Countdown begins for annual rocket launch

The High Frontier 12 Rocket Launch with Tulsa Rocketry will be held Sept. 26-27 at the Pawhuska Municipal Airport.

With lots to see and do, this event promises fun for the whole family.

Kids under 18 can fly free when accompanied by parents. Launch fees for adult fliers are $20 for the whole weekend. All adult fliers must be members of either Tripoli or NAR. Fliers can register at the field. Spectators are welcome and watching the launch is free and a lot of fun.

The range will open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The event has a waiver to 20,000 feet AGL. Sims will be required for launches over 15,000 feet AGL. Please submit sim to hal121@cox.net prior to the launch weekend. All sims must use RASAero. This launch will be conducted under TRA Research rules.

This year they are again having a night launch. The launch will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. and they will only be launching A-G motors at night. Organizers of the event ask that participants remember to fly as many lights on the rocket as possible and bring flashlights.

For youth fliers under age 18, there will be a “Closest to the Buffalo” contest each day. There will also be a drawing for door prizes and rocket kits.

Organizers expect to give away more than 40 rocket kits. Some will be ready to fly (no assembly required), some will be almost ready to fly (mostly snap together), and a few will require glue and some adult help to build. The drawing is open to all children under the age of 18. Be sure to pick up your drawing ticket at the registration table. Children must be present to win.

For the adult fliers there will be the following contests:

• 2nd Annual High Frontier Big Daddy Drag Race – All participant will use Estes D12s. If a second round is necessary we will use Estes E9s. This race will be held approximately 3:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

• 4th annual High Frontier Minie Magg Drag Race – All participants must use an Aerotech I357 motor or CTI Class I345. This drag race will be held Sunday morning at 9 a.m.

• James DuBois Warloc Drag Race – This year we are combining the 2 classes into one race. We will be using AT J570 or CTI Class J425. This drag race will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday morning.

Rules for all contests are available on the rules page.

There will be vendors on site, including Wildman Oklahoma and Hobby Town USA. The Pawhuska High School Cheerleaders will be there with food, water and soft drinks.

There will be on site camping allowed, but there will be no hook-ups. Check out www.pawhuskachamber.com for area details and lodging.