SoAR will sponsor a ‘replacement’ launch in Dawsonville on Saturday 03/16/2024 starting at 11:00 am and ending at 4:00 pm.
It’s supposed to be Sunny with a high around 70 degrees.
Come on out!
1470 Eagles Perch Rd., Ball Ground, GA
SoAR’s mid-power launch. Up through G motors permitted. Much higher altitudes can be obtained here, though you may have to deal with the cows and their patties to get your rockets back!
All three of the major weather sources – NWS, Weather Underground, Weather Channel
are predicting rain through at least 1pm. NWS is also cautioning about thunderstorm possibilities.
Therefore, Saturday’s launch that was supposed to be in Dawsonville has been canceled.
The wind was fierce and unrelenting; but nonetheless, there were thirty-three participants who arrived at the February 24th launch event at Dawsonville ready for the challenge. By the end of the event there were sixty-two launches accomplished. Although many chose streamer recovery (wisely), there were still some very long recovery walks.
Some of the highlights included James Richter’s Apogee Astrobee D (“Gone with the Wind #2”) flight on a G77-7R with dual parachute recovery.
A group of students came with Apogee Aspire rockets which were flown on E24-7C and F67-9W motors. These flights cut through the wind at high speed and reached remarkable altitudes for mid-powered models. Recoveries were by streamers, but still challenging to chase down.
Josh and Hope Finn had their sons flying qualifying flights of their J&H Aerospace Fliplocks. These flights were powered by A3-2Ts for boost then transforming into gliders that stayed aloft for incredible flight times – and again challenging to chase down due to the strong persistent winds.
Steven B came out for the first time with his Aerotech Initiator and accomplished two successful flights on E20-4 motors. Jonathon Hill flew his New Century Rocketry Whirlwind on a B6-0 which recovers in two parts by Maple seed helicopter action. Jonathon also had a successful flight of his Quest Quad Runner that is powered by a cluster of four C6-5s.
That all this activity was done on a very challenging day was quite remarkable. The wind took its toll on SoAR field equipment as speakers were blown over damaging audio cable connectors and one strong gust of wind blew the control box table over damaging an antenna. Even launch pads were toppled bending launch rods.
If you haven’t renewed your membership (or joined) for 2024, now would be a good time to support the club. Join/Renew your membership [here].
A few event photos [here].
Motor ignition counts:
A – 16
B – 11
C – 16
D – 4
E – 14
F – 2
G – 2
SoAR’s next launch happens this Saturday, February 24th at our Dawsonville/Ball Ground site from 11AM – 4PM.
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 coming in briskly from the northwest and temperatures in the mid-50s by the afternoon with clear skies throughout the event. Setup begins at 10:00 and help is greatly appreciated.
For a day that initially looked questionable due to a rainy weather forecast a few days out, the launch event at Mill Springs Academy on February 10th turned out to be excellent. There were twenty-one participants launching sixty-seven rockets into an overcast sky. Winds were minimal at the start, built up some mid-event and then moderated again during the final hour.
Standouts included a launch of a visually incredible creation of Kevin Scholberg that left the launch pad pouring out multi-colored crepe paper streamers to about 100 feet altitude, then arching over and creating a rainbow of streamers while landing gently nearby. Kevin drag raced four air screws that was also thrilling sight. While conditions were calm, Terry Bliss had some amazing flights of boost gliders with his Edmond Aerospace Deltie and Holverson Designs Silver Hawk. Some other great flights were accomplished by David Cain with his Estes Interceptor and Semroc Cherokee-D.
Event pictures [here]
Motor ignition counts:
A – 20
B – 20
C – 17
D – 5
E – 2
F – 5
G – 1