Several months ago, a survey was sent to all TAP members asking them their opinion on two topics. The first was whether it was appropriate to continue to allow a main parachute of a dual deploy rocket that for whatever reason deploys at or near apogee to be considered a safe flight. The second topic dealt with perhaps requiring more experience (flights) at the L2 level before attempting a
L3 certification. The results of the survey were compiled, and the following recommendations were presented to the Tripoli Board of Directors. It was requested that the rule allowing an inadvertent main deployment at apogee of a dual deploy rocket be considered a failure. A successful dual deploy flight will require the main to be deployed at the programmed altitude. In other words, the certification flight must perform as designed without an inadvertent deployment of the main.
Secondly, the consensus of TAP members supported additional L2 flight before attempting a L3 certification. The only requirement currently is that there was one flight using electronics for deployment of the parachute(s). The change put forward to the board now requires a total of three (3) successful L2 flights of which two (2) must have deployed the parachute(s) using electronic deployment. The applicants L2 certification flight counts as one of the three. A new
certification flight log has been developed so that the L3 applicant can show their TAP’s that they have the appropriate experience to commence the L3 certification process. These flights can be verified by any Prefect, TAP, or L3 certified TRA Senior member.
The Board of Directors unanimously adopted these changes. So, from June 1, 2025, all dual deploy L3 flights must fly the intended profile. Shaking the main out at apogee or any altitude before the programmed main deployment altitude will be disqualifying. Any L3 applicant who has had their L3 build approved by both TAP members prior to July 1, 2025 may continue their certification plans without meeting this experience requirement.
Bob Brown
President, Tripoli Rocketry Association