I've been flying Level 1 rockets for about 2 years now and I'm finally ready to go for Level 2. I passed the Level 1 written no problem, but I've heard Level 2 is significantly harder, especially around motor classifications and stability calculations. Anyone who's taken it recently able to share what to focus on?
I've been going through the NAR study guide and Tripoli materials but some of it is redundant and I can't tell what's actually going to be tested. The aerodynamics section in particular feels like it could go really deep or stay pretty surface-level depending on how the questions are written.
My main concern is the propellant and motor certification questions. I understand the basics of H and I motors but I'm less confident on the specific regulatory requirements - things like transport rules, storage requirements, and who can sign off on what. That's the part that feels most variable across different club certifiers.
Planning to take the written at the Midwest Power launch in October, which gives me about 10 weeks. Figure I'll study 3-4 hours a week minimum. Does that seem like enough?
Don't overlook the flight card and range safety officer protocol questions. There were maybe 5-6 questions on proper range procedure that I almost skipped in my prep. Easy points once you know them.
The stability section isn't as deep as you'd think. They mostly test that you understand CP vs CG and can identify a stable vs unstable configuration. What caught me off guard was the recovery system questions - dual deployment timing and deployment charge sizing. Study that section carefully.
I took it at LDRS last year. The written was 50 questions, mostly multiple choice. I'd say about 30% was motors and propellants, 25% aerodynamics and stability, 25% regulatory and safety, and the rest was general rocketry knowledge. Passed with an 88% and felt like I over-studied aerodynamics honestly.
Ten weeks at 3-4 hours a week is more than enough. I crammed mine in about 3 weeks and passed with 82%. The propellant transport and storage rules were heavily tested when I took it, so you're smart to focus there. Know the BATFE requirements cold.