Mike,

Yes I read that you can cluster to over the 5120NS with a Level 2, but I only saw it in one place and I'd really appreciate someone else checking to confirm.

On the Level three application page of your three-part "Member Certification Form" is where it states the limit for level two clustering for level. I don't have this sheet anymore as it is what I turned in when I got my level three.

Can someone check their Tripoli form to back me up?

Ed

Here's what the 3 part form says

" As a Cert Level 2 member, you are qualified to use A through L solid propellant, and hybrid motors at Tripoli sanctioned launches provided you follow the safety code, and are subject to the rules of that particular range as set forth by the RSO. You may stage and cluster motors up to 10240 Newton-Seconds (two L or single M equivalent). You are also allowed to purchase one M, N, or O solid propellant, or up to O hybrid, motor for the purpose of level 3 certification"

As I read it you are allowed to cluster or stage for your level 3 cert flight, but for a non-level 3 certifying flight you would be limited to 5120 N/S as a level 2 member

Mark

You cannot do a cluster or a staged project for a cert flight. From http://www.tripoli.org/cert/TRA_Certification_Rules_2009.pdf

"Motor – The certification flight must be with a single certified M or larger motor (tested total impulse greater than 5120.01 n-secs). Staged and/or Clustered rockets may not be used for certification flights"

I cannot speak to the going over 5120NS comments above, I'll admit that I was surprised to see that was a possibility.

I forgot they changed that this year. My 3 part form still has the old HQ address in Utah

Thanks Mark,

That's what I recall from the form. Like John, I was a bit surprised - but still pleased, when I read that line.

There is something about clustering and being able to go over the certified level( I am not sure why) but it might have been in the old code or rules or it still may be in the current ones but I have not found it right now. It is a little funny that you can not fly 1 motor at or above 5120N's but you can do a complex rocket and exceed it, does not sound right and I would not recommend it, it can be much harder then the 1 motor.

I will look to see if I can find it if I can and will post it here.

5120 is plenty for Me now. But was just wondering.

If I have a 5000 Ns motor at take off. 3.5 sec burn. My other three
motors do not start till 5 to 5.5 seconds into the flight.

Do You have to add the Ns togeather?

Is it Ns at the pad? Or Ns at any given time during thrust?

I think this is what JamesR is meaning.

Two of My rockets could do this now. That would be cool.

It's total installed impulse, as it sits on the pad.

Follow the link John provided above. It shows the new cert rules, as of this year.

Mark

What I think is getting confused is the Safety Code and the cert rules. At one time you could use a cluster to cert if the rocket needed the extra newton's to have a safe flight, that was changed with the new cert rules. There was something about complex rockets(not a cert flight) giving you the ability to exceed the total newtons of your level. I still can not find it and that may be because it was changed but I am not sure. I will try to find it if I can find some time to sift through some things.