NAR vs. Tripoli

[Bret PackardParticipant]

Can someone enlighten me as to the basic differences between NAR and Tripoli? I have heard that Tripoli supports experimental type rocketry, but other than that, is there a big difference? I have always been a NAR member just because of the NAR stuff that comes with the Estes starter sets, which was my first exposure to rocketry as a kid. Thanks.

[Ken PlattnerParticipant]

All I know is that the L1 cert requirements are different. I did a NAR L1 cert at MHM on a 3xh128 cluster which I don’t think Tripoli allows. There was some confusion about that prior to launch.

[Chris LaPanse]

There are really not that many differences. The major one is EX – tripoli L2 and above members can do experimental rocketry, while NAR has no procedures or regulations for EX. Other than that, the differences are trivial.

[denverdoc]

I would disagree that the differences are trivial–if you’re interested in competition or merit badge like activites, NAR is the only way to. Also Nar offers much, much more to the low impulse flyer. If I were just starting out, I think NAR is a better way to go: learn to build strong light and sleek. But if you’re wanting to skip that step and just build big, TRA has better insurance, and a magazine that would better fit your needs.

Also because NAR was born in th era of the basement bomber, its lack of ex involvement is only one facet of a more conservative view toward safety generally IMHO.

I belong to both as they provide complementary functions.
JS

[Chris LaPanse]

OK, put my foot in my mouth there…

What I meant to say was that for HPR, that was the only major differences. THe LPR contests the NAR holds however are definitely unique, and a great way to learn to build strong enough, but VERY light and sleek.

[denverdoc]

For HPR agreed close to sixes–but based on the new magazine , insurance and looking out for your HPR future, I’d give TRA the definite nod. We’re lucky in that we have a critical mass of hard core and highly skilled flyers that carry the NAR competitive spirit into HPR, so flying competition in TRA thru NCR is akin to going straight to Nascar or Formula 1. No midget racing dirt ovals here. Having said that I expect a few “dark horses” born and bred in NAR to take those special talents and give a good showing if not whupping all at SSS.

Yes HPR has its awesome challenges, but when one figures Reynolds Number into the eqn, keeping a 2 meter 18mm rocket in one piece while weighing less than a gnats wings is just as formidable as wrapping carbon fiber around a 6 foot 38mm motor casing and surviving MACH 2.5. I will contine to lobby for some NAR comp events that just can’t be done at Bear Creek.
JS

[Bret PackardParticipant]

Following up on this old thread, I’m thinking about joining TRA as well as I move into L3 and especially if we decide to start doing research days at the launches. I’ve read both sites regarding certification procedures, but I can’t find anywhere that discuss cross certifications. I believe I heard somewhere that Tripoli recognized NAR L1 certs but nothing above that. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I am currently certified NAR L2, and I would guess certing TRA L2 wouldn’t be much of a problem if I have to, but I thought I’d ask anyway. Ultimately I think it makes sense to go TRA for L3 in case I ever get the opportunity to do some experimental type stuff.

[Ken PlattnerParticipant]

I just joined TRA. Haven’t received a card yet though. I’m NAR L2 as well, and according to the person I spoke to at TRA, NAR certs will transfer over – no problem. You just need to send a copy of your NAR card along with the application.

[denverdoc]

Following up on this old thread, I’m thinking about joining TRA as well as I move into L3 and especially if we decide to start doing research days at the launches. I’ve read both sites regarding certification procedures, but I can’t find anywhere that discuss cross certifications. I believe I heard somewhere that Tripoli recognized NAR L1 certs but nothing above that. Can anyone shed some light on this for me? I am currently certified NAR L2, and I would guess certing TRA L2 wouldn’t be much of a problem if I have to, but I thought I’d ask anyway. Ultimately I think it makes sense to go TRA for L3 in case I ever get the opportunity to do some experimental type stuff.

Actually all cert levels are reciprocally recognized by both orgs. Just need to send a photoocopy of the one card to the other org.

The L3 is a bit different. NAR has some extra requirements regarding electronics, specifically redundant deployment electronics on separate batteries, and depending on the interpreter, the need to be able to break (not shunt) the pyro circuits from the exterior of the AF. I suspect we will have some new L3 CC and TRA TAP members, so the decision might depend as much on who lives nearby as anything else.
JS

[Warren B. MusselmanModerator]

Tripoli has less onerous rules than NAR in some ways such as the break circuit required for the deployment pyro charges. On the other hand, TRA theoretically requires the TAP to actually observe the L3 rocket under construction. I haven’t heard of any local TAPs requiring that, but…

Warren

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