ELSWORTH, Cambridge UK — This weekend will find the East Anglian Rocketry Society playing host to Big EARS 2008, the first big launch event of the year for the group.  The Big EARS launch will take place at the group's New Farm launch site at Elsworth, near Cambridge.

Photos from Big EARS 2006. Photo: Damian Burrin.

The event has plans for rockets from A-class through M-class to be flown.  Fliers can make plans for certification flights there if needed, as well as taking certification exams.  There will be rocket drag races, a night launch, as well as an on-site workshop and a give-away raffle.

The location supports on-site facilities, toilets and basic on-site camping, but you should bring your own drinking water, as there is none on the site.

Event fees:

Non-member flying fee: £10/day, or £20/weekend
Member flying fee: £5/day, or £10/weekend
Non-member Model flying fee: £4/day, or £8/weekend
Member Model flying fee: £3/day, or £6/weekend
Spectator fee: £1, day
Camping: £5/weekend
Tables: £5/weekend

A 10,000 foot NOTAM has been granted by the CAA for the whole event, so fliers intending to fly above 8,000 feet are requested to contact EARS with details of the rocket and the planned flight. Similarly, if you are planning on flying an L or M power rocket, it is requested that you contact EARS with details of the flight.

Website: http://www.ears.org.uk/