Taylorsville High Power Launch Report
Mild temperatures and calm winds welcomed fifty-three participants at the November 17th high-power launch event at the Creekside Firing Range in Taylorsville. Range setup was challenged by a field access delay and then the need to hand carry or cart range equipment out into the open field. Those who gathered early were extremely helpful in grabbing what they could for transport. Technical challenges for getting the high-power pads in working order also held up getting underway although low and mid-power were able to commence before noon. Despite the difficulties, by the event’s end time there were 101 launches accomplished.
Throughout the afternoon there was a constant queue line at the range safety table as the large number of participants needed to be processed to ensure safety of many first-time flights. This caused the need for much patience for both high-power and low to mid-power participants. Again, it was a challenging day all around, but a grand success for those who were looking to attempt high-power certification at level 1 and level 2.
Again, a special thanks to all of those who helped overcome the logistics of setup and takedown of range equipment. Thanks to Chris Short (Chris’ Rocket Supplies) in supporting high-power rocket motors and supplies, and thanks to all those individuals who stepped-in with their experience to help answer so many questions and to demonstrate proper techniques. It was a successful, albeit tiring day. [Photos by Kevin Boyd] [Some additional photos from the event]
Motor Ignition Counts:
- 1/2A to A – 6
- B – 15
- C – 29
- D – 7
- E – 13
- F – 6
- G – 5
- H – 25
- I – none
- J – 3
The November 9th Mill Springs Launch event began with Jorge supporting a group of Cub Scouts on a day that started out cold and a bit windy. As the club members began arriving a few hours later, the day became more comfortable, the winds died down and by the end of the event we had a total of fifty-eight participants who accomplished 161 launches.
The October 12th Mill Springs launch event got a delayed start due to SoAR’s participation in the Roswell Youth Parade, but as the afternoon got underway, we had twenty-seven participants accomplish a total of ninety launches. The Fall weather was very comfortable with moderate winds diminishing later during the event.
The September 14th Mill Springs launch had a great turnout of thirty-six participants who accomplished 121 launches throughout the event. Mild winds from the east helped guide recoveries down the length of the field but variations in wind direction did prove challenging at times.
Rockets filled the sky at the August 10th Mill Springs launch event where thirty-eight participants launched 149 rockets at a steady pace throughout the day. Although Georgia summer heat and humidity were in full force, mild winds from the west allowed many to push their low and mid powered rockets to higher altitudes. Most of these were successfully recovered downfield or in the adjacent ball field.