Skidmark’s

[Bret PackardParticipant]

So are there any circumstances under which we could fly skids at the big launches? or are they totally a thing of the past?

[new2hprParticipant]

Excellent question!

Would airstarts or upper stages be allowed?

-Ken

[Jeffrey Joe HintonModerator]

“The use of sparking or “skidmark” – generating engine propellants is not permitted.” from page 6 of 7 Exhibit C Standards for Operations Recreation Event. That said, skids or sparkies or spitfires or dragon’s breath propellants can still be used/flown at the SCORE site in Pueblo and at the Tripoli Colorado site in Hartsel. And at lots of other locations as well- Hellfire, Black Rock, sod farms, et cetera – just not at NCR launches on the Pawnee National Grassland.

[Bret PackardParticipant]

Thanks Joe. I can understand and respect their position. It’s just kind of a bummer cuz those big skids really attracted a crowd when they flew. Guess it gives me a good excuse to try out the Hartsel site this year.

[new2hprParticipant]

I sense a resurgence in smokies for hi-visibility dynamic ignitions. 8)

-Ken

[Warren B. MusselmanModerator]

Please! – no efforts to increase the use of smoky motors, whether white or black or any other color. One predominant element in all AP exhaust breaks down as Hydrochloric Acid and I for one don’t like breathing AP exhaust no matter what. More of it is not better and smoke is no substitute for flaming titanium chunks.

From a perspective of an LCO, heavy smoke plumes are a major safety issue as a large smoke plume wafting across the flight line can make it impossible to see the bird in flight.

This isn’t a pyro exhibition or a fireworks show – it’s a rocketry club. If you really like sparkies or heavy smoke, there are plenty of other places to fly them.

Warren

[edwardModerator]

It is a rocketry club and different things float different people’s boats. I loved Doug G’s sparky slo mo videos and the big smokey sam’s are great to. I say fly what makes you happy!

Edward

[new2hprParticipant]

I just like having a higher visibility plume for airstarts or upper stages. Just gives a visual confirmation. Call me a knob, but I like the sights and sounds as much as achieving performance goals.

-Ken

[muleParticipant]

I was under the impression that Smokey Sams use Zinc Dust for the smoke and not an excess of AP. But, I’m not the formula guy and have to go by what I have on file…
I personally like skidmarks and smokeys. To each their own, if it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing.

PS, I’ve never felt comfortable with the skidmarks at Pawnee, too much grasses to burn when I’ve been there.

[SCOTT EVANS]

I personally like skidmarks and smokeys.

They dont do any thing for me. 😕

“Skidmarks always sounds like somthing that happens at the toilet, when your intestines are not working quite right” ! 😉

Yes I know, its lower than the gutter. Its in the sewer. 🙂

[Author]

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