Outline for NAR Level 3 Certification Package

Introduction
1. General narrative description of model including:
  1. Describe dimensions (length, diameter) and launch weight
  2. Planned motor
2. Narrative description of flight operation including:
  1. Expected altitude
  2. Recovery system operation(e.g. drogue-main, main only)
3. Any novel or unique design features
4. Any major risks and mitigation of those concerns
Scale drawing showing:
1. May be a hand drawn or computer graphic
2. Major dimensions (dimensions used in CP calculations should be shown)
3. Calculated center of pressure
4. Aft CG limit
Description of construction materials and techniques (Construction Package)
1. May be narrative, tabular, or graphic or a combination of all
2. Airframe materials including
  1. Body tubes or fuselage
  2. Fins
  3. Centering rings
  4. Launch pad interface (e.g. launch lugs)
  5. Reinforcement materials
  6. Adhesives
  7. Nosecone
3. Construction techniques including
  1. Fin mounting method
  2. Reinforcement areas
  3. Frangible or breakaway components
4. Drawing showing interior layout of components/airframe assembly
5. Photographs
  1. Show construction of areas hidden after assembly
  2. Show details of construction
  3. Include a size reference, e.g. coin or ruler
Description of recovery system components and operation (Recovery Systems Package)
1. 1. 1. May be narrative, tabular, graphic, photographic or a combination of all
    2. Description of operation
      1. Describe deployment sequence
      2. Describe mounting locations, riser connection scheme
      3. Describe parachute compartments and closures
        
        Describe shear pins or other closure retention methods (e.g. friction fits)
        
        Describe protection from hot ejection charge gasses
      4. Describe parachute compartment venting
        
        1. Identify recommended practice as applicable
        
        2. Identify number, size, and location of vent holes
      5. Describe electronics bay venting (if using electronics that require sensing of the external pressure environment)
        1. Identify recommended practice (from rocketry references or manufacturers) as applicable
        
        2. Identify number, size, and location of vent holes and any applicable calculations
      6. Show descent rates for all individually falling items
        1. Show calculations for descent rates and/or
        2. Parachute manufacturer recommendations and data
    3. Description of components
      1. Control devices
        
        Manufacturer and model
        
        Sensing method/control logic (e.g. acceleration, barometric pressure,timer)
        
        Power sources
        
        Safe and arm controls
        
        Mounting method
        
        Wiring schematic showing connections of the control devices topower sources, safe and arm controls, and output (e.g. pyrotechnic)devices
        
        Schematics may show purchased devices as “black boxes” withoutinternal wiring detail
      2. Parachutes
        
        Drogue parachute manufacturer, size, and description
        
        Main parachute manufacturer, size, and description
        
        Parachute bags
      3. Risers
        
        Material length, width, breaking strength
        
        Attachment methods, e.g. knots or sewn
      4. Mounting hardware
        
        Mounting points
        
        Quick disconnect links
        
        Release mechanisms
      5. Pyrotechnic devices
        
        Quantity
        
        Bridgewire description (e.g. flashbulb, electric match)
        
        Volume/weight of pyrotechnic materials
        
        How was pyrotechnic material volume/weight determined?
    4. Recovery sequence initiation device testing and operation verification
      1. Tests the control and pyrotechnic devices
      2. Verify via flight tests on smaller and/or lower powered models
      3. Verify by ground tests
      4. Recovery system initiation devices must be previously tested prior to the Level 3 flight attempt
Stability evaluation
1. 1. 1. Launch pad description/ rail or rod size and length/tower length
    2. Center of pressure calculations
      1. Show calculations if performed manually
      2. Show computer printout if done by software; identify the software
    3. Aft CG limit or actual CG
      1. If measured during assembly and checkout indicate the actual CG
      2. Verify that the pre-launch checklist verifies the CG location is not aft of theaft CG limit if the actual CG has not been previously verified
    4. CG is a minimum of one body tube diameter ahead of the CP
    5. Stability for complex shapes may be verified by sub-scale models
      1. Sub-scale model should be a minimum of 50% scale
      2. CG locations should be scaled identically
      3. Flight tests should have approximately the same dynamics, e.g. launch g’s
Expected performance/flight profile
1. Provide the following estimated flight parameters:
  1. Launch weight
  2. Motor type
    1. Motor designation must be an “M”, “N”, or “O”
    2. Motor must have a total impulse of 5120.01 Newton-seconds ormore
    3. Motor must be currently certified by the NAR or Tripoli
  3. Estimated drag coefficient
  4. Velocity as the rocket leaves the launch system
  5. Maximum expected velocity
  6. Maximum expected altitude
  7. Maximum expected acceleration
2. Multiple profiles over a range of conditions are recommended when conditions are either estimated, unknown or variable, e.g. launch site altitude, launch day temperature, drag coefficient
3. Identify the method (and program if applicable) used to determine the flight performance parameters
Pre-launch checklist; typical checklist items include:
1. Equipment list including
  1. Motor preparation materials, e.g. lubricants
  2. Tools for airframe assembly and inspection
  3. Electrical test items for voltage and resistance tests
  4. Loose hardware (e.g. for motor retention, shear pins)
  5. Safety equipment (e.g. face shield)
  6. Comfort items (e.g. chair, table, shade)
2. Safety practices
  1. Identify items where pyrotechnics or hazardous items are being prepared,installed or tested
  2. Identify precautions, e.g.
    1. Safety equipment to be used
    2. Safety procedures to follow
  3. Require coordination of radio frequencies with other modelers to preventinterference
3. Motor preparation per manufacturer’s instructions
  1. Igniter installation is deferred until the model is on the launch pad
  2. This item might be left until after the airframe is prepared in case of anairframe problem
  3. Install and secure the motor in the airframe
4. Electronics preparations
  1. Verify safe status prior to commencing activity
  2. Verify battery capacity or replace
  3. Inspect electronics for damage, mounting integrity
  4. Test to verify built in test indicators
  5. Verify safe status when checks are complete
  6. Prepare any non-flight critical electronics, e.g. location transmitters
5. Pyrotechnics
  1. Observe safety practices prior to handling pyrotechnics
  2. Test and/or inspect bridgewire (e.g. flash bulb, electric matches) items
  3. Verify electronics are safed prior to connections
  4. Verify electronics are safed after connections
6. Recovery system
  1. Inspect all components for damage (e.g. tears, burns, cuts)
  2. Inspect for tangles
  3. Verify all hardware is properly secured and risers are connected
  4. Pack all parachutes/risers
  5. Verify heat protection (e.g. wadding, shields) is in place
  6. Verify closures are properly secured
    1. Install shear pins as required
    2. Verify friction fits
7. Final assembly
  1. Verify electronics remain in a safed condition
  2. Verify igniter is available for installation (not installed)
  3. Verify CG location; is it forward of the aft allowable limit?
  4. Verify alignment of launch pad interfaces (if applicable)
Launch checklist
1. Equipment list including
  1. Ladders, step stools for loading and access
  2. Standoffs
  3. Special launch rails, rods
  4. Launch pad tools (e.g. wrenches, allen wrenches)
  5. Recovery support items, e.g. radios
2. Place model on launcher
3. Verify launch angle/trajectory
4. Arm recovery systems
  1. Verify all removable items are removed
  2. Verify switch locking devices or connector bayonets are engaged
  3. Verify any built in test or power indications are normal for flight
  4. Verify that permission exists for radio frequency usage
5. Turn on non-flight critical electronics/payloads
6. Install igniter
7. Confirm the leads are not energized, then connect igniter to the launch system
8. Verify Flight Witnesses are ready
9. Indicate flight readiness to LCO/RSO
Post flight checklist
1. Verify all pyrotechnics are discharged
  1. Safe the pyrotechnic systems if live devices are present
  2. Attempt to identify the reason for the unfired pyrotechnic
2. Record or save any flight data indicates that will be lost after power removal
3. Remove power from electronic systems
Contingency checklist
1. For misfires, launch aborts, or crashes
2. Safe pyrotechnic systems to allow safe handling and/or disassembly
3. Disconnect and remove motor igniter(s)
4. Note operating time to determine if flight batteries need charging or replacement
  1. Include re-inspection requirements
  2. Consider any other time critical items, e.g. memory storage capacity

High Power Rocket Certification

Local Rocketry Clubs

Members-Only Forum

Sport Rocketry Magazine