August 2020

Hey, Get More Respect!

For the U.S. it's almost time to get back to school and with the kids out since last March it's over due. I've asked many kids if they're ready and 100% have said, "Yes!"

So, here's your Verna Rockets annual reminder to ask your kid's or grand kid's teacher where you can help. It doesn't have to be rocketry just think of what you can bring to the classroom and be proactive. Ask a teacher what you can do to help. Don't wait for them to come to you, they don't know your skill set.

Yes, under current circumstances there will be extra precautions; all the more reason to ASK!

Get more respect, help in a classroom near you!

Flying High!

One of the best things about flying with a local club is the friends you make. This is our club founder, Ron Witherspoon, me and our Section Advisor, Kim Mitchell. I've been flying with them now since mid-2004 and after 16 years I can tell you I couldn't have two better friends. They're not just skilled flyers, they're great men!

We've been to so many elementary, junior high, high schools and university promo events together over the years. During the NAR's First Flyers Program 2007-2009 BRB led the nation for 3 years running with more than 3,000 students building and launching their first rockets with us.

There have been a few bumps along the way but in the end it's been a fun and fantastic journey. If you're in the Birmingham area and would like to join us, we fly every 3rd Saturday. 

Check the club Facebook page: Birmingham Rocket Boys, for directions, questions and more information.    

The REAL High Power - Part II

Every once in a while we get to see something special at a launch. For this past July it was a young man's, Jacob age 6, first launch and it was with his grandparents. That combination alone isn't all that rare but there were two additional items that made this one a little more special than most. 

In addition to launching his first rocket, Jacob was interviewed by one of our local TV stations, WVTM Channel 13. He wasn't shy about sharing his excitement of flying with BRB for the first time and becoming a club member.

That was followed by his grandfather's Level - 1 attempt. 

This L-1 attempt was mentored by our club's president, Ron Dunn and it's safe to say, Ron did a great job and Larry listened.  

How's this for catching the moment of ignition? 

To this point the flight has been flawless and it will end that way as well. Now on its way down everyone stares into a brilliant blue sky, waiting to hear and see the separation.

For Larry it's a good day. The chute deploys right on schedule, the snap of the canopy opening announces a successful Level 1 and for the next 20 seconds granddad can savor the moment while grandma, grandson and the all spectators applaud. Off to the side, camera's quietly click away to preserve the event.

A short walk back with a smile and his rocket tucked under one arm allows granddad to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. The first one to greet him was Jacob and he may have been even more excited about the flight than Larry but either way, from where I was standing it was definitely a high power event.

If a grandson's first launch performed with a granddad's Level 1 isn't high power, you don't really understand high power.

"Back to school!"