At SoAR’s first Fall launch event at Dawsonville on September 24th the blue skies, moderate temperatures, and mild winds enticed forty-nine participants to come out and launch 146 rockets. Civil Air Patrol cadets added to the busy time out on the launch pads keeping the pace of action going throughout the morning and afternoon. The excellent weather also brought out many families with many new rockets heading skyward for the first time.

For low-powered and mid-powered flights landing out in the larger recovery area there were some challenges in spotting rockets due to the late summer growth, but with careful attention to walking direction and distance, most recoveries were made successfully.

Some notable mid-powered flights included the five-engine cluster launches by ACA Rocketry Club with their Ocean Spear and The Murador. David Cain had a majestic flight of his Apogee X-15 roaring up under F52 power. Kevin Scholberg launched his Mad Cow Bat Ray on an E16. Chris sent up an Estes Vapor twice with an E26 and his Estes Der Violet Max going up on a F44. Herb Howe brought a scratch-built 3” Goblin that was powered by a F35 and his Pole Cat Spike with a G53. Robert Harris had many mid-powered flights with his LOC Cool Spool with a G79 and on a F67, also his LOC Graduator with a F23. Also of note for this event is that there were fourteen low-power two stage launches. Most of these were Estes Loadstar II B6 boosters to B6 sustainers.

A few photos from the day can be viewed [here].

Engine ignition counts:
A – 35
B – 42
C – 33
D – 27
E – 17
F – 16
G – 2