News & Updates

The February 22^nd SoAR launch event in Dawsonville began with a partly sunny sky with clouds increasing by the afternoon.  What was forecasted as relatively light winds ended up being quite gusty at times adding the wind chill factor and making for some long recovery walks for many of those reaching higher altitudes.  But even with the weather challenges, there were eighty-seven flights accomplished by the end of the event.

Launches of special interest included an impressive flight by Bill Humiston of his Apogee Kronos on a G53-7J, the twenty TARC Challenge team roaring-off-the-pad flights each on a F42-4, Kevin Scholberg’s beautifully detailed Estes scale model of an Honest John modified to a 29mm motor mount and powered by a F15-6, and Kevin’s The Launch Pad ASRAAM on a cluster of two D12-5s,  Terry Bliss was back with Brains! Brains! Brains! powered with three-staged C11-0s, but a more stable flight with made just two brains (lower IQ) with two-staged C11-0s.  Georgia Tech’s GNC (Guidance Navigation and Controls) team accomplished two flights of their Scarlet rocket working on gimbaled thrust-vectoring test flights with a G12 for power.  There was also a first two-stage flight successfully accomplished by Joseph Kalinowski with his Estes “ork” using a B6-0/B6-4 staging.

Event photos by Kevin Boyd [here]. Some additional photos from the event [here]

Motor ignition counts:
A – 9
B – 7
C – 24
D – 16
E – 7
F – 22
G – 3

The SoAR launch event on February 8^th at Mill Springs Academy began with mostly cloudy skies, mild temperature, and a bit of troublesome wind (although fortunately directed down the longer length of the recovery field).  Attendance was good with many families, SoAR regulars, and college aerospace teams.  By the end of the event there were a total of 129 launches accomplished.

Of special spectator interest were Terri Bliss’ scratch-built Dollar Tree Brains! Brains! Brains! – a three-stage colander creation powered by C11/C11/B6 combination (flown twice) and also a great flight of Kevin Scholberg’s The Launch Pad Amraam with a two-cluster of C11s for power.  Other spectacular flights included a custom 3D printed Golden Eye flown by Atlas Olive on a D21, Robert Harris’ Orange Spool that roared off the launch pad with a G79 for power, Kevin Scholberg’s Estes Argent lifted off the pad with an E16, and Darren’s test flights of his scratch-built X-Wings Watch the Towers and Red 5 on E12s.

The day ended with GNC (Guidance Navigation and Controls) working on a gimbaled thrust-vectoring test flight with a G12 for power.

Event photos by Kevin Boyd [here]. Some additional photos from the event [here]

Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 33
B – 49
C – 32
D – 12
E – 7
F – 0
G – 2

Despite a chilly start, SoAR’s first rocket launch event of the year on January 25th turned out excellent. Comfortable temperatures by afternoon, mild winds, and sunny skies made for a perfect day.  For this event there were eighty-five launches accomplished.

Of special note were the numerous TARC team launches testing their designs based on the 2025 competition rules.  Other remarkable launches included Ray Lecture’s LOC Goblin powered by a G76, Chris’s Eggtimer EZ-DD launched with a G40 and his two-stage Estes Loadstar lifted by a combination of C6-0 to C6-5.  Both included a new tracking system that was successfully used to recover both.  Also spectacular, there was Kevin Scholberg’s scratch-built Old SoAR Rocket roaring up on a G74, and Ryan Cambell’s LOC Magnum powered by a G64.

Darren continued to test his designs including the first flight of his scratch-built X-Wing Wedge V-2 on a E12 and his scratch-built PLA X-Wing Big X1 with a F44.  These look awesome as they lift off the launch pad.  Ray also successfully launched and recovered his amazing scratch-built Venus Probe BT-60 with a FJ23 for lifting power.

Some photos of the event [here]

Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 8
B – 13
C – 20
D – 14
E – 14
F – 13
G – 4

The December 14^th SoAR launch event at Mill Springs Academy began mostly blustery with overcast skies.  Rocket launches started at a slow pace initially, but by noon the pace picked up as youth groups and families arrived to add to the activity out on the launch pads.  The afternoon also brought some sunshine, warming temperatures, and a few breaks from the stiff easterly wind.  Most recoveries were made down the length of the field, although with good launch angle selection and helpful timing of the wind, some rockets were recovered at or very near the launch area. For the day there were 150 total launches.

Terry Bliss supported a steady demand for rocket preparation help and repairs from parents and youth coming out for their first launch.  This greatly helped lessen troubles during RSO flight-ready inspections, with problems out on the launch pads, and more successful recoveries.

Some highlights of the day included the first launch of the day by Tom Thurmond of his battery-powered propeller rocket, that flew successfully and was recovered by parachute.  Also, of special interest were Kevin Scholberg’s Orange Web of Terror that used a cluster of seven motors ignited by a flash pan underneath and his scratch-built Captain America Shield flown with a cluster of three D11-Ps.  Blake Hardegree flew scratch-built Timmy on an E15-7 (rocket and motor supplied by Jorge) for a successful on field recovery. Jeffrey Fellman launched three Estes Super Big Berthas on D12-5s.

Another positive note was how many youngsters and parents expressed their gratitude for the help and encouragement they received from club members throughout the day.  So, a key highlight was how successful and fun the day was considering the weather challenges. Some photos from the event [here].

Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 83
B – 46
C – 18
D – 8
E – 4

The October 26^th Southern Area Rocketry launch event in Dawsonville had excellent weather conditions with clear blue skies, warm temperatures, and light to moderate winds; all of this with colorful Fall foliage as a backdrop.  No wonder then that the event was well attended and for the day there were 129 total launches accomplished.  Mid-power rockets were steadily being placed on the launch pads with excellent flights and generally good recoveries (always a few mishaps).

Jorge Blanco got in a successful flight of his Apogee TTV “timer test vehicle” with an E30-4/B6-4 two stage combination and with a new altimeter that solved earlier problems.  Kevin Scholberg brought out his scratch-built Halloween Hellraiser flown on a cluster of two D12-5s and recovered in two parts with entrails spewed out – quite a sight.

For G-power there was Dion’s Estes Der Big Red Max powered by a G77 as was the LOC/scratch-built The Raven which was also flown on a G80.  Herb Howe launched his Sunward King Tut pyramid with a G35-4 which was impressive and unique.  Ryan Campbell had two flights (powered by G64 and G76) of his LOC Alien with dual deployment on recovery.  Well done.  These were just a small sample of the highlights.

Some event photos [here]

Motor ignition counts:
A – 16
B – 28
C – 22
D – 26
E – 28
F – 15
G – 8

On a perfect (especially for rocketry) Fall day, SoAR’s October 12^th launch event at Mill Springs Academy, there were 127 launches accomplished.  The early morning participants included cub scout members who were very enthusiastic about getting their rockets into the blue sky, and this kept the launch pads very busy.  As the day progressed, there was still steady activity and many interesting rockets being launched.

Steven sent up his handsome Mad Cow Patriot on a F67-6 which did make it off the field to the other side of Little River but ultimately recovered successfully and with just some scuff marks as it came through the trees.  Very fortunate.  Other remarkable flights included Sean’s Estes two stage Solar Flare that was launched on an A8-0 booster with an A3-4T for a sustainer to a good altitude and then successful recovery on the field.  Jorge flew his FlisKits Tres on a cluster of three A8-3s for a short but successful flight.  There was also an attempted drag race of nine Baby Berthas on B6-4s (ended-up six initially launching then three to follow) which was quite a sight.  One of these Baby Berthas by Dennis Walker took up an Astrocam [video here].  A great flight was achieved by Rick Young with an Apogee Mini-Copter lifted by a 1/2A3-4T and successful recovery with a slow helicopter descent.  Fun to watch!  Another Rick and his family accomplished three Estes Payload flights on D12-5s with an Eggbert (hard boiled) going along for the ride.  Eggbert was only a tad anxious the whole time.

Event photos by Kevin Boyd [here]. Some additional event pictures [here]

Motor ignition count:
A – 32
B – 63
C – 22
D – 9
E – 4
F – 1

The August 10^th 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

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

The May11th SoAR launch event at Mill Springs Academy had near perfect weather with mild temperatures, low humidity, sunny skies, and low winds during the first hours.  Attendance was good and the launch pads stayed busy throughout the event with a nice variety of sport and scale rockets providing excellent spectator viewing.  Members of Trail Life Troop GA-1613 participated in the event with a good number of successful flights and tons of enthusiasm.  By the afternoon some of the forecasted gusty winds arrived but with enough lulls to still get in some excellent flights.  For this event there were 154 total launches and a good recovery rate (but less than 100%).

Some of the more interesting or challenging flights included a successful result of Jorge’s Fliskits Tres powered by three A8-3s all igniting for an impressive liftoff.  Davud did multiple qualifying launches of his Cirrus Breeze boosted glider on A3-2Ts and his scratch-built Up In The Clouds parachute duration with some excellent results.  Kevin Scholberg’s Condor ESO went up on an A10-3T with parasite glider that performed very well, and he also had a scratch-built Bullet Skeet with a cluster of three C6-5s for power.

Moving up to D, E, and F powered rockets there was Darren’s scratch-built Colonial Viper rocket named Starbuck and his X-Wing Rev 02 “Not Porkins” each flown on D12-5s and his Dynastar LexxJets powered by E12-4s.  Then finally for F power there was Steven’s successful flight of his Aerotech HV Arcas launched on a F67-4 and Kevin Scholberg’s Aerotech Initiator powered by an F15-6.

Here are a few [photos from the event].

Motor Ignition Count:
A – 52
B – 53
C – 30
D – 9
E – 10
F – 4

Excellent field conditions, mild temperatures, manageable winds and mostly overcast skies encouraged a good turnout for the April 27^th launch event at Dawsonville.  There were many mid-powered flights that were successfully flown and recovered but also more than a few heartbreakers as fate would have it.  In total the day had twenty-eight participants launch 107 rockets – a busy day.

Some of the more impressive mid-powered flights included Darren’s North Coast SA-14 Archer powered by a F67 (twice), Gary Knotts launched his Estes Nike Smoke PSII on a G64, Ray Lecture got in a good flight with his LOC Goblin 4” with a G76, Steven flew his Aerotech HV Arcas with a F67, and Brian & Austin launched their scratch-built Apollo on a F41.  To end the day there was Katina’s Estes Mega Mosquito with two flights, E then F powered with good results.

Other remarkable flights were accomplished by Jorge with his third flight of the two-stage Apogee TTV (“Hope”) that proved the technology worked, but after the E30-7 initial stage separated the upper stage C6-5 did not ignite (may not have been recovered if it actually had) although the igniter had been successfully activated.  So, we look forward to the next TTV launch in May.  Then there were a number of mid-power and low-power flights by Kevin Scholberg with rockets pulled from his deep inventory that were needing a day out.  Most (if not all) of these were creatively designed and finished like the impressive Purple Firebreather (Estes Ventris) flown on an E16, a scratch-built Megafin powered by a E28, and a scratch-built Venom going up on a D21 to name a few.  See some of these and other event photos [here].

Engine Ignition Count:
A – 11
B – 15
C – 30
D – 18
E – 24
F – 8
G – 3

At the April 13^th SoAR launch event at Mill Springs Academy the skies were sunny, the temperatures were pleasant, but gosh… those wind gusts were not friendly.  Nonetheless there were many excellent flights throughout the day.  Once the field setup was complete, and while the winds were still favorable, there was time to take advantage of prime conditions for less risky flights.

Outstanding launches included Darren’s Dynastar LexxJet flown twice on E12-4 motors.  He also dialed in a successful launch rod angle for his Quest Harpoon that went up three times on C6-5s for good altitude and then successfully recovered on the field.  Kevin Scholberg had a number of impressive flights including his LOC 429 SS on a quad-cluster of two E16-4s and two C11-0s, a LOC Norad powered by a F32-4T, his scratch-built Red Devil flown with a D24-4T, and his scratch-built Steve Bellio Special also powered by a D24-4T.

The event had twenty participants launching a total of sixty-seven rockets.  Some pictures from the event [here].

Motor Ignition Count:
A – 24
B – 16
C – 12
D – 8
E – 8
F – 2

At the March 23^rd Mill Spring Academy launch event SoAR hosted a large group of over 50 participants from the FIRE Rocket Challenge led by Robin Houston.  Activity started at around 10:00 a.m. and then was winding down just after noon with a hamburger and hotdog lunch provided.  Many SoAR members arrived early and helped set up 40 launch pads, tables and chairs, and a large tent over the eating area.  The participants arrived with Estes Generic E2X rockets ready for final prep and safety check and flew them on mostly A8-3 motors.  Winds were a bit of an issue with some rockets drifting into the adjacent field or getting snagged in a tree, but with some adjustments to the parachutes and launch angles the recovery success rate was improved.

In the afternoon there were our usual attendees and some first-time families getting to launch rockets at a slower pace.  Some standouts included Steven’s Aerotech HV Arcas flown with a F67-6 for power, Kevin Scholberg’s Art Applewhite Priority Stealth roaring up on a G77-10R (red flame) and his scratch-built Space-X Starship with a C11-3.

Special thanks for supporting this busy day includes:

Keith Frazier and his brother for preparing the excellent food, Allen Isdell for providing and setting up the dining tent.  Jorge Blanco for organizing the event and picking up the rented tables and chairs. Tom Thurmond for being Launch Control for the entire event.  Many other volunteers were helping out at the prep tables and launch pads to keep the event progressing smoothly.

The final launch count for the day totaled 126. Event photos by Kevin Boyd [here]. Some additional photos from the event [here]

Engine Ignition Count:
A – 94*
B – 16
C – 10
D – 1
E – 3
F – 1
G – 1
* includes 30 unknowns that were most likely A or B

At the SoAR “replacement” launch event on March 16th at Dawsonville there were twenty-six participants launching a total of eighty-four rockets.  The day started off mostly cloudy and cool but became sunnier and warmer during the afternoon.  Winds from the west were persistent but manageable with a bit of adjustment to the launch rod angle.

Some impressive flights included Chris Lucas’ LOC Goblin and his LOC IV each flown on G74-4s, Kevin Scholberg’s Estes Canadian Arrow flown twice on D12s and Jorge Blanco’s Apogee TTV back in the air powered by an E30-7 staging to a C6-7.  Although the C6-7 failed to ignite, the dual deployment recovery was successful with altimeter working as designed – the overall flight was exciting.

There were also several teams and individuals perfecting and/or qualifying for the NAR American Rocketry Challenge with scratch-built designs powered by F15s, F23s and F42s.  The day ended with a great flight put in by The Flying Nuggets team with their “Happy Accident” getting recovered with egg intact after a straight-up flight on a F15-6.

Some pictures from the event [here]

Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 4
B – 13
C – 36
D – 16
E – 11
F – 11
G – 2

The wind was fierce and unrelenting; but nonetheless, there were thirty-three participants who arrived at the February 24^th 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