The grim weather forecast called for cold freezing rain with frigid breezes for this March Launch. This made me think twice before heading to Maryland’s Eastern Shore to try to get a rocket into the air. The lack of any flights in February pushed me past any sane decision so Toni and I packed the Highlander and headed to Holly’s for a nice warm breakfast before heading to Higgs Farm. We arrived at Higgs Farm to a growing crowd of eager flyers and a misty rain. The cold mist ended and the field was quickly set up.

The cold winds were blowing directly into the flight line which prevented me to attempt any recovery without risks of smacking someone’s windshield. Instead I helped with some equipment repairs while Toni helped with registration. I filmed some other flights while waiting for the winds to change direction. Unfortunately the winds never cooperated and Toni and I returned home with no flights for the day.

Sunday got Ben and I off to a late start as we headed to the field to try and squeeze a flight up into the dreary clouds. After a quick lunch we arrived at the crowded field. Behold, the winds had strayed from the north which would allow easy recovery away from the spectator area.

I prepped Shaken, Not Stirred for flight and purchased a H225 White Thunder motor from Animal Motor Works (AMW). Ben assisted getting Shaken, Not Stirred on the pad and connected to the launch system. Shaken, Not Stirred leapt from the pad riding its plume of white smoke to 1,543 feet before deploying its drogue chute. Shaken, Not Stirred danced on its descent which allowed the nose cone to work free but the main parachute remained snug before being blown clear and deploying at 300 feet. Shaken, Not Stirred was recovered without any damage. See Shaken, Not Stirred fly here.

That was the only flight for us. We filmed other flights before it was time to pack up the field. We hung around enjoying the conversation before starting our journey home. I was glad that I made the Sunday trip and got a successful flight. The next launch is Red Glare 14 and preparations are already being started. Until the next launch . . .