Jul 8, 2023
The July 8th Mill Springs Academy launch event was well attended with many families coming out for the first time to enjoy a summer day of rocketry. Range setup was completed by the 9:00 event start time under very warm and humid conditions under sunny skies. As the day progressed the moderate wind provided some relief to the rising temperatures but challenged those seeking higher altitudes to keep recoveries near the launch area where field conditions were less difficult to navigate. By the end of the event the forecasted threat of afternoon rain never materialized allowing forty-six participants to accomplish a total of 153 launches.
Many of these were the rocket’s first flights. Brandon Lange’s Athena was sent skyward powered by an E12 for its maiden flight and his Honest John went up on a D12 with camera. Frank Gugert launched a unique non-symmetric design and beautifully finished Fliskits Night Whisper on a B6 for an impressive first flight. Other spectacular first flights were made by David Lange with an Estes Red Nova going up on a D12 and his Estes Green Lightning also powered by a D12 for their first flights.
Also notable were multi-motor flights like Ron Stancil’s three stage Estes Mini Comanche III that went up on A10-0/A10-0/A10-3T and successfully recovered. John Cooper launched (twice) his Estes Star Chaser on a pair of B6-4s and Kevin Scholberg sent up his Estes Side Kick on two A8-3s.
By the 2:00 event end time the heat and humidity was at its July peak and range take-down was accomplished by a few stalwart volunteers and the day was considered a great success.
Event Photos
Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 61
B – 40
C – 32
D – 11
E – 13
Jul 7, 2023
SoAR’s Mill Springs Academy launch event is this Saturday, July 8th. The weather forecast calls for typical summertime weather with mostly blue skies and mild winds at the start then heating up by the afternoon with a slight chance of showers by the end of the event. So, make plans to come out early and enjoy a day of rocketry where we will be launching from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 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!
Jun 24, 2023
The launch pads stayed busy at the SoAR Dawsonville launch event on June 24th. Gusting winds were prevalent throughout the day and made some recoveries a bit of a walk, but also helped moderate the summer heat in the afternoon. Clear skies in the morning encouraged an excellent turn-out with a total of thirty-six participants who accomplished 120 launches. The parking, rocket prep, and launching area had been recently mowed which made getting to/from launch control easy and supporting family members were able to watch the action up close.
There were many great flights including those by Barry Savory who launched his LOC Goblin for its first flight on a F67 and two flights of his Apogee Zephyr Jr. on D12s. Chris flew his Estes Der Violet Max powered by a F52 and recovered with the use of a Jolly Logic chute release set for 400 feet. He also sent up his LOC Lil’ Hulk on an E30. More mid-power excitement was provided by Wayne with his MAC Performance Atomic Number 29 going up with a G76 and Kevin Scholberg had his Art Applewhite Priority Stealth boosted by a G35 and an excellent scale flight of a refurbished Semroc Saturn 1B on an E28 that came from Roy’s collection. Near the end of the event Dave Fountain placed his Pratt Hobbies B.O.B. out on the pads with a G76 for a straight-up flight to one of the day’s highest altitudes but unfortunately its recovery may not have been successful.
Launch activity stayed busy up to the very end of the event time and afterwards there were many who remained to help take down the launch equipment – very much appreciated. Some pictures from the event can be found [here].
Motor Ignition counts:
A – 21
B – 22
C – 42
D – 24
E – 10
F – 7
G – 3
Jun 23, 2023
SoAR’s next launch happens this Saturday, June 24th 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 winds from the northwest and warm temperatures reaching mid 80s by the afternoon with mostly clear skies throughout the event. So come early and enjoy the most favorable conditions. Setup begins at 8:00 and help is greatly appreciated.
Jun 20, 2023
SoAR had special guests at the Mill Springs Academy launch on 06/10/2023!
Approximately 100 Scouts and their parents registered to come out and fly rockets with us…and they showed up in mass!
Four of us started the day at the Eggs Up diner that is near the field. When breakfast broke up we ambled over to the field and set up 28 pads to make sure there wouldn’t be any waiting. We kept up with the demand and I believe everyone had an Excellent time.
Terry Bliss set up the Triage Table to help Scouts whose rocket needed that extra fin or launch lug.
Flight operations were traded off throughout the day (quite successfully I might add). I believe all of the SoAR members got their fill of flying!
Our flight count for the day was 118 with the vast majority of the flights going on A8-3 with a smattering of D’s, E’s, and a couple of F’s.
This was excellent Outreach and more than a couple of the ‘Scout Flyers’ will be returning to fly with us!
Sincere THANK YOU to everyone who helped!
