Re: Balloons and helium for Science Olympiad's Balloon Launch Glider

From: Jim Fackert <jfackert_at_cac.net>
Date: Sat, 07 Oct 2006 17:33:35 -0400

the Half Off Card Shop in Brighton, MI sells the large mylar balloons.
Mylar balloons hold helium much longer than latex balloons- less
internal pressure, and the helium leaks right through the latex. They
sell them filled, and also sell various sizes of disposable helium tanks.

If you use a large mylar balloon, you will have to rig it with a 3 line
harness so its lens like shape flies "flat side up" rather than flat
sides to the sides... not too hard. Use a fishing reel, pole and line
to bring er in and out... no tangles.

Jeff Anderson wrote:
>
>
> Besides flying airplanes for myself, I spend a lot of my volunteer time
> supporting Science Olympiad, especially the flying events, here in
> Michigan.
>
> I've been asked to recommend sources for the balloons and helium needed
> to run the Balloon Launch Glider Event.
>
> The rules require the event supervisor to provide at least a 36 inch
> round latex balloon, or a large, flat mylar balloon on its sides. Teams
> can use anything they bring. Suggestions for balloons and/or helium??
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff Anderson
> Livonia, MI
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
Received on Sat Oct 07 2006 - 14:34:55 CEST