It was a great day for flying rockets at Mill Springs, but it was VERY hot, and most people had left by 2:30 PM so the launch ended early at just after 3 PM. But no matter, it was still a full day of flying. 135 rockets from 33 flyers left the pad, not counting the scout launch that was held in the morning hours before the club launch started at 11 AM. Most rockets were recovered easily because of the calm winds that prevailed for the morning, though winds picked up a tad later, claiming a rocket or two in the trees. Ok, so Tom Lacock was struck by bad luck with five rockets lost!
In fact, the air was so calm that Ron Stancil threw caution to it, and launched his two-staged Estes Load Star (modified for 24mm motors — D12-0 to D12-5 — and got it back!
Other significant flights included Ron Hender’s 1/100 Saturn V making a nice flight on an E20-4 motor. Ron recently returned to the hobby after twenty years and made eleven flights in all. Not to be outdone, Kevin Scholberg made seventeen flights, including a flight of what he calls, “the most hilarious rocket ever made,” the big silver inflatable Estes Dude! Ron Stancil showed his prowess with boost gliders flying his Edmonds’ Geminee (twin gliders) and Deltie Air Show (three gliders boosted on one flight!). of which he got most of the gliders back! Leaor Schwartz also flew a boost glider from J&H Aerospace, but made a faux pas when he flew his son’s 1/200 scale Saturn V, but forgot to attach the clear fin unit, resulting in a sudden 360 degree flip about 20 feet into the flight!
Jonathan Baez lofted a hen’s egg twice, and it survived! The Wilferts’ and Tom Kinard flew a variety of Vorticos which are always popular. Jose Morales’ flights averaged at the top of the impulse scale. Tim Gray, Tom Lacock, and Kevin all flew Mean Machines. Finally, there were a couple of different cameras flown, Including the new Estes Astrocam of which Roy Green made two flights, and you can see the results of the second one below.
The March 14th Launch Event at Mill Springs was delayed by light rain and then ended early due to a more persistent soaking. Nonetheless there were fifteen participants who were able to squeeze in thirty-five launches in the 90-minute event window.
A couple of standouts included Leaor’s J&H Aerospace One Sheet Glider that was boosted up on a 1/2A3 and at an apogee release proceeded to glide in a very long duration circular glide. Well done. Kevin sent his Estes R2-D2 up with a D16 and its recovery involved three parts (as designed). Jorge got to launch his Estes Outlander for another spectacular flight as it leaves the launch pad on a D12. [Photos by Kevin Boyd] [Additional event photos]
The February 29th launch event at Dawsonville was held under sunny skies but very constant and chilly winds that presented some difficult challenges. Braving these conditions were sixteen participants who accomplished fifty-two launches.
Looking to test their skills in calculating launch angles against wind speeds, total thrust, and descent rates we had Dan Smith launching an Estes Savage two stage rocket with a D12/B6 and a LOC IRIS with a F37. Ray Lecture had a good flight with his Mega Red Max on a F67. Kevin Scholberg brought out some of his very creative rockets that were shown at the last RocketTalk meeting like the Star Struck, Oooh! Shiny!, and Silifin. Jorge launched his Outlander on its first flight on a D12. [event photos]
Favorable weather but very difficult field conditions welcomed thirty participants and family members to the January 26th Taylorsville high power launch event. Range setup was challenged by a rain-saturated field and a long haul from the SoAR equipment trailer to the launch area. Once underway there were seventy-four launches accomplished.
The many high-powered flights made the day exciting for all of those who attended. Although recoveries were made more difficult by the soggy conditions, the soft ground also helped prevent or minimize damage when things didn’t go as well as planned. With some upper level winds from the west there were a few rockets that drifted beyond the field perimeter when reaching the highest altitudes.
Mild temperatures and calm winds welcomed fifty-three participants at the November 17th high-power launch event at the Creekside Firing Range in Taylorsville. Range setup was challenged by a field access delay and then the need to hand carry or cart range equipment out into the open field. Those who gathered early were extremely helpful in grabbing what they could for transport. Technical challenges for getting the high-power pads in working order also held up getting underway although low and mid-power were able to commence before noon. Despite the difficulties, by the event’s end time there were 101 launches accomplished.
Throughout the afternoon there was a constant queue line at the range safety table as the large number of participants needed to be processed to ensure safety of many first-time flights. This caused the need for much patience for both high-power and low to mid-power participants. Again, it was a challenging day all around, but a grand success for those who were looking to attempt high-power certification at level 1 and level 2.
Again, a special thanks to all of those who helped overcome the logistics of setup and takedown of range equipment. Thanks to Chris Short (Chris’ Rocket Supplies) in supporting high-power rocket motors and supplies, and thanks to all those individuals who stepped-in with their experience to help answer so many questions and to demonstrate proper techniques. It was a successful, albeit tiring day. [Photos by Kevin Boyd] [Some additional photos from the event]
