Summary
L2 certification allows the flyer to use J - L impulse motors at organized launches. Additionally, if they hold a TRA L2 certification, they may fly research motors at appropriate launches.
Requirements
The requirements are very similar to those for the L1, but with a few changes and an additional requirement. The rocket must fly and recover safely on a certified J, K, or L motor and be ready to fly again after the flight. Additionally, the rocketeer must complete a multiple choice test mostly on regulations that pertain to rocketry before they can make their attempt. The rocket does not have to use any fundamentally different techniques from an L1 rocket, but many flyers elect to use dual deployment recovery.
Documents
Examples
<Include pictures of people's L2 rockets>
Suggestions
- If your L1 rocket was built with a 38mm or larger motor mount, you can fly it on a J or larger motor for your L2 cert. However, if it was built to reach a decent altitude on a L1 motor, you should be very careful that it won't fly too high to recover on even the smallest L2 motor. The increase in impulse from a minimum H to a small J is about 4 times, and altitude roughly scales with impulse. Be sure you will be able to get your rocket back! Descent times will be long, making a lengthy walk to recover your rocket almost inevitable. For this reason, it is recommended to build another rocket for your L2, unless your L1 was already large, heavy, or dual-deploy capable.
- Though L2 motors often send smaller rockets high enough that dual deploy is almost a necessity for some designs, it isn't a great idea to make your first DD flight your cert flight. DD has many quirks that are important to figure out for a fully successful cert flight, and it is a pain to learn these lessons while having to fill out cert paperwork for each attempt. DD doesn't require a high altitude flight, so you can test your rocket on H and I motors before going for the L2 cert flight.
- The L2 test is very easy as it is multiple choice and the questions are drawn from a pool of about 100. It is definitely possible to study for it during the ride to the launch, but it shouldn't be underestimated. 100 facts is still a lot to remember, and you want to be focusing on your flight during the ride to the launch. The test is good for up to a year, so consider taking it at a launch before the day you intend to fly your rocket.