Tripoli Junior Mentoring Program

 

The Tripoli Mentoring Program (TMP) allows Tripoli Junior members to learn the skills of high-power rocket construction and launching in a safe and consistent environment with all high-power rocketry safety codes and legal restrictions.

With TMP, Junior flyers can design and build high-power rockets and launch their own rockets under the direct supervision of a Senior flyer or Mentor.  The Mentor will handle all aspects of the launch that, due to legal restrictions, require flyers to be over the age of 18 and certified for high-power motor usage.

Who Can Participate?

Any Tripoli Junior member ages 12-17 can participate in the program as the Junior flyer. Any Tripoli Senior member can participate in the program as the Mentor. There are no formal requirements for participation in the program.

Mentors and Juniors using the TMP do not need to inform launch officials that they are using it, nor do they need any additional paperwork. The rules ensure that launch activities for teens are safe and adhere to broader Tripoli rules.

Tripoli encourages Mentors to use the program to ensure that Juniors build the necessary skills and knowledge for safe, high-power rocketry.

The completion of the TMP Training portion of the program is required for access to restricted launch pad areas at Tripoli Research launches and does have associated paperwork.

Rules for Mentors

The Mentor’s role in this process is very important.  Mentors take full responsibility for every mentored flight (i.e. they are the Flyer of Record). If you are Mentoring a teen, please take this responsibility seriously.  Teach your advisees about rocket and range safety.

Only mentor flights within your competence level, not just within your certification level.  Remember that it is your job to ensure that every rocket used in a mentored flight is built with the level of skill necessary for the project.

• Mentors must be Tripoli Senior members in good standing.
• The Mentor is the flyer-of-record on mentored flights and is fully responsible and liable for the flight as if it were his/her own. The Mentor must ensure that the flight card on a mentored flight reflects the Mentor’s status as flyer of record and includes the Mentor’s Tripoli number. Junior flyers may be listed on the flight card as the owner of the rocket.
• The Mentor is responsible for and will handle all aspects of the launch involving all materials which require high power certification.
• The Mentor must be present with the Junior flyers during the pre-flight safety inspection by the RSO. As the flyer-of-record, the Mentor is responsible for ensuring the rocket meets the criteria for passage of the pre-flight safety inspection.
• Mentored flights can be made only with motors that the Mentor can legally purchase and/or possess and that follow Tripoli safety codes.
• Additionally, the Mentor is responsible for direct supervision of Junior flyers while at the pad and in the prep area. The Mentor is responsible for ensuring that Junior flyers are familiar with safe range practices and know how to conduct themselves in a safety conscious manner.

Rules for Junior Flyers

• Junior flyers must be Tripoli Junior members in good standing
• Junior flyers must be at least 12 years old.
• To access restricted pad and prep areas, Junior flyers must complete Tripoli Mentoring Program Training and bring proof of program completion to the launch.
• The Junior flyer must be present at the pre-flight safety check to answer RSO questions about the rocket.
• Junior flyers are responsible for knowing the safety code and following all range safety rules.

TMP Training

Tripoli Mentoring Program Training trains Juniors in safe rocket construction and range practices. Successful completion of the TMP Training grants the Junior flyer access to restricted high power areas.

TMP Training is a self-study program that can be done either by the Junior alone or, preferably, under the guidance and advice of a Mentor. The training culminates in the TMP Training Exam. The exam is 30 questions long, with 15 Technical and 15 Safety questions. The Technical section covers safe rocket construction and launching, while the Safety section covers range safety. A passing grade is 83%, meaning that a test taker can miss no more than 5 questions.

Take the TMP Online Test

Exam Options

• The online TMP exam is available at any time. Each exam is randomized for the user, providing a consistent and fair test experience.
• The written TMP exam may still be administered in person by Prefects, TAPs, or TRA Directors at the launch site, but this option will only be available through the end of 2025.

The Junior flyer may join Tripoli, complete the TMP Training exam, and fly under the TMP on the same day. Each exam section may be attempted up to three times. If a Junior fails either portion of the test three times, they must request a reset by contacting the Tripoli IT Committee. The committee will review the request and, if appropriate, reset the Junior member’s testing count. This reset process may take up to 7 days to complete.

Parent/Guardian Consent Requirement

Although the TMP exam may be completed online, a parent or legal guardian must still provide written consent for the Junior’s participation in high power rocketry activities.

• If the student has printed a copy of their online exam passing certificate, there is a place on the certificate for the parent/guardian to sign.
• If a printed certificate is not available, it is acceptable to have the parent/guardian sign a copy of the TMP Test Answer Sheet. In this case, pertinent member data must be recorded and the online exam certificate number written on the form.

Submission to Headquarters

A clear photo of the signed certificate (or signed answer sheet) must be emailed to certifications@tripoli.org before the Junior participates in any high power rocketry activities. Once received and verified, the Junior’s certification level will be updated to M, and a new membership card will be issued reflecting completion of TMP Training.

TMP Level 1 Certification Flight

Upon successful completion of the TMP exam, the Junior member may, in conjunction with their TMP mentor, conduct a Level 1 certification flight. This will be recorded and the member issued a membership card noting a new certification level, M1.

If the member is still a Tripoli member upon their eighteenth birthday, Tripoli will recognize this as officially having completed their Level 1 certification, and a new membership card will be issued reflecting their Level 1 certification.

The certification flight must be witnessed by a Prefect, TAP, or Director of Tripoli.