Saturday, 1 April, 2017 

Third Launch of the Year!

Saturday, was an "interesting" day for flying.  The day started with overcast skies, breezy, with the temperature in the low 50's.  We had a waiver to 12,000 feet MSL, however cloud ceiling was around 2,000 feet for much of the day.  This was a far cry from the forecast of  clear, calm  with the temperature in the high 60's or low70's!.....Oh Well!!!!  

We muddled through the morning and early afternoon. The flyers were a mixed bag of university students from Georgia Tech, the University of Mississippi and the University of Alabama at Huntsville.  There were also some die hard flyers from MC2, HARA and SoAR.  Saturday was also the debut of MC2 newbie, Kevin Newell! WELCOME KEVIN! It was also the 2nd MC2 launch for new member Gary Kaiser.  WELCOME GARY!  

Around 2pm, the clouds cleared and the temperature rose, allowing High Power flights over 2,000 feet. This caused a bit of a bottleneck, however,  the FAA was kind and extended our NOTAM until 6pm.

The launches were almost evenly split between Low and High Power.  Most flights were successful although Kevin Scholberg of SoAR put one in the tree tops (yes, we got is back!).  Monica and Darlene of SoAR flew some very impressive scratch built models.  The day also provided a few spectacular CATOs!

Most of MC2 was involved with SLI and therefore were not available for this launch.  We were able to get through the day by everyone working together. The university students helped with setup and breakdown, as did the members of SoAR, HARA and MC2.  This includes new MC2 members Gary Kaiser and Kevin Newell.  Thanks to everyone  for your team spirit!  

Be sure to check our 1 April 2017 Launch Photo Page for images of the event!

The Most Valuable Flyer Award:

Art Woodling of HARA!  Art is a dual certified Level 3 and a Tripoli Prefect.  He was there only to fly and unselfishly offered to assist with Range Safety as well as Tripoli and NAR certifications.  We could not have had a successful day without him.  THANKS ART!

Best Supporting Flyer Awards :

The mystery Georgia Tech Level 2 student who assisted with certifications.  If anyone has his name please pass it along and I will put it on our website for all to see! And please, pass along our THANKS!

Gary Kaiser also deserves special mention as he was a part of the team that retrieved Kevin Scholberg's rocket out of a tree! THANKS GARY!

We will leave no motor casing behind!!!!

Micheal Toelle, longtime MC2 member served as RSO for part of the day and helped mentor new MC2 member, Kevin through his first flight.  THANKS MIKE!

Allen Hall, the MC2 Vice President and new NAR Advisor managed the certification process for the weekend and still managed to find to serve as LCO. Allen also suggested extending the waiver so that we could be sure to complete all certifications.  THANKS ALLEN and THANKS FAA!

Special Recognition Award:

Stephen Schulte, Country Manager - Bulgaria, for Maple Leaf Farms Europe ltd.   Stephen has provided the FIRST donation for the Southern Thunder 2017 Raffle.  It's a new AeroTech Strong Arm kit.  THANKS STEPHEN!

There were a total of 49 Flights.  23 low power, 26 high power, 4 Level 1 Certification attempts (NAR) and 6 Level 2 Certification attempts (NAR and Tripoli). 

All motors used were commercially manufactured and properly certified, black powder or composite motors.  The highest altitude reached was approximately 9,441 feet by Kaitin's "Inari", a 7lb, 2.26 diameter, 57.6" long rocket flying on an AeroTech K1275.

The Manchester Launch site is located at Latitude 35o 29' 31" North, Longitude 85o 57' 01" West.  The elevation of the launch site is 1125 feet. The Launch Control Officers for this event were Chris Gill and Allen Hall and the Range Safety Officers for this event were Chris Gill, Art Woodling and Mike Toelle.

All flights were conducted in compliance with the National Association of Rocketry Model Rocket and High Power Rocket safety codes.