To All:

We had a good construction meeting on Saturday and accomplished several things. Since we also had a quorum of the Project team present, we also made several decisions which I want to relate to everyone:

Sonotubes - Mike Doyle and Sharon and I purchased two 14" x 10-foot tubes Friday afternoon at Maxwell Supply on north Sheridan and drove them out to Mike's Mom's house. One tube will be used as the Phoenix airframe and the other will be cut into sections for tube coupler, etc. We began the process of peeling the inner waxed layer from one of the tubes Saturday.

Transportation Project - We've had several discussions about the transportation of the missile and the possibility of combining a new trailer with a mobile launcher. That idea has morphed around and taken several forms and was the topic of a lengthy discussion on Saturday. Several new facts came to light. One was that Lee Filsmyer's boss has agreed to donate structural steel, shop facilities and Lee's time to help us build a new trailer (or modify an existing one). Secondly, Terry Drake has found a 7-ft x 12-ft double-axle trailer that he believes he can get donated, or at a minimum acquire at a reasonable price. We voted to allow Terry to spend up to $250 to acquire this trailer, if necessary. Once we get the trailer, Lee will be able to customize it however we want. After discussing all the various possibilities, we decided it would serve the Club better to build a trailer that would be capable of transporting the Phoenix and eventually become the Club trailer.

Launch Pad - We also decided to build a separate launch pad to accommodate the rail, using an Impulse Aerospace QuadPod head. This pad would not be part of the trailer, but free-standing and capable of launching a M-class rocket. We also are investigating the possibility of using a ham radio tower in conjunction with the rail to stiffen it and provide a 'ladder' for arming the electronics and possibly to act as a guy-wire attachment point. Mike Doyle is following up on the tower. Lee is heading up the Transportation Project and will work with Joe on the launcher base. Terry agreed to build the cradle to transport the Phoenix inside the trailer.

Donations - There was much discussion about getting items and/or funds donated and we decided to standardize what we should offer to potential 'large amount' donors. First, we agreed that for a minimum donation of $250, we will include the donors' corporate logo on the rocket itself, on the eventual plaque at TASM and also present the donor with a small 'office' plaque commemorating their participation. No other inducements should be offered or promised. I will generate a short document in the near future that will summarize the project goals and deliverables and will be suitable for use when approaching a potential donor.

Membership cards - Robert Cowden brought a box of new TARA membership cards he had printed. These are really cool and feature a Phoenix missile rising from northeast Oklahoma and heading for space. Thanks to Robert for investing the time and money to get these cards printed. If you weren't in attendance Saturday, see Rick Norrgard at the next launch or meeting and claim your card.

Work Schedule - We discussed how often we should meet at Mrs. Doyle's and work on the project together. We decided to begin meeting every other Saturday afternoon from 1:00 - 4:00 PM, beginning next Saturday, Feb 2nd. We felt this would be a good balance between the need to make progress on the project and having a life.

Next Meeting - Next Saturday, Tom Savoie and the Airframe Team will begin prepping the airframe tube for fiberglassing. Tom will furnish two sawhorses and Lee agreed to cut some plywood centering rings for the tube. We will also be cutting sections from the 2nd tube for use by other teams and may begin work on the wings and fins. If you are interested in participating in any of these activities, show up and bring some tools.

That's it for now. See you next Saturday.

Hal