Level 3 limits

[tmazanec1]

Does Level 3 certification have a limit? Or, as far as Tripoli is concerned, you could launch a 50X scale Saturn V with a AX-5000000000000?

 

[Nytrunner]

In basic, Level 3 HPR certification allows the purchase and use of M-O motors.

You should look up the FAA Class III (Not the same as HPR L3) launch vehicle definition. Anything Class III requires tons of advanced simulations and a project submission to the FAA.

 

[tmazanec1]

BTW, anybody want to run that AX-5 trillion powered rocket through a flight sim?

 

[Dwatkins]

By federal law 200,000 lb. sec.

Dennis

 

[Incongruent]

Does Level 3 certification have a limit? Or, as far as Tripoli is concerned, you could launch a 50X scale Saturn V with a AX-5000000000000?

Not on earth.

The acoustics would then be damaging enough to, you know, cause literal earthquakes and tsunamis. Pretty sure people would mind. It would also kill you if you were anywhere near enough to recognize the rocket as a rocket and Tripoli does not like casualties in its name. Getting certified to launch it even with that worked out is also impossible: A Cato would be roughly 2 little boys and a fat man (the nukes!) in terms of energy, and what are ya gonna do about the giant lumps of flaming propellant or the mushroom cloud?

And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

 

[mccordmw]

The CSX team launched up to an S.

 

[scsager]

Does Level 3 certification have a limit? Or, as far as Tripoli is concerned, you could launch a 50X scale Saturn V with a AX-5000000000000?

The rules for Tripoli, (and for NAR too) regarding L3 CERTIFICATION are easily researched on either the TRA or NAR websites.

Over- simplified, it boils down to flying a COMMERCIALLY available CERTIFIED M, N, or O motor up to but not exceeding 40,960 Ns to OBTAIN L3 certification.

People have flown larger - that's very true, but not for L3 certification.

Anything exceeding 40,960 Ns becomes an FAA Class 3 Advanced High-Power Rocket, and is subject to additional regulation.

 

[Bat-mite]

Right. It is federal law you are concerned with, not NAR and TRA. You don't have to be certified to fly any HPR motor on your own with an EX motor. Clubs require certs, and vendors require certs to buy HPR motors; but if you make your own motors and comply with all FAA and NFPA regulations, get your own FAA waiver, etc., certification is a formality.

That said, since many of us fly with a club and buy commercial motors, certifying is highly significant.