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Two years to the month that the world shut down for COVID 19 HARA was back at a school doing a demo launch. Doug, Duane and Vince enjoyed a nice March day at Columbia Elementary with the return of the HARA flying circus. They launched about a dozen various models on small motors to stay within the school yard, which was easy this day with only a light wind. Duane had an Astrocam, Doug flew an egglofter and Vince had a Pyramid. The kids were already enthusiastic to be out of class early on a Friday and went into hysterics as each rocket blasted off. The teachers liked them too. Although the school launch day weather was perfect the decision to cancel the monthly HARA launch the next day due to a bad forecast turned out to be a good call as the actual weather was worse: 25°F, winds 20 mph, 2” snow. March air thou art fickle.
The forecasts are in agreement that it will be quite cold (high around 37) with sustained winds between 10-20 mph. This gives a feels like temperature of 28 degrees plus a good probability of rockets drifting out of the field. In light of these conditions, the officers have decided to postpose Saturday’s launch, with an eye to flying on the next Saturday (March 19).
Tomorrow’s launch is go! The field will be Jackson 5.
Tomorrow’s launch is a GO! However, the range WILL CLOSE at 2 PM in order to get out of there before the rain/weather arrives.Temps will be on the cool side – expect low cloud ceilings (well below waiver limit) and wind gusts up to 17-18 miles per hour.
See you on the field!
The forecast is not very favorable for Saturday’s launch; rain is expected to move in between noon and mid-afternoon, with surface winds on the high side at 10-20 mph.
The officers will continue to watch the weather and make a go-no go decision later this week.
Due to forecast rain and thunderstorms passing through the area late Friday night and early Saturday morning, the officers have decided to cancel Saturday’s launch.
Sunday is also out due to muddy field and lack of personnel to operate the range
As the weather came up favorable HARA pulled off two back to back monthly launches in both October and November skies to start the fall flying season. Both launches tested the new wireless control system, which apart from new operator familiarization, worked great. The first launch had 51 total flights of all sorts of motors as is typical of the HARA family and friends. The Geezer TARC contest brought out 4 competitors. Duane won with a new record score of ‘5’, followed by Bill with 166, Doug with 724, and Vince getting the flying pig trophy with 803, a new record bad for Geezer.
The November launch was a true high power day that had 46 flights with only 4 non HPR models lofted. It was a chilly day in Woodville and the cloudless sky favored the big motors. Many flyers came from surrounding states to certify at new levels or practice with their student team rockets, or both. They flew right up to sunset when the waiver expired and the range crew hustled to get the trailer packed before dark. Will the weather in December hold out for a third in a row scheduled launch and the Trash Panda Contest? Watch this page.
Launch is GO!
However, the land owner has advised us that the field (Jackson 5) is muddy so keep your vehicles on the gravel. Might want to wear some boots…
Also, be sure room is made on the road so grain trucks can get in and out during the day.
Thanks very much for your cooperation!
Saturday’s launch is GO! Flying begins at 10 AM.
