Cancelled – September 14th Launch at Mill Springs Academy
The launch at the Mill Springs Academy scheduled for 09/14/2024 is hereby cancelled due to the forecasted weather. We’ll see each other in Dawsonville on 09/28!
August Mill Springs Launch Event Report
The August 10th launch event at Mill Springs Academy was held under mostly sunny skies with mild winds that helped (at times) moderate the summer heat. Turnout was moderate but busy with a total of ninety-six launches accomplished – mostly during the cooler morning hours. With the calm winds, most rockets were launched straight up with no angle needed to ensure recovery back on the field.
Notable flights included Darren’s first flight of his scratch-built Biggs Revenge powered by an E12, and Kevin Scholberg’s Art Applewhite UFFO with Streamers on an E12 – quite the crowd pleaser. Kevin also flew his scratch-built Captain America’s Shield with a cluster of three D11s while Darren was able to successfully ignite all four C6-3s on his scratch-built X-wing (and a prayer). David Cain brought out an updated scratch-built UNICON that launched on a C11 and features a unique break apart recovery method. The calm winds also enticed some to try rockets with parasitic gliders with many great flights with long-lasting glide patterns. Terry Bliss experimented with a number of spinners (and “brain pans”) with various balance points set by engine placement to evaluate stability of these inexpensive scratch-built designs. The event also included some nice scale model rockets including an Estes Saturn V launched by Santwan with a C6-3 and an Estes Mercury Redstone by Marcus sent up on a C5-3 and recovered with twin parachutes.
Some photos from the event [here].
Motor Ignition counts:
A – 22
B – 26
C – 38
D – 11
E – 4
August 10th Mill Springs Academy Launch Event
SoAR’s Mill Springs Academy launch event is this Saturday, August 10th. The weather forecast calls for clear skies all day with light winds and temperatures reaching the 90s in the afternoon. So, make plans to come out early and enjoy a wonderful day of rocketry where we will be launching from 9:00 AM to 2:00 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!
June Dawsonville Launch Event Report
Despite the forecast of afternoon sweltering heat, SoAR’s first summertime launch event for the year was well attended with those who were well prepared for the heat and enthusiastic to launch. The sunny skies and mild winds from the east made for an outstanding mid-powered event with lots of steady action throughout the entire day. There were a total of 111 launches accomplished.
Of special note were two launches by Darren of his NCR Archer with both flights being powered by thunderous G77-7s. There were also seventeen F-powered launches including Steven’s HV Arcas on an F67-6, Tony Paridon’s Sky Hook XXL with a F27-4R for power, Chris’ Big Der Violet Max going up twice on F52-5s, Bill Humiston’s Apogee Kronos with two flights each on a F42-4T, and Katina’s Estes Big Red Max powered by a F67-6.
Other launches of interest included Tom T.’s Boosted Bertha going up for the first time on a B6-0 and A8-3 combination, Joseph’s two-stage Rocketarium Super Chief II with a D12-0 booster and a B6-4 upper stage, and Kevin Scholberg’s Fliskits Preator plus Booster powered by a D12-0/C6-5 combination. Jorge launched his Apogee TTV with an E30 to a B6 setup but still did not get the full success he was trying for as the second stage again failed to ignite.
Some photos from the event [here]
Engine ignition count:
A – 19
B – 23
C – 20
D – 19
E – 20
F – 17
G – 2
June Launch Event at Dawsonville Saturday
SoAR’s next launch happens this Saturday, June 22nd 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 very mild winds from the southeast and no chance for precipitation anytime during the event with temperatures reaching the mid-90s. So come early and enjoy the most favorable conditions. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and some shade. Setup begins at 8:00 and help is greatly appreciated.