News & Updates

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

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 10^th 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

The special SoAR “replacement” launch on February 3^rd at Dawsonville had twenty-seven participants launch a total of ninety rockets under sunny skies.  Wind gusts were a bit of an aggravation but coming from the east provided adequate recovery chances for those reaching the highest altitudes (albeit some long recovery walks).

There were many outstanding and unusual launches including Davud’s Dynasoar R/C Aurora Clipper boost glider climbing to excellent altitude on an E-6 motor then gliding for over a minute circling the field and finally coming in for a soft landing very close to where he was standing.  Joshua and Hope Finn and family flew their J&H Aerospace Fliplock lite boost gliders on A3 motors for FAI Team qualifications along with their scratch-built Finn Astronaut on 1/2A3.  Jorge launched his two-stage Apogee TTV that was shown at the January Rocket Talk meeting.  The Timer Test Vehicle (TTV) uses a timer to ignite the second stage.  This appeared to have worked as designed (see below action photographs by Kevin Boyd) but the initial stage looked like a CATO caused some damage to the body tube (hopefully repairable).

For some mid-power excitement there were some excellent flights by Allen Isdell with his LOC 4” AMRAAM powered by a G67 and his PML Carbon Monster thundering up on a G61.  Ray Lecture launched his signature scratch-built 3” Goblin on a G77, Bob Taylor put a G80 in his scratch-built Magic for a dramatic flight and Glenn Harper sent up his Estes “Naked” Leviathan on an E30.

Check out the action captured by Kevin Boyd [here].  Some additional event photos [here]

Motor Ignition Count:
A – 35
B – 18
C – 14
D – 9
E – 8
F – 3
G – 4

SoAR’s first launch event of the year was held at Mill Springs Academy on January 13^th.  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

Against a beautiful backdrop of vibrant Fall colors, we had thirty-two participants launch 117 rockets under blue skies at the October 28^th 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

At the October 14^th 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

At the September 9^th 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)

The July 8^th Mill Springs Academy launch event was well attended with many families coming out for the first time to enjoy a summer day of rocketry.  Range setup was completed by the 9:00 event start time under very warm and humid conditions under sunny skies.  As the day progressed the moderate wind provided some relief to the rising temperatures but challenged those seeking higher altitudes to keep recoveries near the launch area where field conditions were less difficult to navigate.  By the end of the event the forecasted threat of afternoon rain never materialized allowing forty-six participants to accomplish a total of 153 launches.

Many of these were the rocket’s first flights.  Brandon Lange’s Athena was sent skyward powered by an E12 for its maiden flight and his Honest John went up on a D12 with camera.  Frank Gugert launched a unique non-symmetric design and beautifully finished Fliskits Night Whisper on a B6 for an impressive first flight.  Other spectacular first flights were made by David Lange with an Estes Red Nova going up on a D12 and his Estes Green Lightning also powered by a D12 for their first flights.

Also notable were multi-motor flights like Ron Stancil’s three stage Estes Mini Comanche III that went up on A10-0/A10-0/A10-3T and successfully recovered.  John Cooper launched (twice) his Estes Star Chaser on a pair of B6-4s and Kevin Scholberg sent up his Estes Side Kick on two A8-3s.

By the 2:00 event end time the heat and humidity was at its July peak and range take-down was accomplished by a few stalwart volunteers and the day was considered a great success.

Event Photos

Motor Ignition Counts:
A – 61
B – 40
C – 32
D – 11
E – 13

The launch pads stayed busy at the SoAR Dawsonville launch event on June 24^th.  Gusting winds were prevalent throughout the day and made some recoveries a bit of a walk, but also helped moderate the summer heat in the afternoon.  Clear skies in the morning encouraged an excellent turn-out with a total of thirty-six participants who accomplished 120 launches.  The parking, rocket prep, and launching area had been recently mowed which made getting to/from launch control easy and supporting family members were able to watch the action up close.

There were many great flights including those by Barry Savory who launched his LOC Goblin for its first flight on a F67 and two flights of his Apogee Zephyr Jr. on D12s.  Chris flew his Estes Der Violet Max powered by a F52 and recovered with the use of a Jolly Logic chute release set for 400 feet.  He also sent up his LOC Lil’ Hulk on an E30.  More mid-power excitement was provided by Wayne with his MAC Performance Atomic Number 29 going up with a G76 and Kevin Scholberg had his Art Applewhite Priority Stealth boosted by a G35 and an excellent scale flight of a refurbished Semroc Saturn 1B on an E28 that came from Roy’s collection.  Near the end of the event Dave Fountain placed his Pratt Hobbies B.O.B. out on the pads with a G76 for a straight-up flight to one of the day’s highest altitudes but unfortunately its recovery may not have been successful.

Launch activity stayed busy up to the very end of the event time and afterwards there were many who remained to help take down the launch equipment – very much appreciated.  Some pictures from the event can be found [here].

Motor Ignition counts:
A – 21
B – 22
C – 42
D – 24
E – 10
F – 7
G – 3