Thanks folks, I think you helped me understand that a bit better. I still have a lot to learn, and I'm going to take it slow when it comes to the experimental motors stuff. I have all my fingers and I want to keep it that way. That said, what is the typical path to become L1 certified? Apologies if that's already been covered and I overlooked it
Join NAR or TRA. If you want to go the EX route, join TRA. But if there is no TRA prefecture in your area, join NAR and certify through NAR. Join TRA later, and your NAR cert is transferable.
To cert level 1, build a rocket capable of handling H or I impulse. Let the club know you wish to try a cert flight. You are allowed to purchase one H or I motor for the purposes of certification.
Any TRA TAP or prefect can certify you, based on a successful flight and recovery within the safety code. For NAR, it just takes two witness at or above the cert level.
Mail in the paperwork, get your updated card in the mail.