Oct 14, 2023
At the October 14th Mill Springs Academy launch event, what began as a gloomy early morning for range setup became an excellent day for launching rockets as blue sky finally made an appearance and just in time to view (with viewing glasses) and appreciate the solar eclipse that was also occurring that day. But what was most spectacular, the attendees were treated with a free-for-a-smile lunch of fresh-off-the-grill hamburgers and hotdogs provided generously by Keith Frazier and his brother. All of this made the day go by quickly and by the end of the event, we had twenty-one participants launch sixty-nine rockets.
The field conditions were much improved due to a recent bush-hogging over a large portion of the field, although a bit of high-stepping was still required over some grass clumps. Overall though, this made most on-the-field recoveries much easier.
Some of the highlights included Robert Harris’ Cool Spool that roared up off the pad on a G76-4G – quite a sight. He also entertained us with his New Way Square in the Air on D16-8 that chuffed-chuffed dramatically down field – both times. Barry Savoy accomplished an awesome flight of his Estes Super Bertha – Air Force Version on a D22-4W. Jorge got to fly his Polecat (rocket formally known as Prince) on an F50-4 and Kevin Scholberg had a number of spectacular flights including his Estes Argent on an E16-4. Fulton Science Academy Rocket Club was in attendance and got some flights in near the end of the event as winds were starting to pick up due to approaching cold front. All-in-all an excellent day of rocketry. Some photos from the event [here].
Motor Ignition counts:
A – 17
B – 25
C – 16
D – 8
E – 2
F – 1
G – 1
Oct 13, 2023
SoAR’s Mill Springs Academy launch event is this Saturday, October 14th. The weather forecast calls for clearing skies in the morning and mild Fall temperatures with slight winds picking up later 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!
Sep 9, 2023
At the September 9th SoAR launch event at Mill Springs Academy there were 85 total launches accomplished by thirty-nine participants. The Civil Air Patrol GA-045 Sandy Springs Cadet Squadron participated in today’s launch and helped with field recoveries and taking down launch equipment at the end of the event. Weather conditions at the field were excellent for the morning with an occasional mild breeze and pleasant temperatures. By later in the afternoon normal summertime conditions brought in some gathering rain clouds, distant thunder, and rising heat/humidity.
Some notable launches included Kevin Scholberg’s MRC Trailblazer IIB powered by a C11-3, his Estes Gyroc going up on an A8-3 and the majestic scratch-built Silver Sailor that launched on a D12-3. Dave Tripp launched his classic Semroc Mini Explorer on a B6-4. A thrilling launch and recovery was accomplished by Katina with an Estes Big Red Max sent up on a F23-4.
Event photos by Dave Tripp [here]
Motor Ignition Count:
A – 22
B – 30
C – 28
D – 6
E – 2
F – 2
G – 1 (cato)
Sep 8, 2023
SoAR’s Mill Springs Academy launch event is this Saturday, September 9th. The weather forecast calls for typical summertime weather with mostly clear skies in the morning and favorable five mph winds throughout the event. The day will be heating up into the 80s by the afternoon with a chance of showers by the end of the event. 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!
Aug 12, 2023
Thirty-two participants plus a good many supporting friends and family members came out for the August 12th SoAR launch event at Mill Springs Academy. Other than the heat and humidity, the day was great for rocketry with only slight winds off and on throughout the morning and early afternoon. Many rockets were recovered close to the launching area. For this event there were a total of 110 launches.
Some of the highlights included Mark Bowen’s Dynasoar Aurora Clipper boosted R/C glider sent up to an impressive altitude on an E6 then piloted back to the launch area by remote control. Davud’s Estes Saturn V was launched and recovered successfully for the first time on a C6-3. Herb had an impressive flight of his nicely finished Estes Rubicon that was powered by a D12-3 and provided much entertainment with several saucers going up on E12s and an F15. Gary Knotts flew his new Semroc Mars Lander on a D21 for a roaring ascent then a perfect gentle decent and upright “stuck” landing. He also modified his Estes Citation Patriot for accommodating two-cluster power and sent it up on twin B6-4s.
Some photos from the event can be viewed [here]
Motor ignition count:
A – 31
B – 37
C – 26
D – 8
E – 8
F – 2
