HomeClass 3 Flight Review

Class 3 Flight Review Committee

A Class 3 rocket is defined as any amateur rocket propelled by a motor (or motors) totaling more than 40,960 Newton-seconds (a “P” motor or greater). The Class 3 Review Committee performs reviews of rockets which will be flown at a Tripoli Launch and which are either Tripoli Member Class 3 flights to be submitted to the FAA AST for approval, or projected to an altitude of over 100,000', regardless of total impulse.

For 2020, the Board asked the Committee to perform additional reviews of flights submitted, in an effort to improve the rate of successful, safe recovery of projects reviewed by the Committee. This has entailed developing a new, more detailed submission form, as well as identifying a small group of experienced fliers who will review every submission. Flights that this group does not feel are likely to properly deploy a safe recovery system will not be passed on to the analysis phase and will instead be declined, and the flier notified with the opportunity to rectify deficiencies.

Failure to submit a fully documented project as defined by the Class 3 Submission Form will also be rejected. It is incumbent upon the flier to provide all information requested on the form, as well as the required simulations and motor files.

For 2021, the Board mandated a maximum recovery rate of 35 feet per second (fps). Any project with a projected recovery speed of more than 35 fps must have BoD approval prior to submission to the C3RC.

Members are reminded that ALL Class 3 projects requiring review by the Class 3 Committee require dual fully redundant deployment electronics. Tilt inhibit is also mandatory for projects involving multiple stages. Projects that do not meet these requirements will not be reviewed by the Class 3 committee nor receive approval by the TRA BOD for flight.

Because the Committee may have questions based on the packet submitted, fliers are strongly encouraged to submit at least two weeks in advance of the 90 day deadline. Failure to provide time for questions to be addressed may result in denial of advancement to the analysis phase.

In addition, it is important to remember that a review by the Class 3 Review Committee does not grant permission, or approval for flight. The decision for whether or not the flight can be made is up to the RSO and Launch Director at the launch. Fliers are strongly encouraged to contact the Launch Director in advance.

All flights reviewed by the C3RC require a post-flight summary to the Committee on the success/failure of the flight. The summary must be received by the last day of November of the year of the flight. Failure to provide a post-flight summary will result in the C3RC denying reviews for the flier for the next 3 years.

The post-flight summary must contain:

For all flights
- Altitude reached
- Recovery coordinates
- Whether or not the flight was successful, with "successful" requiring a nominal recovery
If the flight was not successful
- Failure mode
- Information available on cause of failure

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the FAA Class 3 Review Committee (C3RC)?

The FAA Class 3 Review Committee is charged with supporting the membership in meeting the Class 3 requirements of the FAA/AST, as well as working to improve the safety of flights reviewed by the Committee. The function is accomplished in several ways:

Performing a dispersion analysis on submitted projects.
Providing guidance and a review of the Class 3 waiver application package prior to FAA submittal.
Working with the FAA/AST to educate applicants and FAA personnel to the needs of Class 3 project teams in maintaining the viability and safety of our hobby now and in the future.
To work toward achieving a more efficient and meaningful opportunity for members to pursue Class 3 and beyond flight attempts.
Providing a review of planned recovery system design, in an effort to increase the rate of successful and safe recoveries of projects review.
Review of a project through the C3RC committee insures compliance with FAR 101 and associated policies of the FAA/AST, as well as planned recovery system design. The authority to launch a project lies solely within the RSO and Launch Director at the launch where the project is to be flown.
Compliance with Tripoli's Research code, Commercial Code, insurance, safety or any other requirements established by the Board of Directors is beyond the scope of this committee. The flier is solely and uniquely responsible for ensuring that ALL requirements of flying a Class 3 rocket are met to comply with regulations.

What is a Class 3 Rocket?

As of the December 4, 2008, final ruling on the Requirements of Amateur Rocket Activities, the FAA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 14 Aeronautics and Space, Part 101, Subpart C, 101.22 Definitions state:

“(b) Class 2—High-Power Rocket means an amateur rocket other than a model rocket that is propelled by a motor or motors having a combined total impulse of 40,960 Newton-seconds (9,208 pound-seconds) or less. (c) Class 3—Advanced High-Power Rocket means an amateur rocket other than a model rocket or high-power rocket."

Where can I find the information requirements for Class 3 rockets?

The electronic version of Title 14: Aeronautics and Space, Part 101, Subpart C, 101.29 Information Requirements may be found online (see Resources at the top of this page.) Keep in mind that the information is not limited to what is listed above. The FAA/AST may request additional or clarifying material to support an application.

What is the AST?

The Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) is the only space-related line of business within the Federal Aviation Administration. Although designated to oversee the commercial space transportation industry, the AST has been charged with reviewing all Class 3 flight applications as requested by the three FAA Regional Service Centers.

Who has to submit projects to the Committee FAA Class 3 Review (C3RC)?

Any Tripoli member flying a project with a total impulse over 40,960 N-s (“P” motor or greater) for a Tripoli sanctioned flight must submit the project to the C3RC. That includes the COMBINED motor impulse of a multi-staged or clustered motor project. As of February 2020, the C3RC has also been tasked by the TRA BOD to review all non-Class 3 flights over 100,000 feet AGL.

The increased interaction between the FAA and sister government agencies requires that all rockets, regardless of impulse, designed to fly above 100,000 feet (AGL) be submitted to the Class 3 Review Committee for dispersion analysis. This is an internal Tripoli decision and not a request by any Federal agency.

This request demonstrates internal self-regulation that we continue to practice in order to present Tripoli to the various AHJ’s as the world class hobby rocketry association putting safety first.

What information do I have to submit to the FAA Class 3 Review Committee?

The C3RC requires the following to be submitted at least 90 days prior to the start of the event at which the launch is planned:

Complete Class 3 Project Submission Form (See Class 3 Flight Resources at the top of this page.)
RASAero project file (.alx1) - must match the details on the submission form, including projected altitude
RockSim or Open Rocket project file (.rkt) - must match the submitted RASAero file
RASP file(s) of the motor(s) to be used (.eng) - must be provided, even if the motors are commercial
Inclusion of Burnsim or OpenMotor files for Research motors are encouraged, but are not required and do not replace the need for RASP file(s)

Submissions which do not provide the required documentation, as well as projects submitted less than 90 days before the start of the event at which the launch is planned will not be reviewed.

Will the Committee help me put together my simulations?

No. The flier is responsible for generating accurate simulation files. If you are unfamiliar with the software, or have questions, it is suggested you reach out for assistance on The Rocketry Forum or the Tripoli Facebook page.

Do all Class 3 projects require review?

All Class 3 projects to be flown as a Tripoli sanctioned (i.e., insured) flight must be reviewed by the C3RC.

Additionally, if a Class 3 project has been previously approved and flown, subsequent waiver requests will go through an abbreviated review process with both the C3RC and likely the FAA.

Can I apply directly to the FAA for a Class 3 waiver?

Yes. A Class 3 flight that will not be flown under Tripoli insurance may be submitted directly to the FAA. The flier, of course, is responsible for generating all data required for the waiver application. Even though the flight would not be sanctioned by Tripoli, if, as a Tripoli member, you would like the C3RC to help with the FAA package, a request for support may be made to the Class 3 Committee and will be subject to review and approval by the Tripoli BoD and available C3RC time.

When should I submit my project to Tripoli for review?

Project submissions must be made 90 days before the first day of the event at which you plan to launch. The FAA requires 45 days with a full-time staff; the C3RC requires 45 days with part-time volunteers. No exceptions will be made to the 90 day requirement, regardless of circumstances.

How do I submit my information to the C3RC

Information should be submitted via email (with file attachments) to the Class 3 email address (class3 @ tripoli.org).

Do I have to do anything else beside submit my project to the C3RC?

Yes, you are still responsible for submitting a complete package to the FAA who will forward your Class 3 waiver application to the AST in Washington, D.C.. The C3RC will submit the aerodynamic data and dispersion analysis directly to the AST for their review to expedite processing. The flyer remains responsible to submit a complete package including FAA Form 7711-2 directly to the FAA Regional Service Center for your launch event. A sample submittal package with narrative is available to use as a guide. (See Resources at the top of this page.)

If I can perform 3-sigma, 6 degree of freedom dispersion analysis myself, what other data is necessary to provide to the FAA/AST and C3RC?

In addition to 101.29 and the Tripoli Project Data Sheet information, the FAA/AST would like to see the following in both graphic presentation and data table format:

Propulsion – Thrust and flow rates versus time
Aero – CP reference point
Ca, Cn and CP versus angle of attack (AOA)
Mass Properties - Mass as a function of time until burnout (BU)
Cg location as a function of time until BU

How do I coordinate my project with launch organizers if it’s on a separate waiver?

a) Indicate “Tripoli Rocketry Association” in Box 1 of FAA Form 7711-2.

b) In Box 7, include a phrase example similar to the following: “To be launched during concurrent Tripoli Rocketry Association event at Black Rock, NV. Event organizers will coordinate launch activities.

This will eliminate the need for multiple waiver holders all attempting to call in at the same time by giving launch event organizers the authority to call in all waivers.

As an adjunct, keep in mind that waivers are site, time and date specific. If, for any reason, you decide to fly at a date or place other than what was originally granted, you must notify the FAA. The original C3RC review process will be necessary again if the site changes; however, a time or date change will only require a cursory review by the FAA. In each case, a new waiver must be issued.

Who are the members of the FAA Class 3 Review Committee?

Please refer to the Class 3 Review Committee page for details or to contact committee members.

Where can I direct additional questions on Class 3 projects?

By definition, anyone attempting a Class 3 project requires a Tripoli Level 3 Certification. Consider discussing your project with your local TAPs and begin to network with other Tripoli Class 3 applicants/fliers.

My project has been reviewed by the RSO or Launch Director says I cannot fly

Review by the C3RC is just that - a review. It does not grant you authority or approval to launch. That authority lies entirely within the RSO and Launch Director at the launch where you wish to fly.