Last Update 15 July 2004
| Introduction | How does it work? | How do members particpate? |
| Completing Tasks | Completing Levels | Youth groups |
| Requirements of Level 1 | Sample Certificate Levels 1-3 |
The New Zealand Rocketry Association (NZRA) is presently working on the introduction of an achievement programme for model rocketeers. An outline of the scheme, together with the basic requirements of the first level of the programme, appears below. More detailed information will be published as it comes to hand.
The NZRA thanks the UK Rocketry Assn for their valuable assistance in providing the information on which this scheme is based.
The Model Rocketry
Achievement Programme is a scheme which allows individual rocketeers and
other youth groups (such as scouts and guides), to progress their knowledge
of rocketry and have their achievements formally recognised.
The programme is
free to New Zealand Rocketry Association members. A nominal sum is payable
for non-members and other groups wishing to participate in the programme.
The programme requires
that the Model Rocketeer complete a range of tasks, exercising a range
of skills and experience, and demonstrate their knowledge about the topic
by answering a number of questions.There are a number of levels of achievement
which must be completed in order.
A certificate is
awarded upon successful completion of each level. Each level comprises
one or more tasks either optional or mandatory. Each task involves a certifying
flight, which must be carried out in the presence of a qualified programme
Examiner. For each level, the mandatory task must be carried out first.
The optional tasks may be carried out in any order.
All members will receive an attainment certificate on joining the New Zealand Rocketry Association. This records the progress (tasks completed) of the Model Rocketeer through the programme. Existing members will receive their certificate on renewal of their membership.
There are a number of tasks to complete, and questions to answer, in each achievement level. Each task must be completed in the presence of an Examiner. On successful completion of the task, a sticker is awarded to mark progress on the attainment certificate. Example tasks would be building and flying the following types of rockets: Glide recovery, Fragile Payload (eg egg), Clustered motors, Staged motors, Scratch-built rockets with stability report, Scale model projects and rocket flights with Reloadable Motors.
On completion of a level the Model Rocketeer will be sent a certificate. Once a particular level has been completed, you may move on to the tasks of the subsequent level. Once you have completed your mandatory and optional tasks for any given level, there is nothing to stop you from completing all the other tasks in that level.
Senior members can apply to be examiners and run a scheme with a local youth group. They will then receive an information pack with sufficient attainment cards, task completion forms and task stickers for their needs. It is expected that completing the requirements of the MAP may satisfy much of the requirements of qualifications (eg badges) that may already exist in those youth groups' schemes.
For Level 1 there is only a single, mandatory task to be completed, and five questions to be answered based on the Model Rocketry Safety Code. RTF (ready to fly) rockets (as opposed to kitset rockets that have to be built) are acceptable for Level 1. The rocketeer must 'prep' and fly a model rocket, and recover it successfully. The rocket must be flown on a class A, B or C, BP (black powder) motor and utilise a parachute or streamer recovery system. The rocket does not have to have been built by the Model Rocketeer.
The detail of the other tasks required to be completed for other Levels will be posted in due course.
For more information about the Achievement Programme, please contact the New Zealand Rocketry Association.