Greg Smith's Estes Orbital Transport ascends on a C6-3 motor. Unfortunately the flight was not vertical and the rocket snagged in the parachute, resulting in a hard landing and some damage. The glider and crew returned safely. Photo by Greg Smith

A light but rather turbulent breeze from the northeast was the only flaw in the weather on this Saturday in August, 2006. A fairly small crowd resulted in an unhurried launch with several nice flights, and a few new fliers brought their rockets out for the first time.

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CIA-Rocketry > Nick's Callisto descends in front of one of the lights at the Dodds Park softball complex, just north of the launch location. (Despite appearances, the rocket is on the near side of the pole.) Photo by Greg Smith

CIA-Rocketry > Kyle Tendick, attending his first CIA launch, flew his Estes MaxTrax several times on C6-5 motors. The rocket always flew well, but the results from the onboard altimeter were erratic. Photo by Greg Smith

CIA-Rocketry > Stephen's Expediter at ejection. Photo by Greg Smith

CIA-Rocketry > Another good liftoff for Stephen's Predator, a kit from Public Enemy Rockets that he used for his Level 1 high power certification at the July 22 launch. Photo by Greg Smith

CIA-Rocketry > Lon Westfall's PML Ariel lifts off on an H148 motor. Photo by Greg Smith

Greg Smith's Estes Orbital Transport ascends on a C6-3 motor. Unfortunately the flight was not vertical and the rocket snagged in the parachute, resulting in a hard landing and some damage. The glider and crew returned safely. Photo by Greg Smith