The Labor Day Weekend launches were a blast. Did you have fun? Let us know what you flew on our social media pages.

We got a few rockets into the sky too. We finally tested the SwingShot RC glider from J&H Aerospace, and it was terrific. One thing that makes Apogee different from other rocketry suppliers is that we fly everything that we sell. We do that so we know the product well enough to answer your questions about it. It took us a little longer to get this one in the air than other rockets, but it was worth the wait. It is RC controlled, and that makes it a little challenging. But if you're up for something that requires more precision during the build and the flight, you'll be delighted with this one. We only have a few in stock, so be sure to get over to our website quickly.

Our Advanced Construction Video #391, which was released on Tuesday, was the 6th video in the construction sequence of the TTV rocket. This has turned out to be a more popular rocket than we expected, and we've had to make an emergency production run of them to keep them in stock. If you were waiting for one, we do have them available again on our website. Anyway, the steps shown in this video are how to install the motor mount into the upper stage tube. It isn't like a normal rocket, because the tube the motor mount is specially shaped. This is why this isn't your normal 2-stage rocket kit.

On Tuesday, we also released another exciting rocket called the Draco BG. Already this rocket is flying off our shelves; and for good reason. It is highly unique, and not like any other rocket boosted glider that is out there. At Apogee, we specialize in raising the bar in rocketry. You don't want a normal boring rocket. You want something that will challenge you and raise your skills. This rocket, like the TTV described above, does that. It is the swing wing glider that is based on the military's Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB). The way the wing is activated and positioned for glide is an experience that you just have to feel with your hands. We released a video showing how it works, but until you touch it, you won't know what type of sensation you'll experience when that wing swings out and locks into place.

We've noticed that the rest of the rocketry industry has been rather quiet lately. But here at Apogee, we're still hard at work for you, as evidenced by the 8 rockets we've released this year so far. And there is still a bunch of new kits in the works that we're planning on releasing before the end of the year. The next kit will use our new 3" diameter nose cone. It will be a simpler model, but still big and impressive. And it can fly on 29mm diameter motors. Watch for announcements about it later this month.

Rocketry Tool of the Month - 20pc Micro Drill Set

Our September Tool-of-the-Month is a 20 piece set of micro drills, along with a convenient dispenser case. The set includes a range of bit sizes (from 0.3mm to 1.6mm) to accommodate various needs in your rocketry projects. The bits are made from high strength steel (a very hard tool steel), granting them exceptional resistance to wear and tear. Whether you're working with balsa wood, plastic, fiberglass, aluminum or other materials, these micro drill bits provide reliable performance.

Why are we offering this Tool-of-the-Month?

We believe that if you find construction of rockets fun, easy, hassle free, and that it goes quicker because you have some simple tools in your arsenal, you'll stick with rocketry for a longer time. You'll have the skills to make really great rockets, and you'll want to show off your models to other modelers. You win because you have a more enjoyable experience, and we win because you'll be a customer well into the future. We're investing in your skills, because we want you to be our customer for a lifetime. And maybe you'll recommend us to your rocketry friends and any newbies that you mentor.

While you can buy this set of drill bits separately, you can have them free when you order $50 worth of other merchandise before September 30th. Visit this link for additional instructions to claim your free set of micro drill bits.

What is Coming Up Next Week?

On Tuesday, we'll have our next Peak-of-Flight newsletter for you. The article will be a RockSim How-To, that describes how to adjust the final mass of the rocket. You want to make sure that your design weight in RockSim matches the real-world rocket you're about to launch. That way your simulations will be the most accurate, and you'll be assured that the delay you pick for the flight will be the correct one. There are three ways to adjust the weight, and I'll tell you which way is my favorite.

Check your email inbox next Tuesday.