All I know is that the L1 cert requirements are different. I did a NAR L1 cert at MHM on a 3xh128 cluster which I don't think Tripoli allows. There was some confusion about that prior to launch.

There are really not that many differences. The major one is EX - tripoli L2 and above members can do experimental rocketry, while NAR has no procedures or regulations for EX. Other than that, the differences are trivial.

I would disagree that the differences are trivial--if you're interested in competition or merit badge like activites, NAR is the only way to. Also Nar offers much, much more to the low impulse flyer. If I were just starting out, I think NAR is a better way to go: learn to build strong light and sleek. But if you're wanting to skip that step and just build big, TRA has better insurance, and a magazine that would better fit your needs.

Also because NAR was born in th era of the basement bomber, its lack of ex involvement is only one facet of a more conservative view toward safety generally IMHO.

I belong to both as they provide complementary functions.
JS

OK, put my foot in my mouth there...

What I meant to say was that for HPR, that was the only major differences. THe LPR contests the NAR holds however are definitely unique, and a great way to learn to build strong enough, but VERY light and sleek.

For HPR agreed close to sixes--but based on the new magazine , insurance and looking out for your HPR future, I'd give TRA the definite nod. We're lucky in that we have a critical mass of hard core and highly skilled flyers that carry the NAR competitive spirit into HPR, so flying competition in TRA thru NCR is akin to going straight to Nascar or Formula 1. No midget racing dirt ovals here. Having said that I expect a few "dark horses" born and bred in NAR to take those special talents and give a good showing if not whupping all at SSS.

Yes HPR has its awesome challenges, but when one figures Reynolds Number into the eqn, keeping a 2 meter 18mm rocket in one piece while weighing less than a gnats wings is just as formidable as wrapping carbon fiber around a 6 foot 38mm motor casing and surviving MACH 2.5. I will contine to lobby for some NAR comp events that just can't be done at Bear Creek.
JS

Following up on this old thread, I'm thinking about joining TRA as well as I move into L3 and especially if we decide to start doing research days at the launches. I've read both sites regarding certification procedures, but I can't find anywhere that discuss cross certifications. I believe I heard somewhere that Tripoli recognized NAR L1 certs but nothing above that. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I am currently certified NAR L2, and I would guess certing TRA L2 wouldn't be much of a problem if I have to, but I thought I'd ask anyway. Ultimately I think it makes sense to go TRA for L3 in case I ever get the opportunity to do some experimental type stuff.

I just joined TRA. Haven't received a card yet though. I'm NAR L2 as well, and according to the person I spoke to at TRA, NAR certs will transfer over - no problem. You just need to send a copy of your NAR card along with the application.

Following up on this old thread, I'm thinking about joining TRA as well as I move into L3 and especially if we decide to start doing research days at the launches. I've read both sites regarding certification procedures, but I can't find anywhere that discuss cross certifications. I believe I heard somewhere that Tripoli recognized NAR L1 certs but nothing above that. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I am currently certified NAR L2, and I would guess certing TRA L2 wouldn't be much of a problem if I have to, but I thought I'd ask anyway. Ultimately I think it makes sense to go TRA for L3 in case I ever get the opportunity to do some experimental type stuff.

Actually all cert levels are reciprocally recognized by both orgs. Just need to send a photoocopy of the one card to the other org.

The L3 is a bit different. NAR has some extra requirements regarding electronics, specifically redundant deployment electronics on separate batteries, and depending on the interpreter, the need to be able to break (not shunt) the pyro circuits from the exterior of the AF. I suspect we will have some new L3 CC and TRA TAP members, so the decision might depend as much on who lives nearby as anything else.
JS

Tripoli has less onerous rules than NAR in some ways such as the break circuit required for the deployment pyro charges. On the other hand, TRA theoretically requires the TAP to actually observe the L3 rocket under construction. I haven't heard of any local TAPs requiring that, but...

Warren

Warren,

I don't know that James Russell required it, but we met at various points in construction to look over the build. I see it as a big help. He gave me some good ideas and steered me free of a few potential pitfalls. I'd encourage any on that path to take advantage of any and all mentoring available.
JS

Personally I see it as a big plus. I'm certainly not experienced enough to feel comfortable without other, more experienced, eyes on the project.

Warren

Personally I see it as a big plus. I'm certainly not experienced enough to feel comfortable without other, more experienced, eyes on the project.

Warren

For sure, and its great that so many guys like James, JW, Art H, and others are willing to give freely of their time and experience. Makes the pitch of the learning curve a whole lot less steep and less expensive- mistakes here can send one reeling back to the LPR launch rod rack in a big hurry.
JS

For sure, and it's great that so many guys like James, JW, Art H, and others are willing to give freely of their time and experience.

AGREED!!!!!!!!!!! James has looked over my documentation, fifty-some pages, and offered to come over to my house to look at the rocket, but our schedules never worked out. Art has been checking things out as I went along. James will get his up-close inspection at the annual meeting. If I get a go-ahead from him, then I'm set for my L3 attempt at MHM. She's still gonna fly in her underwear (primer) though, as the "Gray Ghost." 🙂 I want to see how she free-falls before I get into an auto body quality paint job. I don't care how you plan and calculate things, you won't see what she'll do until she does it. I'm going to test my Blacksky electronics in my GLR VA at our next launch, since I haven't flown those electronics yet and they will be the primary L3 electronics. I'll also ground test my L3, slightly away from the launch area. If anyone wants to join me in playing with black powder, you certainly may. 8)

And to address the topic, I've been in NAR since 1968, before that I made my own rockets, a.k.a., basement bomber--though I wasn't stupid enough to load gun powder into pipes and guess at a nozzle apertures... although I was known to put caramelized sugar fuel into used CO2 cartridges with a calculated widening of the business end. Mostly used self-rolled cardboard/paper airframes and plaster of Paris nozzles and end caps with sugar fuel. They worked. I wish I had joined TRA in the mid to late 80's. At that time, even though NAR didn't sanction it, I used 6 or more F's in staged clusters... but we won't go there. 😉 If your interest is mostly high power, then go with TRA. If you want to compete in lower power and learn about good, solid rocket design right up front--where you can to the least damage, then go with NAR. If you already know about CP and CG placement, what nose cone to use for the best altitude at certain speeds, what materials to use, and your interest will always be high power, go with TRA. Better, get a membership in both. Both serve their purpose, and both DO accept each others' certifications. Can't lose either way. 🙂

Bruce,

Man 50 pp. ! Sounds more like a masters thesis than an L3, but hey I'm a slackard. Re your other experiences, sounds like with minimal torque, we can have you on the Dark Side, discussing nuances of AP mesh, catalysts, plasticizers and all the rest in no time 🙂

Seriously an L3 and a big mixer are the path to rocket paradise!
JS