mcderek
Free Flight Rocketeer
Does Tripoli still match NAR Certification Levels when joining? Thanks!
Does Tripoli still match NAR Certification Levels?
- Thread starter mcderek
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Yes, they do. I got my L1 and L2 with NAR and Tripoli gladly accepted it. It's great that the organizations honor each other's certifications, it makes it pretty seamless if you're part of two clubs that are different organizations.
Yes. A lot of folks will mix and match. I received level 1-2 from NAR and Level 3 from Tripoli. Level 3 is much easier from TRA.
Is it? I went the NAR route and thought it was painless. TRA you have to find TWO TAPs. NAR, only one L3CC.
Now, if you're going to a Tripoli only launch, that could be difficult unless you've prearranged for a L3CC to be in attendance. If you're going to a NAR only launch, vise versa.
YMMV.
To be clear, I have been a member of both orgs. Right now I am Tripoli because I lapsed and decided to renew TRA for now due to intended activities at this year's LDRS.
rharshberger
Well-Known Member
+1, NAR and TRA are pretty much the same for L3 certs. Main difference now is that for NAR you still have to submit a proposal package BEFORE starting the build, and all the safety switch requirements for the pyros which used to be a pain are gone from the NAR cert process.
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Rich, from the TRA website: Construction - TRA members designing or preparing to fly a level 3 project must present details of their design to 2 TAP members of their choice. BEFORE commencing construction, 2 TAP members must have signed off on the member’s certification form.
The italics are mine.....
rharshberger
Well-Known Member
I stand corrected, thank you.
Nytrunner
Pop lugs, not drugs
Interesting. Depending on which TAP I've talked to, pre-build approval is still optional
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Regarding the TRA/NAR switch requirements, TRA allows electronic switches to be used (subject to the TAPs' approval) whereas NAR requires mechanical switches. TRA regards altimeters incorporating electronic switches (such as the Eggtimer Quantum and Proton) as fulfilling this requirement, so it is possible to certify using those altimeters without any additional switches (again, subject to the TAPs' approval).
As is pretty much everything else. At the end of the day, if the TAP signs the paper, you are certified. No proof of anything gets turned in. I am in no way saying that any TAP is certifying people who haven't earned it -- but they could.
If they do, I want to know about it please. Feel free to PM me. I’ll send you my phone number and we can talk about it.
Tripoli has had a reputation for years as being an “anything goes good ol’ boys club” and we’re trying to dispel that. All the TAPs I know are very conscientious and bend over backwards to make sure that certification candidates get assistance and that they are capable and ready. That’s not to say that we don’t make mistakes from time to time. I can forgive honest mistakes, but intentionally weakening the certification process is something I take very seriously. This isn’t new with me; every Tripoli President I know felt that same way.
No, I don't know of any, as I already indicated. But since nothing has to be turned in in the way of proof (flight video, build package, etc.), the TAP's signature is the only proof of success. Just food for thought.
Let me say that I'm sure all of our TAPs are honest, scrupulous, and demonstrate integrity.
You’re right; we don’t ask our TAPs to provide proof that they acted responsibly. As a TAP I would resent being asked to do that. In my current position I would feel guilty asking such. We try to only designate honest and capable people as TAPs. We rely on recommendations from Prefects and other TAPs. If a TAP were failing in his or her duty that news travels pretty fast. Fortunately it almost never happens.
Thanks!
mcderek
Free Flight Rocketeer
Thanks to all for your replies and further discussion. I renewed my TRA membership and was surprised that my membership card had me at HP Cert Level 0. I didn't know that TRA certs expire. Steve Shannon explained the details to me (Thanks Steve!) I'm a NAR Level 2 and I just got off the phone with Deb at the TRA office (Thanks Deb!). She was able to confirm my NAR membership by membership number and a TRA Level Two card will be on its way to me shortly.
Glad to hear it!
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