I think the main reason I lost interest in rocketry was because there were no launches near my home (in central Texas). Tripoli had a prefecture in Waco (I was TRA #3354), and they held a couple of launches -- that was where I got my certification. But that seemed to die out after a while. I certified with my PML Quasar and an Aerotech H242T reload in June of 1996, nearly eight years ago. That was a proud moment for me, and yet that turned out to be the last launch I attended and the only flight I ever made with a high power rocket.
Now. . . I've learned that NAR are holding their National Sport Launch just down the road a piece, in McGregor! I joined NAR a few months ago in anticipation of this event. Obviously I'm going to be there. . . Whether I'll launch anything, I dunno. I think I'd like to.
I might try for NAR level 1 certification. I've still got the old PML Quasar rocket, and I've still got the RMS and three reloads for it: H112J-10, I211W-14, and another H242T-10 just like the one I used before. These reloads have been in storage for the last nearly eight years, yet they appear to still be in good shape. I couldn't see any of these on the NAR certified motors list, but I read that Tripoli certified motors are acceptable. Is that correct? It seems to me like I should be able to use these, if I'm reading the rules right.
Assuming I were to certify successfully, would I be able to continue flying the rocket at this event and burn up all three of those old motors? They've been storage long enough, I reckon it's time to use them or lose them. From what I read on the NAR website, it implies that the certification must be returned to NAR HQ before the applicant is officially considered to be certified. It seems like I can fly an H or I motor to certify, but then have to wait for the paperwork to go through before I can use an H or I motor again. But, I might be misinterpreting that. I'll love to heard advice from somebody who really knows.