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TRIPOLI Pittsburgh

Launch Report

July 19, 2026

Page 10

The Mile High Award (5,280 feet) has only been held for a couple of years. And up until this point, only one person has achieved the altitude.

In 2024, Scott Kissinger attained an altitude of 5,086 feet. In late 2025 our friend Scott passed away and in his memory we at TRIPOLI Pittsburgh have decided to re-name the contest. From this point forward it shall be known as:

The Scott Kissinger Mile High Award will be given to any TRIPOLI Pittsburgh member who comes closest to (Above or Below) one mile (5,280 feet) in altitude. The flight must have electronic altimeter data that can be verified by TRIPOLI Pittsburgh officials.

Flyers: 20

Flights: 58

Page 10

Mile High Award

The Scott Kissinger Mile High Award

Tony Kirchner

Tony Kirchner came out to fly in May with the intent of reaching the Mile High altitude. Tony had felt that he had been able to attain a promising altitude for the Mile High contest but due to issues with his electronics he was unable to get any usable data.

He wouldn't give up though.

Tony returned in July ready to give it another try.

Tony's Black Shark heads skyward on a J-570 white motor.

After a clean liftoff (above) the Black Shark continues on a straight and true flight path (right).

Soon, the Shark disappears. What would you expect at a mile up?

None of the spectators could sight Tony Kirchner's Black Shark.

But Tony had an ace up his sleeve.

The onboard GPS tracker Tony installed in his Black Shark gave him a general direction.

The crowd watches Tony Kirchner's Black Shark under main parachute..

The Black Shark of Tony Kirchner would drift east of the field and land in some minor brush.

TRIPOLI Pittsburgh Definition: Minor Brush

8-20' tall, dense (nearly or completely unpassable), thorns that scratch your arms and legs to ribbons, ticks and bears. Bears unverified.

So while Tony could locate his Black Shark in the minor brush, recovering it was another question.

Tony was able to locate his rocket within minutes of getting to the landing area. And while no bears were sighted, getting the Shark out would take a little work.

And after Tony was able to recover and return to the pits, Tony checked out his altitude with TRIPOLI Pittsburgh President Joe Pscolka. Joe was able to confirm Tony's altitude.

5,160 feet would beep out of the altimter on the Black Shark, missing a mile by only 120 feet..

We suspect that Scott Kissinger would be proud of Tony Kirchner's flight and would shake his hand. And if you see Tony at an upcoming launch, you might want to do the same.

Nice flying Tony!

Goto: