Gene's L3 Project - "Main Event"

"For a rocket guy, getting your Level 3 Certification is like a mountaineer climbing El Capitan! This page provides links to important documents and pictures for my L3 project. Enjoy!" - Gene Engelgau, CEO of Fruity Chutes Inc.

Document links that outline the project:

 

Gene achieved his L3 on March 14, 2009 at Snow Ranch (east of Stockton, CA). Here are some flight files to view the results - which were perfect!

 

All results closely matched the predictions. The altitude was within 10% of what RockSim predicted with a measurement of 9526 feet. The main parachute was made by Fruity Chutes with a measured descent speed of 17.5 fps. Predicted descent speed was 17.3 fps. The Fruity Chutes 24" drogue's measured descent speed was 50 fps, which was ideal.


Photos

A few photos of the finished product...

Main Event - L3 Cert Flight
Liftoff - Snow Ranch, March 14, 2009
Courtesy of David Flournoy


Photo Albums, Website and Videos Featuring the Main Event

Main Event - L3 Project
Main Event - The result: a successful flight!
Photo courtesy of David Flournoy

 

Main Event Parachute
Main Event Parachute - 108" by 18 gores