The "remove before flight" flags have been attached. The main package is running on external power in "full-up" mode. Mr. Ball is in place. All we have to do is fill with foam peanuts, pull the plugs, go to internal power and activate the 35-mm camera.
"Why is this tank empty?" Hmmmm... three tanks of helium - one full, one half full, and one EMPTY! As Furby would say, "WAH!"
"What? You're ready? We're late? But we're having SO much FUN!" Bill WA5VQH, Tom K5SAF, John WA5WOD and Charlie K5ENG meditate on these deep thoughts... So we drained all the tanks, and had just enough for a GOOD HOT LAUNCH configuration! YES!!!
We're ALL ready! The cords are tied and the plugs are just about to be pulled. It's time to head for the field and The Edge of Space!
John WA5WOD and Charlie K5ENG lead the way! The ballon is lost in the bright sky, but it's shadow can easily be seen. Here we GO! (K5SAF photo)
Bill WA5VQH looks on, while the launch crew does an easy hand-over-hand deployment in very light winds. It was a GREAT morning for a BLT Launch!
Launch happened only an hour late at 11 AM on August 25, 2001 from the Wharton Regional Airport. WE WERE THERE!!!