Copyright © 1964-2023 Tripoli Pittsburgh, Tripoli Rocketry Association, Inc.
TRIPOLI Pittsburgh
Launch Report
November 5, 2023
Page 7
Flyers: 29
Flights: 68
Level 3 Certification - TR Garman
TR Garman certified Level 1 and 2 many years ago but like Scott Kissinger, TR allowed his certs to expire. Unlike Scott however, TR never certified Level 3.
TR completed his Level 1 and Level 2 re-certifications in 2020 at the TRIPOLI Pittsburgh's Dragon's Fire Field.
Photo:Ernie Marsh
Photo:Ernie Marsh
Diameter: 9"
Length: 120"
Weight (w/motor): 67 lbs.
Motor: Loki M-1882 White
Altitude: 3,535'
Parachute: 96" Inverted Apex
Main Airframe:
Hand rolled fiberglass tubing, 8 wraps 6 oz cloth
Nosecone:
3D printed PETG
The L3
A few people came by to check out the L3....
Rob Camele
Ernie Walters
Dan Heinlen
Dave Rose
Casey Andre
Dave Ratliff
Eddie Zelenick
Joe Pscolka just had to check the motor retention
WVU gang
John Haught
Ernie Marsh
Kevin Wuchevich
Rick Shubert
Ken Allen lays on some good vibes
Eddie Zelenick helps TR unload the L3 from the hauler and onto the tower while Scott Kissinger and his son get ready to assist. Joe Pscolka watches and inspects to make sure everything is done safely and correctly.
Eddie was a big help assisting TR during the entire day. Many thanks Eddie!
Dan Heinlen got one of the best launch pics of the L3 as it is about to leave the tower
Drone's eye view
TR, Joe and the crowd watch the L3 reach apogee
A shot from a GoPro near the launch tower
An Insta360 camera on a pole behind the tower captured this shot
How's this for a nice straight track....huh?
L3 landing point, stretched out across path
Every Level 3 certification flight requires two level 3 TAP (Technical Advisory Panel) members to advise and oversee the construction and flight.
We at TRIPOLI Pittsburgh are extremely fortunate to have the only 2 TAPs in Pennsylvania, Joe Pscolka and Dave Rose, in our prefecture.
TR printed a decal for the fin for Joe and Dave to sign after the flight
TR would like to thank the entire TRIPOLI Pittsburgh prefecture membership for their support.
Special thanks go to:
Dave Rose for getting the motor and helping along the way.
Ernie Marsh and Dan Heinlen and all of the other photographers for the great shots.
Eddie Zelenick for his invaluable assistance (and photos) during the day of the flight.
And especially Joe Pscolka for his help during the months of construction and on the day of the flight. Thanks Bro!
TR gives a wave to the crowd for their applause after the L3 lands.
Still ascending
The secondary apogee charge fires
As the main parachute inflates
TR and Eddie headed out knowing roughly where the L3 came down but it was the bright yellow shock cord stretched across the path that was most visible (see pic below).
This is something to keep in mind for all flyers as the shock cord is often the most visible element for the drone recovery crew to see.
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