Here is the latest update:

Flight at LDRS 21 - I think everyone is aware by now that the Phoenix made a spectacular flight at LDRS and came back almost unscathed.  We suffered a minor zipper to the forward end of the airframe when that big chute deployed, but thanks to that chute the touchdown was very gentle.  We also damaged a few decals somewhere along the way but overall I was amazed at the lack of damage after the flight.  Guess we'll chalk that up to good engineering (and good luck).

I have seen a few rockets fly in my time, but I have to say that the flight of the Phoenix was one of the most impressive things I have ever seen.  Congratulations to the entire Phoenix Project Team!

F-14 Adapter - Dave Towers and I visited the Tulsa Air and Space Museum last Saturday and took some measurements from the wing pylon of the F-14.  Dave is currently fabricating the adapter that will be attached to the pylon.  Essentially this will be a custom rail which we will bolt to the bottom of the pylon.  We will then be able to slide the Phoenix in place on the rail and it will hang from the rail guides.  By the way, we are planning to replace the existing plastic rail guides with fender washers, which should provide more strength over the long run.

TASM Press Event - I have been exchanging email messages this week with Kim Jones at TASM about the "press event" he wants to stage when we deliver the Phoenix to the Museum.  They are preparing a press release and are trying to attract as much local media attention as possible.  We are currently discussing two possible dates:  Tuesday, 8/20 and Saturday, 8/24.  Obviously the Tuesday date would require that most of us take a vacation day from work, but Kim feels we would have a better turnout from the media on a Tuesday versus a Saturday.  Of course WE would probably have a better turnout of Team members on Saturday, so I need to hear from all you Team members ASAP regarding your availability on those two dates.

Keep in mind that this event will be our best opportunity to gain some positive media exposure for the Club, and that was one of our original project goals.

Call for Video - We also need to get copies of any good Phoenix flight video that you may have shot at LDRS.  There are two reasons for this request.  First, Kim Jones wants to be able to supply video clips of the Phoenix flight to the local TV stations as part of the TASM press release.  Secondly, the LDRS 21 site is requesting videos as well.  I have already spoken to Dan Littmann about the video his son Brian shot during LDRS and Mike Doyle is also checking the video his family members shot.  If anyone else has a good video of the flight, please let me know.

Phoenix T-shirts - We still have Phoenix T-shirts for sale, for those who may have missed the first order or who may want an additional souvenir from the project.  Sizes available are (adult) S, L, and XL and the price is $15.  If you're interested, let me know and I'll bring your shirt to the launch on 8/4.  Randy Luhman is also working on a T-shirt page for the web site, so we'll be selling shirts on-line soon.

Construction Meeting - We will be meeting at the shop in Claremore at 8:30 this coming Saturday morning to begin the refurbishing work on the Phoenix.  Join us if you can.

Hal