How do I certify Level 3?
A level 3 certification allows a member to purchase and fly rockets with M, N and O motors. Level 3 certification is a serious proposition and not taken lightly by the Tripoli Rocketry Association Inc.
Level 3 projects are typically large, heavy and complex. The procedures are quite formal and complete details are available further down this page. A brief overview of the level 3 certification follows.
Level 3 projects are typically large, heavy and complex. The procedures are quite formal and complete details are available further down this page. A brief overview of the level 3 certification follows.
A member must first document their level 3 project. Then send those documents to 2 of the members of the TAP (Technical Advisory Panel) for their approval. For a list of TAP members click on "TAP MEMBERS."
The TAP members review the project and sign off on the members multi-part certification form IF THEY APPROVE. At least one pre-flight TAP member must physically inspect the project in a nearly complete state before being approved for flight. After 2 members of TAP have signed off on the multi-part certification form, the member can then attempt their level 3 flight. When attempting a level 3 flight, the multi-part form and the documentation submitted to TAP should be made available to the launch RSO. The RSO has final say as to whether the level 3 flight can occur at their launch. The flight must be witnessed by a member of TAP ONLY and only a TAP member can sign off on the flight granting level 3 certification status. It is the MEMBERS responsibility to send the signed multi-part form to headquarters.
The TAP members review the project and sign off on the members multi-part certification form IF THEY APPROVE. At least one pre-flight TAP member must physically inspect the project in a nearly complete state before being approved for flight. After 2 members of TAP have signed off on the multi-part certification form, the member can then attempt their level 3 flight. When attempting a level 3 flight, the multi-part form and the documentation submitted to TAP should be made available to the launch RSO. The RSO has final say as to whether the level 3 flight can occur at their launch. The flight must be witnessed by a member of TAP ONLY and only a TAP member can sign off on the flight granting level 3 certification status. It is the MEMBERS responsibility to send the signed multi-part form to headquarters.
When sending documents to the TAP member which you would like returned, please be sure to include a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage affixed, or include sufficient money to cover the cost of returning the materials to you.
Level 3 Filing Instructions
Submission of Plans to TAP
TRA members designing or preparing to fly M, N and O level 3 project must present details of their design to 2 TAP members of their choice.
BEFORE attempting a level 3 flight, 2 TAP members must have signed off on the member’s certification form.
In general, the TAP member for objectively assessing the rocket will need the following information:
BEFORE attempting a level 3 flight, 2 TAP members must have signed off on the member’s certification form.
In general, the TAP member for objectively assessing the rocket will need the following information:
- A completely filled out Pre-Flight Data Capture form.
- Drawings of the rocket showing airframe components, fins, bulkheads, longerons, adhesive joints, recovery system components, payloads, etc.
- A parts listing that includes material descriptions, adhesive types, screw sizes gauges, thickness’, etc.
- Schematics of recovery system electronics that show batteries, circuit designs, wiring diagrams, etc.
- Pre-flight checklist describing field assembly of the rocket, motor installation, recovery system preparation, launcher installation, system arming, etc.
These items should be neatly drawn, and, if possible, lists typed. The primary preparation criteria are those drawings and lists are neat and legible. All items will be returned to the submitter if desired.
A self-addressed envelope or supply postage funds to assist the TAP member with returns.
A self-addressed envelope or supply postage funds to assist the TAP member with returns.
Tap Pre-Flight Review Checklist
This is the information that the TAP member will be checking for in determining the applicability of signing off on a level 3 certification review.
1. GENERAL
- Is this member known to the TAP reviewer?
- Does this member have the appropriate Certification Level or will this be a Certification Flight?
- Does the proposed launch site and date have the appropriate recovery area and launch set-up for this flight?
- Does the Prefect require TAP Review?
2. ROCKET REVIEW
- General
- Are there attachments to the Pre-Flight Data Capture?
- Drawings: airframe; structures; payloads, etc.
- Schematics: avionics, ignition systems, payloads, etc.
- Performance calculations: Center of Pressure; Center of Gravity, motor type, altitude, velocity, etc.
- Airframe
- Is the design generally suitable for the application?
- Is the airframe material suitable for this rocket?
- Is the fin material/attachment sound?
- Is the motor mount sound?
- Is the nosecone suitable?
- Is it a clustered motor rocket?
- What are the most probable airframe faults and corrective actions?
- What are the safety implications of an airframe failure?
- Are there any design change recommendations?
- Recovery System
- Is the recovery system attachment secure/suitable?
- Does the recovery system have sufficient capacity for a safe descent?
- What is the deployment system?
- What are the most probable deployment system faults and corrective actions?
- What are the safety implications of a recovery system failure?
- Are there any design change recommendations?
- Avionics Description
- Commercial or unique design?
- What are the functions of the avionics components?
- Are the avionics appropriate to the application?
- Do the avionics have flight safety implications?
- Can the avionics and inhibits be accessible from outside the vehicle?
- Are there safeing/arming indicators?
- Are any of the systems redundant?
- What are the most probable avionics system faults and corrective actions?
- What are the safety implications of an avionics system failure?
- Are there any design change recommendations?
- Motor
- Is the motor (or motors) suitable for the rocket?
- Are the motors Tripoli Certified?
- Is the motor ignition suitable?
- What are the most probable motor faults and corrective actions?
- What are the safety implications of a motor failure?
- Are there any design change recommendations?
- Launcher
- Is the launcher suitable for the rocket?
- Is the launch lug, or rail guide suitable for the rocket?
- What will the launch angle be?
- Are there any special launch control requirements?
- What are the most probable faults with the launcher?
- What are the safety implications of a launcher failure?
- Are there any design change recommendations?
- Performance
- How were the performance calculations done?
- Were the calculations done manually?
- Are the algorithms used correct?
- Were the calculations accomplished correctly?
- Was a computer used?
- What is the source of the software?
- Is the software suitable for this rocket?
- Are there printouts?
- Should the calculations be independently run?
- What are the safety implications of poor performance data?
- Are there any changes or recommendations?
- Operations
- Is there a pre-flight checklist?
- Which operations does it cover?
- Are each the operations sufficiently documented?
- Are hazardous operations flagged?
- What are the safety implications of poor checklists?
- Are there any changes or recommendations?