SSS HPR Level 1 and 2 Certification Guide
So you want to become certified to fly High Power Motors? How do you go about becoming Certified? This document will try to answer some common questions regarding this process, and how SSS handles it. Level One (H / I Motors) In order to become certified, you must first join one of the National Organizations (i.e. National Association of Rocketry, or Tripoli Rocketry Association). You must build a rocket capable of safely flying an H or I class motor. You will need to learn how to correctly assemble either a 29 or 38 mm reload in order to make your certification flight. You will need to team up with a pair of NAR Senior members, or one NAR Senior member who is Level 2 Certified (or higher) to watch your Certification flight, and "mentor" you through the process. If certification is for Tripoli, you must get with the local Tripoli Prefect. Do this well in advance of the day you intend to fly; DO NOT SHOW UP AT A LAUNCH UNANNOUNCED AND EXPECT TO CERTIFY! We all want to fly rockets, and asking someone to help you at the last minute is not fair, and inconsiderate of your fellow fliers! For NAR, there is a form that must be filled out and your rocket inspected. You must assemble your reload in front of the certifying person(s). After the flight, the rocket must be again inspected for damage and motor retention. The rocket must be capable of flight again; if it is not, the certification will be denied. Level 2 (J /K/ L) You must first be Level 1 Certified. You must build a rocket capable of safely flying at least a J class motor. You must pass a written test on rocketry safety, aerodynamics, motor storage, etc. The test is given by the NAR Senior Advisor or for Tripoli, by the Prefect. You cannot make your flight until the written test has been passed. To take a practice test for level two cerification or review questions for the test, follow this link: http://www.sssrocketry.org/apps/. Again, you need to work with a "mentor" to guide you through the process. The rest of the process is identical to the Level One process. The best place to have questions answered about reload construction, rocket construction, etc. is at a Club Meeting. Here you will find a wealth of rocketry knowledge, and this is the best setting in which to ask your questions. This is preferable to showing up at a launch and trying to get someone intent on flying his rockets to stop what he is doing and answer your questions. If the flier is trying to assemble his motor, this can actually be dangerous as he may forget to do something due to being distracted. I cannot stress this point strongly enough! Please save these discussions for the meeting! I hope this answers some of your questions regarding the certification process. If you still have questions, please contact your Tripoli Prefect, your NAR Senior Advisor, or come to a Club Meeting. Dave Falkner

SSS HPR Level 1 and 2 Certification Guide

So you want to become certified to fly High Power Motors? How do you go about becoming Certified? This document will try to answer some common questions regarding this process, and how SSS handles it.

Level One (H / I Motors)

In order to become certified, you must first join one of the National Organizations (i.e. National Association of Rocketry, or Tripoli Rocketry Association).
You must build a rocket capable of safely flying an H or I class motor.
You will need to learn how to correctly assemble either a 29 or 38 mm reload in order to make your certification flight.
You will need to team up with a pair of NAR Senior members, or one NAR Senior member who is Level 2 Certified (or higher) to watch your Certification flight, and "mentor" you through the process. If certification is for Tripoli, you must get with the local Tripoli Prefect. Do this well in advance of the day you intend to fly; DO NOT SHOW UP AT A LAUNCH UNANNOUNCED AND EXPECT TO CERTIFY! We all want to fly rockets, and asking someone to help you at the last minute is not fair, and inconsiderate of your fellow fliers!
For NAR, there is a form that must be filled out and your rocket inspected. You must assemble your reload in front of the certifying person(s). After the flight, the rocket must be again inspected for damage and motor retention. The rocket must be capable of flight again; if it is not, the certification will be denied.

Level 2 (J /K/ L)

You must first be Level 1 Certified.
You must build a rocket capable of safely flying at least a J class motor.
You must pass a written test on rocketry safety, aerodynamics, motor storage, etc. The test is given by the NAR Senior Advisor or for Tripoli, by the Prefect. You cannot make your flight until the written test has been passed. To take a practice test for level two cerification or review questions for the test, follow this link: http://www.sssrocketry.org/apps/.
Again, you need to work with a "mentor" to guide you through the process.
The rest of the process is identical to the Level One process.

The best place to have questions answered about reload construction, rocket construction, etc. is at a Club Meeting. Here you will find a wealth of rocketry knowledge, and this is the best setting in which to ask your questions. This is preferable to showing up at a launch and trying to get someone intent on flying his rockets to stop what he is doing and answer your questions. If the flier is trying to assemble his motor, this can actually be dangerous as he may forget to do something due to being distracted. I cannot stress this point strongly enough! Please save these discussions for the meeting!

I hope this answers some of your questions regarding the certification process. If you still have questions, please contact your Tripoli Prefect, your NAR Senior Advisor, or come to a Club Meeting.

Dave Falkner