Please note that this is intended to be a flame-free thread, I'd greatly appreciate if it could be kept that way.
I've had some random thoughts now and then about the certification process, and about the operation of electronic deployment in HPR. As it currently stands, the point of certification is to certify that the user can safely handle larger motors (as part of the purchase requirements), and to correctly deploy a 'nominal' recovery system (generally considered to be a parachute for purposes of certification, but this is by custom, not rule). There is NO requirement to certify that a person knows what they're doing in relation to electronic deployment.
In other words, one can 'properly' certify level 1 or 2 without knowing a whit about electronic deployment. I plead guilty to having achieved level 2 without having ever done electronic deployment, AND I AGREE WITH THAT PROCESS. However, as I step up to adding electronic deployment to some of my rockets, and realize how many additional variables that can add, I'm somewhat troubled by the fact that I can do this without absolutely any oversight whatsoever.
No, I don't really LIKE oversight, and I'm not suggesting that more bureaucracy is good, but I'm also trying to look out for the future of the hobby as a self-regulated entity. For myself, I'm an electronics engineer, so the electronics portion is not a concern to me. But, for example, the inability to get certain electronic igniters, the problems with properly doing things such as dual deployment, give me pause, and I'm making sure that I talk with folks, read plenty of articles, and watch how others do their deployment before I attempt my own.
When I do my first electronics-aided project, I intend to ask the RSO to go over it with a fine-tooth comb -- I don't want any mistakes that might be dangerous, or lose my rocket. But I'm not sure that everyone would do this -- there are an awful lot of shoot-from-the-hip folks out there.
So, here's my thought -- what about adding an 'E' certification letter to the existing certifications? In other words, if you are certified L2E, you have proven that you know how to use electronic deployment properly, and your rocket does not need the fine-tooth comb review before launch. On the other hand, if you DON'T have the 'E', you can still launch the rocket, but it must be reviewed THOROUGHLY (all electronic aspects) in addition to the 'normal' review at the RSO table. This would ensure that what is a pretty big 'paradigm shift' in rocket launching does not create additional outside scrutiny, at a time when we don't really need it.
I understand that this might be a bad idea. I understand that it might be a horrible idea. I understand that others may have discussed this to death before (though I'm unaware of such discussions). I'm simply interested in discussion of the pros and cons of such a concept.
Respectfully to all,
David Erbas-White