Tripoli News Archive

Tripoli Central Indiana, Tripoli 183, our newest prefecture serving the Muncie, Indiana, area. Led by Prefect Justin Simpkins, the group launches from the International Aeromodeling Center and will expand access to high-power rocketry and certification opportunities in the region.

The June issue of High Power Rocketry and Tripoli Report is now available

Membership card printing is temporarily delayed due to equipment issues; please use your digital membership card while we work to restore printing services.

The Tripoli Rocketry Association is proud to recognize Pat Gordzelik as our newest Lifetime Member. Pat’s decades of leadership, mentorship, and service have made a lasting impact on Tripoli and the high power rocketry community.

The Tripoli Annual Meeting held at the banquet during LDRS 44 brought members together, with board elections, officer appointments, and next year’s launch site announced.

Mexico’s premier experimental rocket launch event - BAJA Rocket Science is held annually in the Laguna Salada desert near Mexicali, Baja California. Each year, it brings together dedicated rocketry enthusiasts from around the world who are at the forefront of non-professional rocketry. Participants showcase cutting-edge designs and technologies, launching some of the largest non-professional rockets seen anywhere.

Registration is now open for BALLS 34, and it’s shaping up to be another great year of ambitious projects and high-altitude flights at Black Rock this year.

Tripoli is now accepting applications for the 2026 Prefecture Improvement Plan (PIP), offering eligible prefectures up a grant funding (first come, first served) to support equipment, supplies, outreach, and other improvements.

Steve Shannon has served on the TRA Board of Directors since 2016, and
in his many years of leadership service, has filled several important roles
with dedication and successful results. Chief among these is Steve’s
service as TRA’s president, and currently as secretary.

Our first recipient will not be able to receive his award in person, since he is currently in Earth orbit on the International Space Station! He is Woody Hoburg, NASA astronaut and pilot of the Space-X Crew-6/ISS Expedition 69 mission to the ISS.

Over the past few years, the cost per member for insurance has risen considerably, far exceeding the $10.00 annual fee we were charging our student members. The rapid increase in student members has further exacerbated this problem. We understand that affordability is crucial, especially for students, and we have considered this during the decision-making process.

Starting in 2026, Level 2 and TMP knowledge testing will be completed exclusively through Tripoli’s online exam system. Members must present their online exam certificate before completing the in-person flight portion of their certification.

The Tripoli Unified Safety Code has been updated to Version 2, and an early release is now available so members can review the changes and ask questions ahead of implementation. The new TUSC will not take effect until January 1, 2026, with Version 1.04 remaining in force until that date.

Tripoli members can now complete the written portion of their Level 2 certification online. Streamlined, modern, and ready for launch!

Several months ago, a survey was sent to all TAP members asking them their opinion on two topics. The first was whether it was appropriate to continue to allow a main parachute of a dual deploy rocket that for whatever reason deploys at or near apogee to be considered a safe flight. The second topic dealt with perhaps requiring more experience (flights) at the L2 level before attempting a L3 certification.

Following the recent Board of Directors meeting, TRA is implementing an update to our membership verification process for vendors. While the vendor's responsibility to verify Tripoli Rocketry Association members' certification levels remains the same, the process by which members provide this information has been updated.

Tripoli is pleased to introduce new online study quizzes for both safety and technical portions of the Tripoli Rocketry Association's Level 2 certification exam. These new practice quizzes can be an invaluable resource for those preparing to take the exam.

TRA has released a new L2 Advanced Study guide that conforms to the new Unified Safety Code. This guide and its corresponding tests replace all previous versions and is effective immediately.

Under this safety code there are no longer commercial launches or Research launches just Tripoli launches.  There are some changes to the current safety code such as a common safe distance table, a safety code for both model rockets as well as radio controlled boosted gliders as well as other changes.  Please take the time to read this document in its entirety.

The Tripoli Rocketry Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Murdock as Co-Chair of the Class 3 Review Committee, joining Greg Deputy in this leadership role.

For fliers planning high altitude Class 2 and any Class 3 flights please check out updates to the Tripoli website under Class 3 Review Committee...

The Tripoli Board of Directors has approved a change in policy with respect to high altitude flights. Past policy has been that all FAA Class 2 flights of 50,000 feet AGL and above require a review by the Class 3 Review Committee (C3RC).

Tripoli has approved the use of bi-propellant liquid motors at sanctioned launches starting January 1, 2026, marking a major milestone for experimental rocketry.

Due to BLM restrictions at Black Rock, Tripoli’s planned liquid motor flights will instead take place at Airfest 31 in Argonia, Kansas, thanks to the support of the Kloudbusters. The event runs August 29–September 1, 2025.

For the past three years, the Tripoli Research Committee along with the Tripoli Board of Directors have been evaluating the feasibility of allowing bi-propellant liquid motor flights to occur at Tripoli sanctioned launches. I am pleased to announce ...

The Tripoli Rocketry Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Cayemberg as the new Chairman of the Technical Advisory Panel (TAP), effective immediately.

LDRS 44 is headed to Pence, Indiana, April 16–19, 2026, hosted by Tripoli Indiana, Prefecture 132. Known for their annual Thunderstruck launch, the Indiana team is ready to welcome flyers from across the country to one of the premier fields in the region.

During the LDRS 41 Member's Banquet it was announced that Tripoli of Upstate New York will be hosting LDRS 42 at Torrey Farms in Potter, New York. The event is planned to take place June 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2024. More details will be posted soon.

During the LDRS 40 Member's Banquet it was announced that that the Tripoli Wisconsin Association, Tripoli Green Bay, and Tripoli Chicago will be hosting LDRS 41 at the Richard Bong Recreation Area located in Kenosha County, Wisconsin.

Due to logistical issues that were insurmountable, LDRS 40 will now be held at Lucerne Dry Lake in southern California, hosted by ...

Tripoli Gerlach have reluctantly postponed BALLS 29 until September 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns

The Tripoli Rocketry Association is pleased to announce that Paul Snow (TRA11248) has been appointed Chair of the Outreach Committee.

The 2026 Erik Gates Memorial Scholarship is nearing its submission deadline. Applications close February 15, 2026. This annual scholarship supports students pursuing STEM and honors Erik Gates’ lasting impact on the rocketry community.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Erik Gates Memorial Scholarship, supporting students pursuing education in STEM fields and honoring the legacy and contributions of longtime Tripoli member Erik Gates.

The Erik Gates Memorial Scholarship Fund annually awards an educational scholarship to assist in the continued education of the award recipient. If you or a family member is interested in pursuing this scholarship please look at the eligibility requirements and information on how to submit an application. Applications must be received on or before June 30, 2022.

The Erik Gates Memorial Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that applications for the 2022 year are now being accepted.

Applications have opened for the 2021 Erik Gates Scholarship, with three scholarships on offer in 2021...

As the 2024 flying season ramps up, keep in mind the great pictures that you take. You can submit those to Tripoli for use in future publications and the website to that many people can enjoy your creative work.

We're thrilled to invite you to share your captivating rocketry-related images with us. By submitting your photos here, you have the exciting opportunity to contribute to our rocketry community and potentially see your work featured on our platforms.

Tripoli is pleased to announce a new enhancement to membership. Now, members can download a virtual copy of their membership card.

2020 TRA Board of Directors Election Results

Results from the 2019 TRA Board of Directors Elections

2018 Tripoli Board Election Results

The TRATech 2026 presentation videos are now available online. Explore this year's outstanding presentations and browse past years' recordings for a wealth of rocketry knowledge and experience.

TRATECH 2026 returns alongside LDRS 44 with a full lineup of practical, in-person presentations in Danville, IL on April 16–17, offered free to attendees on a first come basis.

TRATECH 2026 will take place during LDRS 44 in Pence, Indiana on April 16 and 17, offering in-person technical presentations at no charge for attending flyers. Tripoli is now accepting presentation proposals and volunteer support to help make this year’s conference a success.

The Tripoli TRATECH Technical Conference & Summit 2025 marks the fifth year of this exciting and growing event. This year, TRATECH will take place during LDRS-43 at Tachi Palace in Lemoore, California, on May 15th and 16th.

TRATech event videos from LDRS 42 in Kueka Park, New York are now out! Dive into diverse talks covering amateur and professional rocketry, exclusively for Tripoli members. Downloadable slide decks are alongside the recordings. Join us in advancing high-power rocketry knowledge at TRATech!

The TRA TRATECH Committee is now soliciting presenters to speak at the 2024 TRATech event held in New York, during LDRS-42.

The Tripoli TRATECH Technical Conference and Summit 2023 will be held during LDRS-41 in Kenosha, WI. The schedule has been established, and we have 12 outstanding presentations

The TRATECH committee is planning for the TRATECH 2023 technical conference during LDRS 41 in Wisconsin. We have lots of exciting presentations already planned but are looking for more.

The schedule for the Tripoli TRATECH Technical Conference and Summit 2022 that is being held during LDRS-40 in Victorville, CA has been established, and we have 12 outstanding presentations that will be made available to the membership on June 9th and 10th in the afternoons following the launching at LDRS, at the LDRS host hotel.

TRA’s second annual technical conference will be held on Thursday 6/9 and Friday 6/10 during LDRS-40 at the host hotel in Victorville, CA. The Tripoli Board believes that the entire membership greatly benefits from an intensive educational and information sharing opportunity such as the TRATECH technical conference.

TRA is pleased to share the proceedings of the first annual TRATech held in Wendover NV as part of LDRS 39

The TRA Board has listened to the members and has decided to conduct TRA’s first annual technical conference on Thursday 7/29 and Friday 7/30 during LDRS-39 in Wendover, Utah...

Tripoli expands into Eastern Europe with the approval of the Aeronautical Society 2Space – Tripoli Romania Prefecture. Based in Bucharest, the new prefecture will support certification flights, organized launches, and aerospace education across the region

The Tripoli Rocketry Association is proud to announce the formation of a new international prefecture—Tripoli Colombia—officially recognized as Prefecture #181.

The Tripoli Board of Directors is pleased to announce that beginning March 1st, eligible prefectures can apply for the 2025 Prefecture Improvement Plan (PIP). This is a grant program that prefectures can use to improve the flying environment for Tripoli Rocketry Association members. We want to enable your prefecture to purchase equipment, supplies, outreach, and marketing materials, etc. that will enhance your prefecture, environment and/ or flying field.

The Tripoli Rocketry Association is thrilled to announce the formation of a new international Prefecture in Budapest, Hungary.

The Tripoli Rocketry Association is expanding its global network and welcoming two new international Prefectures into the association.

The Tripoli Board of Directors is thrilled to introduce the preliminary edition of the Tripoli Prefecture Manual. This comprehensive manual is valuable for prefectures navigating diverse challenges and responsibilities. Created through collaborative efforts, it aims to streamline operations and offer essential guidance. It's understood that no first edition is flawless, but we believe that progress is best achieved through collaboration and collective input.

The Tripoli Board of Directors is pleased to announce the 2022 Prefecture Improvement Plan (PIP). All active Prefectures in good standing with the organization, are eligible. This is a grant program the prefectures can use to make significant improvements for your members.

The reactivated TMT Committee has issued its first set of certifications, approving multiple design updates and newly certified high-power motors.

Tripoli Motor Testing is officially back in operation under the leadership of Art Hoag, with a modernized system now fully online thanks to major behind-the-scenes work. Manufacturers can once again submit motors for testing, with more updates on the new system coming soon.

On August 26, of this year, Alan Whitmore passed away suddenly. A man of many interests and talents, his passing was both sudden and unexpected. His passing is a loss to all his close friends and associates as well as Tripoli as an organization.

Alan Whitmore and the Tripoli Motor Testing Committee completed two new certifications in April and May of 2023. These newly certified motors include the Aerotech H14ST and the Aerotech N4000W.

Alan Whitmore and the Tripoli Motor Testing Committee completed two new certifications in December, 2022, and two more in early January, 2023.

On January 7, 2023, the TMT Committee tested and re-certified the re-designed Aerotech O5280X.

The Tripoli Motor Testing Committee met on December 4, 2022 and January 7, 2023 and certified three new Aerotech motors.

Tripoli member Fred Taverni (TRA #07716, Level 3) has joined the Million Feet Club with over 800 recorded flights totaling nearly 2.5 million feet of accumulated altitude.

Celebration of Jeffrey Boldig’s Remarkable Flying Record as He Earns Membership in Tripoli’s Cumulative Altitude Award Following His One-Million-Foot Milestone.

BALLS 33 brought a wave of high-flying achievements and a few new names in the Tripoli record books.

Tripoli Rocketry Association is proud to announce that John Clifton of Smyrna, Georgia, has officially joined the ranks of our Million Feet Award recipients!

TRA Contest and Records Committee did a refresh to the rules and application. It is on the TRA Website now. Thanks for feedback over the years and thanks to those on the committee that have helped!

Congratulations to Greg Morgan from Clovis, California, for earning the Million Feet Award for Cumulative Altitude, recognizing his achievement of surpassing 1,000,000 feet across multiple flights.

Brett Bachman and George Barnes have recently achieved the Million Feet Award for accumulating over 1,000,000 feet in cumulative altitude through multiple flights using certified or research motors in various configurations.

We are excited to share that Adrian Adamson, from Lakewood, CO, has established a new altitude record on 10/15/2023. Adrian's remarkable achievement soared to an impressive 10,136 feet in the Single category, utilizing a Single-Stage F class at the Hartsel, CO launch site.

During BALLS 31 in Black Rock, Nevada, Bryce Chanes set a record for Handicapped - Single Stage O altitude of 3,920 ft.

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Gerald Meux as the new Chairman of the Tripoli Records Committee.