WORLD WIDE WEB — The Tripoli Board of Directors has approved an F and G certification program for young flyers. Put forward by Giant Leap Rocketry, the program allows those below the age of 18 to certify at the F and G level.

The existing level 1, 2 and 3 certification gives clear and achievable goals, and has ignited the goal-oriented spirit of flyers to get more deeply involved in rocketry and move up the ranks of certification, according to Ed at Giant Leap. This measure builds on that by adding two more levels of certification — at the F and the G level.

This is intended to attract younger members (below age 18) to rocketry, and gives them formal recognition of their achievement. The certification doesn't impose any restrictions on the use or possession of F and G motors, it is simply a formalized recognition of youngsters who successfully build and fly a rocket using such motors (analogous to Level 1, 2 and 3). As Ed points out "kids tend to leave the hobby after flying model rockets. This is an effort to bridge model rocketry with high power and thus keep them in the hobby."

Prefects will be notified by Tripoli and given the proper certification and affidavit forms. Here are the general requirements:

F-level certification:

Make a safe and successful flight of a rocket using a certified F-motor engine. The specific requirements are listed below:

• The individual must be below the age of 18 at the time of the flight, and must be an active member of TRA.
• The rocket must be built by the individual with minimal help from an adult. Adult guidance on design, construction and use is strongly encouraged, but the actual construction should be done mainly by the individual.
• The rocket must pass a pre-flight safety check by an RSO.
• The flight must be witnessed by a TRA Prefect
• The Prefect must sign a standard certification affidavit, available from TRA Headquarters.
• The signed forms must be returned to TRA HQ
• Successful flyers will receive a card/certificate acknowledging their achievement and their name will be added to a list of certified flyers for that engine class.

G-level certification:

Make a safe and successful flight of a rocket using a certified G-motor engine. The specific requirements are listed below:

• All requirements for the F-level certification apply, and
• The individual must have completed the F-level certification, including submitting all forms and receiving confirmation from TRA.