February 2026

Was great to get back out to BattlePark after having both flying weekends cancelled in January. While the weather on February 14th was really fantastic, low wind and plenty of warm sunshine, so much so that a light jacket was all that was needed in the afternoon, the mud was not. Was one of the muddiest days on record as the warm temperatures quickly thawed the ground and melted the remaining snow. If you stood in one place for too long you could feel yourself begin to sink in. All that said, 41 flights took to the skies. The end of the month saw some equally good weather, and thankfully MUCH less mud. Winds came up later in the day on Sunday March 1st but the weekend of February 28th and March 1st saw over 100 flights from A to M power. February also saw a record number of recovery system ground or “pop” tests with over 50 conducted. Full flight statistics and pictures below.

Saturday February 14th: 20 low-power and mid-power flights with 21 high-power

Saturday February 28th: 57 low-power and mid-power flights with 41 high-power

Sunday March 1st: 17 low-power and mid-power flights with 19 high-power

Great liftoff from the low power rack

Liftoff from the front row of high power on Aerotech White Lightning power!
The Sky Dragon moving out under the power of an Aerotech J500 Mojave Green.
Absolutely beautiful custom build lifting off from the away cell on an Aerotech M2225 Super White Lightning for a successful L3 certification. Great job!
This L1 certification attempt was MOVIN thanks to an Aerotech H550 Super Thunder!
Successful static test conducted from the second row. Always fun to see these.
A VERY nice Tripoli L3 certification attempt leaving the away cell powered by an Aerotech M1780 New Blue Thunder. This was 100% successful. Well done!
The 20 pound No Limits moving out quick powered by an EX K1300 on its way to 3,500′
A hard hitting NASA SLI test flight lifting off on an Aerotech J800 Blue Thunder
Another NASA SLI test flight. This one taking off from the away cell powered by an Aerotech K1275 Redline.
An Aerotech H73 powered L1 cert attempt lifting off from the back row. The winds were coming up, moving back 500 feet helped significantly with recovery.
The University of Virginia was out flying Saber III. This one thundered off the rail thanks to a 98mm Aerotech L2500 Super Thunder!
Recovery was as beautiful as the liftoff!