Best place to get Level 2 Certified?

I'm going for my level 2 soon but from what I've seen, there aren't many club launches that provide level 2 certifications. I live in PA about 45 minutes west of Philly, and the nearest places I've seen are BARC in NJ, and MDRA in MD. MDRA doesn't directly provide certifications, though, and I don't know anyone that goes to the launches that could certify me (or anyone in general). Is there a good place where people will be that can get this done?

I'm in your general vicinity, I did my level 1 at MDRA and witnessed Level 2 and 3 attempts. Where did you hear that they don't directly provide certifications? Are looking for NAR or Tripoli? As far as I know, MDRA is a great place to get certified.

mbeels said:

I'm in your general vicinity, I did my level 1 at MDRA and witnessed Level 2 and 3 attempts. Where did you hear that they don't directly provide certifications? Are looking for NAR or Tripoli? As far as I know, MDRA is a great place to get certified.

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On their FAQ Page they say “
Does MDRA Have a Certification Program?

No, all certification is done through either TRA or NAR.”

I’m going for NAR

If you are Triploli affiliated, any prefect [president of club] can give L-2 test and witness the flight.
Just call ahead to alert prefect and he will be sure to bring the test.
You may take test anytime prior to flight.....up to 1 year.

SPAAR in Lancaster ? https://www.spaar.org/

I think the deal with MDRA is that they are an independent organization but they have NAR and Tripoli members there who will handle the certifications.

I certified L2 through NAR at MDRA. I think their webpage is saying that MDRA isn't a certifying body. But they definitely have fliers at MDRA launches that can sign off on either NAR or TRA certification flights. Just email them. MDRA is a great club for flying HPR.

samb said:

SPAAR in Lancaster ? https://www.spaar.org/

I think the deal with MDRA is that they are an independent organization but they have NAR and Tripoli members there who will handle the certifications.

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I contacted SPAAR when I was looking around, and they no longer have a field for HPR. So no certifications there.

And yes, as samb and BDB said, MDRA is only saying that they are not a certifying organization, but the members of MDRA are able to sign off for NAR and TRA cert flights. There are plenty of high power flyers there. It would help to bring a copy of the L2 exam with you, and send a message to the club to make sure that the right people (NAR or TRA) will be there.

mbeels said:

I contacted SPAAR when I was looking around, and they no longer have a field for HPR. So no certifications there.

And yes, as samb and BDB said, MDRA is only saying that they are not a certifying organization, but the members of MDRA are able to sign off for NAR and TRA cert flights. There are plenty of high power flyers there. It would help to bring a copy of the L2 exam with you, and send a message to the club to make sure that the right people (NAR or TRA) will be there.

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At least in Tripoli the L2 applicant cannot bring the exam with. It is provided by the Prefect, TAP, or director. The applicant should bring the certification form.

There will be aplenty of people who will be at the MDRA launch this weeknd and every other MDRA launch who will be able to confirm your cert flight. MDRA are not affiliated with either NAR or Tripoli as a club so you will have to send (email) your own paperwork to NAR.

samb said:

SPAAR in Lancaster ? https://www.spaar.org/

I think the deal with MDRA is that they are an independent organization but they have NAR and Tripoli members there who will handle the certifications.

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SPAAR lost their high power field so no carts can be given currently at SPAAR. They are looking for a high power field if anyone knows anybody who has a nice farm in south central PA.

When I was ready for my level 2 test I contacted my local club's (Pittsburgh Space Command)section leader and arrainged to have him bring a copy of the test to the launch. I did my cert flight at MDRA.
You should also prearrainge for some certification team members; one L3 or two L2's. It would be a shame to make the trip and find no one qualified to witness your flight.
Don't forget you have to build your motor in their presence.

nickrulercreator said:

On their FAQ Page they say “
Does MDRA Have a Certification Program?

No, all certification is done through either TRA or NAR.”

I’m going for NAR

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You misunderstood. All they're saying is you won't get an "MDRA L2". You'll be able to get a NAR or Tripoli L2 at the MDRA launch.

MDRA and BARC are both excellent places to certify! I belong to both. I certified L2 at MDRA.

Just got my NAR L1 at MDRA yesterday. Contact them via email, but they regularly have multiple TRA and NAR L3-certified people at launches. Not sure about the NAR L2 exam -- that'll be a little while for me.

Joe Bruce said:

Just got my NAR L1 at MDRA yesterday. Contact them via email, but they regularly have multiple TRA and NAR L3-certified people at launches. Not sure about the NAR L2 exam -- that'll be a little while for me.

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Congrats! and welcome

Whoa, whoa, whoa, lots of somewhat inaccurate info flying here.

As noted, MDRA has a TRA Prefect (Scott Szympurch), two TAPs (Dave Weber, Fred Wallace), and several NAR L2 and L3 members that can witness flights and sign cert papers.

An e-mail to the MDRA board can comfirm that they will bring the exam packet and mail it in for you, TRA or NAR. Do not show up unannounced and say, "I wanna certify level 2 (or level 3). Advance coordination is necessary.

I can't remember the last time I was at an MDRA launch when I didn't see someone get certified at least to level 1. And I go almost every month.

To launch with the club, you need to pay the annual dues ($25) and the weekend flight fee ($10). There is no guest fee or "one time" fee, so expect to pay the $35. You will need to sign the club waiver before launching.

I am NOT SURE if we still have an L3CC for NAR level 3 certs since Robert DeHate moved away. That would be something to ask the board in your e-mail.

The board contact e-mail address can be found on the web site.

If you are certifying NAR, I can witness your flight for you. Bob Utley, club secretary, can also certify NAR L1 and L2. I am there only on Saturdays; Bob is there nearly every launch day.

So get that e-mail in to the board. July launch is less than four weeks away!

Just got my L2 Cert flight yesterday! AeroTech Mailable J520 reload. Now have to save up dollars for ten years to go for L3...lol

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