swearingin, John Setzer, Jim Norton, the Coelho and Rollin familes. John Toste had a solo flight with his "Screamer" on a B6-5 which did scream.

Matt Hartwig flew his Liquidator on C's and D's while Shawn Murphy loaded up his Cobra and Bullpup on C6-5's. Harrington and Carrington (hmmm) took turns flying the "Big Betty" numerous times on C6-7's. The Unknown Flier was the sole two-stage low-power flier for the day flying the "CC Express" on a D12-0 to a C6-5.

For high power, we had 20 flights. Not to bad when it's a really hot day and you may have to walk 1/4 to 3/4 of a mile to get your rocket. James Dougherty had a "Mongoose 54" Carbon fiber fly on a I-115 demo motor supplied by" What's Up Hobbies". This rocket is built for brute strength and pure speed. Can you feel the "Mach Itch," James?

Richard and Gary at the pads with Gary's 3" diameter carbon fiber rocket.

David Close, who flew Estes, also brought out his Arcas using a G64 in it. Jim Norton had fun chasing his Initiator and LOC Rebuild (been rebuilt) with Greg Smith following with his Initiator too. Dale Soutas was real busy himself with 3 flights for the day, flying his "ACME", "RED DART", and "ACME 2" on a J135, H97 and an I195.

One thing that we enjoy this time of year is the sky, usually clear, which makes finding your rockets a whole lot easier. Not to say that you aren't going to lose a rocket in some alfalfa, wheat or corn. Just that it's easier to see them coming down.

Danny Jack attempted his level 2 flight with his "Eclipse" but encountered problems along the way. His motor of choice was an Aerotech J350W which seems to be a real popular motor here at TCC. Danny, hope to see you real soon for another attempt on your level 2.

Ashley Lightfoot also flew the "Green Weenie" on a J350 for his level 2 certification.

Ashley Lightfoot also flew the "Green Weenie" on a I211W prior to the level 2 flight. The kinks were worked out just fine making the next flight successful as well. Richard King flew his scratch built "Beater Upper Rocket" on a J401. Richard said afterward that the motor really impressed him and that he was going to try it again. OK we're waiting, maybe in your "Big Daddy"?

We are fortunate to have such a wide open area to launch our rockets here at the Maddox Dairy. Which at times means you get to go for nice long walks or drives to chase your rocket. Gary Vielbaum launched his custom scratch built carbon fiber rocket on a K550 and took Richard with him to retrieve it in his SUV. This rocket is awesome, 11' long 3" diameter and weighing in at 15 pounds, outfitted with a Walston Tracker, GPS flight, Gwiz, and a Blacksky Timer 2 electronics.

Scott Sobieralski is a frequent flier here at TCC, he comes from Prescott Arizona. He always has a smile on his face with tons of energy to boot. Scott flew his Arcas on a H180 first, then his scratch built Black Brant IIIB. The Black Brant leapt off the pad on a K1275, lifting the 7' long 4" diameter 16 pound rocket with ease. Nice flight, Scott.

Jack Garibaldi, the new owner of What's Up Hobbies, tempts the TCC fliers with tons of goodies.

A big thanks go out to everyone that came out to fly. A ton of thanks to everyone that helped setup and tear down. Setup and teardown is not half as much fun as flying but without it how do we all fly? A big "Thank You" to Jack Garibaldi of "What's Up Hobbies" who came out to support our launch. Without a vendor, how does all this happen. Last but not in the least the "Maddox Dairy" for giving us the opportunity to use their land.

All in all we had a good time despite the high temps and humidity. Everyone flew safe and everyone left safe and sound. Some of us were a bit dehydrated, nothing that a 1/2 gallon of water or Powerade wouldn't cure. Thanks to everyone that attended, fliers, family and friends. Pictures courtesy of Jim Norton. Thanks Jim.

These are pictures of Lance Wrights' journey to his Level 3, pictures by the Wright Family and Jim Lance at the RSO table getting checked out. Setting up at the pad with son Bobby, Shawn Stephens setting up to push the button. The obligatory pose with his rocket. Lastly receiving the Official Okie Dokie from TCC President Jack Garibaldi.

Thanks all, this was alot of FUN.

Website: http://www.tripolicentralcalifornia.com/