Want to fly rockets with larger motors?

We're excited to help you do this safetly!

At SARC, we believe that rocketry certifications should be a fun, educational and safe journey, where members gain skills, experience, and knowledge as they steadily work their way through the certification levels.

Before considering a certification, we encourage all members to read through this page and the Tripoli Certification page.

For newer flyers, we recommend starting with the Model Rocketry stages before attempting any of the High Power Rocketry (HPR) Certifications.

What do these rockets look like?

Low Power Rockets (LPR)

An LPR typically weighs less than 500g and uses motors with up to a total impulse of 20Ns. We recommend you start here!

There's lots of fun to be had with LPR rockets including single stage rockets, multi stage rockets, clusters, odd-rockets (eg. saucers) and much more. So you don’t need to be in a rush to move up to bigger motors.

Medium Power Rockets (MPR)

An MPR can typically weigh up to 1.5kg and uses composite motors in the range E to G (total impulse 20 to 160 Ns). 

Please note: There are some G motors that are classified as high power because of their total propellant weight or total impulse (eg. Aerotech G138T). To fly these motors members will need to pass the L1 HPR certification.

High Power Rocketry (HPR)

To fly HPR motors (H and above), members must be certified at the appropriate level by the Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA).

Currently, SARC only facilitates 2 levels of the TRA Certification Process:

• HPR Level 1 – H and I motors up to 640 Ns

• HPR Level 2 – J to L motors up to 5,120 Ns

In future, we intend to facilitate HPR Level 3 – M motors and above, over 5,120 Ns as well.

Additionally, we are working towards facilitating the TMP (Tripoli Mentor Program) – HPR Level 1 for 12-17 year olds with a mentor. Please let us know if you're interested in the Level 3 Certification or TMP.

How do I get certified?

1. Build your rocket. You must build the rocket yourself. Building from a kit or a design from scratch are the main paths. Look out for our Resources page for more info!

2. Select a motor that is appropriate for the rocket and is suitable for the launch site restrictions. Ensure that the weight of the rocket ready for launch is not greater than the maximum weight recommended for the rocket motor.

3. If the rocket is scratch-built, evidence of its stability must be provided (e.g. a copy of a simulation report).

4. On the launch day, visit the Prefect prior to your flight to present your rocket.

5. Present your rocket with a completed flight card for Flight Safety Review. The Reviewer will assess the rocket and its construction, including ensuring that it is stable. They will check that the total weight of the rocket is less than the maximum weight recommended for the motor, and that the rocket will not exceed the permitted altitude. They along with the RSO, have the final decision if a rocket can be launched.

6. Launch and safely recover your rocket. Ensure the Prefect is watching the flight!

7. Present the rocket to the Prefect for post-flight inspection.

8. If successful, the Prefect will sign the application form. You are responsible for emailing it to TRA.

Application form to be filled out for each attempt can be found here. Note that you must have successfully passed the L2 Written Test before attempting the L2 certification flight.

Please keep in mind that HPR certification flights must be witnessed by the Tripoli Prefect or a member of the Tripoli Advisor Panel (TAP). We only have one Prefect who is a volunteer. So its important that you provide appropriate notice before a certification flight. We recommend contacting sarocketryclub@gmail.com with your intentions at least 2 weeks prior (the more time the better!).

We recommend that members do not rush through their certifications and use every flight as an opportunity to learn and build on their rocketry experience!