Apr 27, 2024
Excellent field conditions, mild temperatures, manageable winds and mostly overcast skies encouraged a good turnout for the April 27th launch event at Dawsonville. There were many mid-powered flights that were successfully flown and recovered but also more than a few heartbreakers as fate would have it. In total the day had twenty-eight participants launch 107 rockets – a busy day.
Some of the more impressive mid-powered flights included Darren’s North Coast SA-14 Archer powered by a F67 (twice), Gary Knotts launched his Estes Nike Smoke PSII on a G64, Ray Lecture got in a good flight with his LOC Goblin 4” with a G76, Steven flew his Aerotech HV Arcas with a F67, and Brian & Austin launched their scratch-built Apollo on a F41. To end the day there was Katina’s Estes Mega Mosquito with two flights, E then F powered with good results.
Other remarkable flights were accomplished by Jorge with his third flight of the two-stage Apogee TTV (“Hope”) that proved the technology worked, but after the E30-7 initial stage separated the upper stage C6-5 did not ignite (may not have been recovered if it actually had) although the igniter had been successfully activated. So, we look forward to the next TTV launch in May. Then there were a number of mid-power and low-power flights by Kevin Scholberg with rockets pulled from his deep inventory that were needing a day out. Most (if not all) of these were creatively designed and finished like the impressive Purple Firebreather (Estes Ventris) flown on an E16, a scratch-built Megafin powered by a E28, and a scratch-built Venom going up on a D21 to name a few. See some of these and other event photos [here].
Engine Ignition Count:
A – 11
B – 15
C – 30
D – 18
E – 24
F – 8
G – 3
Apr 26, 2024
SoAR’s next launch happens this Saturday, April 27th at our Dawsonville/Ball Ground site from 9AM – 2PM.
This is our mid-power field, where rockets up to G power can be flown. It is very hilly, and cow-patties abound, hidden in the tall grass in the recovery area, so pick your shoes accordingly. Spectators are always welcome. If you’ve got a rocket, come fly it with us.
The latest forecast shows some winds from the southeast and warm temperatures reaching the mid-70s by the afternoon with mostly cloudy skies but no precipitation throughout the event. So come early and enjoy the most favorable conditions. Setup begins at 8:00 and help is greatly appreciated.
Apr 13, 2024
At the April 13th SoAR launch event at Mill Springs Academy the skies were sunny, the temperatures were pleasant, but gosh… those wind gusts were not friendly. Nonetheless there were many excellent flights throughout the day. Once the field setup was complete, and while the winds were still favorable, there was time to take advantage of prime conditions for less risky flights.
Outstanding launches included Darren’s Dynastar LexxJet flown twice on E12-4 motors. He also dialed in a successful launch rod angle for his Quest Harpoon that went up three times on C6-5s for good altitude and then successfully recovered on the field. Kevin Scholberg had a number of impressive flights including his LOC 429 SS on a quad-cluster of two E16-4s and two C11-0s, a LOC Norad powered by a F32-4T, his scratch-built Red Devil flown with a D24-4T, and his scratch-built Steve Bellio Special also powered by a D24-4T.
The event had twenty participants launching a total of sixty-seven rockets. Some pictures from the event [here].
Motor Ignition Count:
A – 24
B – 16
C – 12
D – 8
E – 8
F – 2
Apr 12, 2024
SoAR’s Mill Springs Academy launch event is this Saturday, April 13th. The weather forecast calls for clear skies all day and mild Spring temperatures with winds picking up in the afternoon. So, make plans to come out early and enjoy a wonderful day of rocketry where we will be launching from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Remember to bring water to help stay hydrated. This is our low power launch, where we recommend altitudes no higher than 1000′ (usually no more than D power level).
As always, the public is invited to watch, or join in!
Mar 23, 2024
At the March 23rd Mill Spring Academy launch event SoAR hosted a large group of over 50 participants from the FIRE Rocket Challenge led by Robin Houston. Activity started at around 10:00 a.m. and then was winding down just after noon with a hamburger and hotdog lunch provided. Many SoAR members arrived early and helped set up 40 launch pads, tables and chairs, and a large tent over the eating area. The participants arrived with Estes Generic E2X rockets ready for final prep and safety check and flew them on mostly A8-3 motors. Winds were a bit of an issue with some rockets drifting into the adjacent field or getting snagged in a tree, but with some adjustments to the parachutes and launch angles the recovery success rate was improved.
In the afternoon there were our usual attendees and some first-time families getting to launch rockets at a slower pace. Some standouts included Steven’s Aerotech HV Arcas flown with a F67-6 for power, Kevin Scholberg’s Art Applewhite Priority Stealth roaring up on a G77-10R (red flame) and his scratch-built Space-X Starship with a C11-3.
Special thanks for supporting this busy day includes:
Keith Frazier and his brother for preparing the excellent food, Allen Isdell for providing and setting up the dining tent. Jorge Blanco for organizing the event and picking up the rented tables and chairs. Tom Thurmond for being Launch Control for the entire event. Many other volunteers were helping out at the prep tables and launch pads to keep the event progressing smoothly.
The final launch count for the day totaled 126. Event photos by Kevin Boyd [here]. Some additional photos from the event [here]
Engine Ignition Count:
A – 94*
B – 16
C – 10
D – 1
E – 3
F – 1
G – 1
* includes 30 unknowns that were most likely A or B
