Jan 14, 2024
SoAR’s first launch event of the year was held at Mill Springs Academy on January 13th. What began as a cold blustery morning turned out to be quite a good day of rocketry (if dressed appropriately – and most were). For this launch event there were twenty-two participants launching fifty-seven rockets into a sunny blue sky with brisk winds at the surface and at altitude. Launch angles were key for successful recovery, but a somewhat favorable wind direction helped keep most rockets recoverable down field and out of trouble (but always a few unfortunate exceptions)
With participation peaking just after noon, there was a need to add an additional set of launch pads to accommodate enthusiastic rocketeers. Some of the highlights included unique designs by Kevin Scholberg like the scratch-built Captain America Shield that was powered by a cluster of three D11-Ps. Fulton Science Academy launched their scratch-built Metro Boomin on a F15-4 which almost made it back to the field but ultimately required Jorge’s recovery expertise to unsnag from a tree limb. For testing in preparation for American Rocketry Challenge Davud and Austin launched a scratch-built In Thrust we Trust with a D12-3 to gain some design experience.
By 2:00 participation had waned considerably and the event wrapped-up a bit early. Some pictures [here].
Motor ignition count:
A – 21
B – 18
C – 12
D – 5
E – 2
F – 1
Jan 12, 2024
Southern Area Rocketry has a busy launch schedule set for 2024. The club depends on membership dues to help with the expenses associated with equipment maintenance, trailer upkeep, and all the things that get done behind the scenes to make a launch event run smoothly and safely. SoAR membership dues are just $30 per year and with your continued support you will be listed on the supporting membership page with other rocket enthusiasts and greeted at all launches and meetings with a big smile from our club president.
To see if it’s time to renew your membership, go to the SoAR membership page and find your name in the listing (sorted by SoAR member number). If the year to the right of your name is 2024 or before, then it’s time to renew. If the year listed is 2025 or greater, then you’re good for this year (Thank you!). If you can’t find your name, then it’s time to get you back on the list to show your support.
Use the Join SoAR page to complete your renewal. Thank you!
Nov 10, 2023
Today’s Launch Event at Mill Springs Academy has been cancelled due to existing and forecasted weather conditions.
Scouts and CAP, please contact Jorge Blanco – jorgeb@bellsouth.net to discuss reschedule.
There is a launch near Tifton, Ga. on November 18 & 19 on a square mile field with altitude limits of 12,000 feet. There is a fee but you won’t lose your rocket.
The next launch nearby is December 9th at the Mill Springs Academy. With any luck the weather will be dry!
Oct 28, 2023
Against a beautiful backdrop of vibrant Fall colors, we had thirty-two participants launch 117 rockets under blue skies at the October 28th SoAR launch event in Dawsonville. There was a lot of mid-power action as mild winds and warm sunny skies encouraged larger rockets and more powerful mid-power engines to be put out on the pads.
There were many multi-stage and cluster engine powered flights keeping things interesting. Notable examples include Jorge’s scratch-built Trouble Times Seven with (of course) seven D12-5s making for a spectacular flight. Ron Hender powered his Estes Saturn V with four C6-0s clustered around an E12-4 to accomplish a more realistic looking ascent with all engines ignited. Then there was Kevin Scholberg’s LOC 429 SS that he sent up on a pair of D12-0s and a pair of E12-4s.
Halloween themed rockets were also present with many Goblins like Ray Lectures scratch-built 3” Goblin that thundered up on a G77 and then used dual-deploy for recovery. Also in this theme was Barry Savory’s LOC Goblin launched on a G74. The most disgusting example of spooky rocketry were the bonus entrails spilling out of Kevin Scholberg’s scratch-built Halloween Hellraiser that screeched skyward on a cluster of two D12-5s and then his drag racing three scratch-built Webs of Terror on E12 and F15.
All-in-all this event had a great turn-out with lots of action, drama, beautiful rockets, and flights to admire. Event photos by Kevin Boyd [here]. Some additional event photos [here]. AND definitely check out this excellent video of the launch by Nicolai Jordan [here].
Engine ignition counts:
A – 7
B – 16
C – 32
D – 39
E – 23
F – 12
G – 7
Oct 26, 2023
SoAR’s next launch happens this Saturday, October 28th 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 only slight winds from the west and warm temperatures just reaching 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.
