It was at LDRS 7 in Colorado Springs where the members in attendance insisted on a testing program. Their concern (at that time) was not so much an issue of safety, but to verify that they were getting the newton-seconds as advertised.

Some of you old timers might recall this was the period that many different and new motors entered the market, including many in the 38mm category. These motors were, for the most part, advertised as "full H" or full whatever. However, real-time usage told the consumer otherwise and they wanted TRA testing to verify manufacturers stated values. The new TMT manual does just that.

The question regarding borderline motors is really moot with the data as published. There are no borderline motors where usage and certification is concerned. The motor IS WHAT IT IS, nothing more and nothing less. The reason for such strict adherence in this area is really quite simple, and is found in the NFPA documents.

Both NFPA 1122 and 1127 spell out in no uncertain terms what an H motor is by newton-seconds. All the tables, such as "Launch Site Dimensions" and "Safe Distances," are based on Installed Total Impulse (N/S). The column beside those, "Equivalent Motor Type," tells the Authorities Having Jurisdiction whether or not we are following our codes in these areas by asking, if they are concerned, what the motors are and if they fit the field and distances involved.

When we present (both NAR and TRA) our certification procedures at upcoming meetings, the Authorities Having Jurisdiction will expect us to certify consumers in the same context as the rest of the code.

I suppose it is up to the manufacturers to rename their motors that may be borderline yet in another class other than the one advertised. This would cause less confusion and clarify to newcomers what may or may not be used to certify at various levels. Most of the motors involved effect AeroTech, since AeroTech has the most on the list currently available. So in the previous listing, it is not my intention to pick on AeroTech, but to point out some examples of motors and their usage for certification.

You will note this list will have an impact on certifications. There is a readily available G motor (G75J) that is actually an H and may be used for Level 1. (Editors note: this is historical now) But the popular H128W is really a G and cannot be used as a certification motor at all. The I65, being really a J, can only be used for Level 2. Special Note: The G75J-M has been retested and is now TMT rated as a G67. The H128W-L has been retested and it is now TMT Rated as a H154.  Both of these motors have been removed from the above restricted listing.

The TMT manual expressly states that Tripoli considers the motor to be what TMT tested it to be as far as our members are concerned (Section 5; 2-4.0, 5-1.0c).

Now, of course we are not going to make everyone who certified with an I65 to Level 1 redo their certification. But we are insisting that our Prefects and RSO's pay more attention in the future to what they are allowing to be used at all levels.

I hope this clarifies the discussions regarding what may or may not be used for certifying at various levels within Tripoli.

There was some talk over a year ago about these borderline situations, and if TRA should just ignore those few motors. I think you can see from what has been stated what TRA's position is going to be in this regard. It is not necessary to make exceptions because there are motors enough that can be used without making exceptions.