Level 1 Certification

Tim's L1 Certification RocketSo you're interested in pursuing a Level 1 – High Power Certification? We are honored that you came to the Apogee Components web site to gather information and make your selection. We would also like to congratulate you on this step upward in your rocketry experience.

Besides it being fun, there are several other good reasons to get your Level 1 High-Power certification:

1. Your hobby's status with your family will definitely increase. They will know that you're not just playing around any more. It will take an investment of your time and energy to achieve a Level 1 certification. And we here at Apogee believe that this investment will reap huge dividends in your professional career. People will respect you more and they'll never look down on you when you're flying something big and powerful. Can you imagine how they'll now look up at you as a hero? To be honest, we here at Apogee Components have a special fondness for people that fly Level 1 rockets, because they are more in tune with the nuances of rocketry. That is big to us.

2. Your club will have more respect for you too. After all, you're making a significant investment in your skills as a rocketeer to build and fly these bigger rockets. Therefore, when you say something at a club meeting, it will carry more weight than if you were just flying smaller rockets. Of course, that isn't fair. But that's how it works in real life.

3. The NAR and Tripoli will appreciate you more too. It really helps them when lobbying to know that a larger percentage of people are high-power certified. They can point to the number of modelers that have invested in themselves to learn more about safety, and make their point that rocketeers are professionals, and not crazy pyromaniacs.

4. You'll have greater credibility with new modelers that you are teaching. When they see you've gone through high-power certification, they will know that you speak with the authority of someone that has been through the rite of passage and you've been-there-done-that. We here at Apogee Components appreciate you for taking the time to teach other modelers on how to be safe while still enjoying rocketry to its fullest. And you help us too by keeping the hobby safe for new modelers to participate in.

Below is a video that covers some of the common questions we are asked about getting a Level 1 certification. If you still have questions that remain unanswered, please give us a call or shoot us an email.

Below is a list of kits that make good First-Time Level 1 rockets. Of course there are other high-power rockets that can take an H or I size motor, but we like these specifically for Level 1 Certification Attempts because they are big and slow, robust, and they are pretty easy to build.

NAR Level 1 Certification Procedures
Tripoli Level 1 Certification Procedures (PDF)

29mm Cesaroni Motors & Casings
29mm Aerotech Motors & Casings

38mm Cesaroni Motors & Casings
38mm Aerotech Motors & Casings

Gun Turret High Power Launch Rail
Nomex® Wadding
Rail Buttons
Cesaroni Pro-DAT
Aerotech Delay Drilling Tool
Motor Retainers


Skill Level 3 - Average Skills Needed
More Info. Madcow Rocketry Super DX3 4" Rocket

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07238

This 38mm Payload rocket is simple and stylish. It is a great choice for level-1 certification. The large payload bay allows for all sorts of fun things to be launched!

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Mad Cow 2.6in Nike Smoke high-power rocket kit Madcow Rocketry Torrent - Dual Deployment Starter Set
Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07231

The New Madcow Torrent kit is being designed for those new to dual deployment and not sure where to start! Everything part you need to build your rocket is right here! 

As this kit is still in development, neither instructions nor decals are included at this time. This kit is best reserved for those with experience in High Power rocket building or those with a daring and creative streak.

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More Info. Madcow Rocketry Patriot Missile

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07248

This is a "High Power Rocket" that can be used if you'd like to get a level-1 certification. Did I mention it is HUGE? It is a 4 inches in diameter, and 52.5 inches long.

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Aerotech G-Force Aerotech G-Force

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07812

This 4" diameter, 5' tall rocket will blow you away!

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Aerotech Sumo Aerotech Sumo

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07813

This 4" diameter rocket gives you the slow, majestic lift-off you love!

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Phenix Rocket Kit Always Ready Rocketry Blue Phenix

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07550

A big 3-inch diameter kit that uses those powerful 38mm diameter rocket engines. Kit features super durable "blue tube" for sky-ripping flights. This is a great kit for getting your Level 1 and Level 2 high power certification.

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LOC IV rocket kit LOC-Precision LOC-IV

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07650

The big, burly, four-inch diameter "LOC IV" (pronounced Lock-Four) rocket is an old-school high-power kit. While it doesn't have some of the modern features like rail buttons and engine retainers, it is still a favorite of modelers. It has a classic shape, and it builds like a small model rocket. The only significant difference is that the parts are bigger, and you use epoxy instead of white glue.

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LOC Minnie-Magg Rocket Kit LOC-Precision Minie-Magg

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07653

The Minie-Magg is BIG. It isn't the tallest rocket we have, but it is the fattest! The Minie-Magg is an electrifying, rugged 5.5" diameter rocket kit that has a lot of build features you'd typically find in beginner-level starter kits. While classified as a true high-power rocket, it is light enough to fly with "G-size" motors, so you don't have to be HPR-certified to build or fly this beast.

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LOC EZ-I65 rocket kit LOC-Precision EZ-I65

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07654

This 4-inch (10.2 cm) diameter rocket with a 54mm diameter motor mount is a HPR capable model in every aspect. The name EZ-I65 comes from the fact that the rocket is "easy" (do you get the pun: easy = EZ) to build, and it can take the Aerotech "I65" motor; which is actually certified by Tripoli as a honest-to-goodness "J" motor, which means it is a Level 2 capable rocket kit.

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LOC Hi-Tech high-power rocket kit LOC-Precision Hi-Tech

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07659

This classic kit from LOC-Precision was once way ahead of its time and was technological leader. While technology has advanced, this vigorous specimen holds its own. It can easily withstand the rigors of high-power flight on the thrust of 38mm-diameter motors. It also includes a payload bay so you can loft cool scientific payloads and other electronics.

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LOC Isis high-power rocket kit LOC-Precision 3" Isis

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07658

This big brute of a rocket that is over 55 inches long, is the perfect combination of easy-to-build and ruggedness you'll want in a rocket designed for high power certification. Comes with through-the-wall plywood fins, a durable plastic nose cone and a voluminous payload bay. You'll be the hit of the show when you launch this baby skyward!

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LOC Forte High-Power Rocket LOC-Precision Forté

Skill Level: 3 - Average Skills Needed
Product No. 07660

The Forté is one of LOC's gold standards, because the cost is so low relative to other high power kits. It is a 3-inch diameter brute that is built to take the punishment of 38mm diameter high-power motors. When you own this rocket, it will make a statement that what you excel at is high-power rocketry! That's your forté.

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