This past week our Peak-of-Flight newsletter was released with two different articles. The first was a listing of the pros and cons of the 10 different ways to protect your parachute from the ejection charge. Most people think there are only four or five different methods, like wadding, cloth heat shields, baffles, and pistons. But we went through all of them, and listed to advantages and disadvantages of each one. That way, you can decide for yourself with method you'll use in your next rocket.

The second article was Tim's blog about what is going on here at Apogee. You'll get the inside scoop and see some of the new products we're working on.

What is not in the article is that we are constantly improving our current line-up of products besides working on just new stuff. This we do so that we are continually providing the best and easiest rocket kits to build. We want it so that when you recommend our kits to others, you'll look like the hero to them for giving them a best and most pleasurable experience.

Right now, Tim is working on revising the instruction sheets for the Avion rocket kit. This is our classic kit that has been out nearly 20 years, which we've sold thousands of. It is a nice stable design that we recommend heartily to beginners. But we have made some upgrades to it over the years, like adding the crimped engine hook with the curved bottom end. But the instructions showed the old version of the engine hook, which meant that customers had to figure out why it looks different. It is upgrading these little things that we think makes our rockets the best in the industry. If you think one of our products needs some upgrading, please let us know, so that we can add it to the list.

Rocketry Tool of the Month - Dental Scaler

We're calling this month's tool a "Dental Scaler." What it is great for, is very precise scraping off tiny glue globs from your rocket so you can get that pristine rocket that is showroom ready.

No matter how intense your construction techniques are, there are always small blemishes on the rocket. The average modeler doesn't notice them, but the seasoned pro certainly does. You can always tell the quality of the model by the minute details. It is the finishing touches that tell you how much of a craftsman a builder is.

This little tool has been one of my favorites for over 20 years. It allows you to touch up those little tiny spots on a rocket by scraping them away, without marring the rest of the rocket's finish. It saves you a lot of time and effort, because you don't have to refinish everything. You can simply scrape it away with a precision tool like this one. It has been one of my secret tools that I always have near by when I'm building rockets. You should have one too.

To get this dental scaler for free (a $11.95 value), just purchase $75 worth of Apogee's merchandise and add the coupon code at checkout on our website. This offer only lasts until June 30th.

What is Coming Up Next Week?

Next week, we'll have the part 2 of our video series about fin fillets. Last week we talked about the theory. This video will concentrate on the practical aspects, particularly about how to apply the fin fillets. Since there are several different materials, we'll show the different techniques that are peculiar to each type.

Also next week Friday, Michelle will be filling in for Tim in the RockSim Live tutorial session. It is always refreshing to have Michelle, because she brings a different perspective to how you can use Rocksim.

I'll see you in your email in-box next Tuesday.