Eagle Rock was opened by Joe Bartnick and the NW side first flown in January, 2002. This first NW site was to the NE of the current NW site, and privately owned, with Joe managing permissions and access. Potential for a SE site was also recognized. The site was cleared and first flown the same day (January 25) as the 2002 Skywacker meeting (at the Givens residence). Here are photos and descriptions of the first day, from Kermon Carter's FlyRoanoke site.
In late 2002 Joe bought some property to develop a SE site, which was also being flown by early 2003, if not before.
In 2003 Joe sold the property with the first SE launch and bought adjacent property. Joe sold this property to Larry Dennis in 2004. The first site continued to be flown for some time until Larry's site was developed. It is still owned by Larry in 2024, and is the current SE facing site.
The Skywacker Club also took over management of the NW site, which was not owned by a pilot.
In April 2007 the SE site was improved with the use of heavy equipment, to lengthen and widen the launch area. This was partially paid by Club funds and the rest by donations.
Larry Dennis, with assistance (labor and financial) from the Skywackers Club, has made a number of substantial improvements. In 2009, a small field directly below the SE launch was enlarged and smoothed. It has been known as both the "Bailout" and Alternate LZ. Only a few hundred feet below takeoff, it allows for fast turn around.
In 2011 Larry Dennis bought property for a new NW launch. This is located to the SW of the previous NW launch, almost at the base of the communications tower. Once again, much labor and heavy equipment was needed to develop this site. It is the current (2024) NW site.
Eagle Rock is waiting for you to fly - see the Eagle Rock Site Guide page for all you need to know.
