2. FAI Badges started in the 1920’s with AB&C

3. Badges Now A & B
A Pin- Basically once you solo, you can apply for this badge. Must have a Valid FAA Pilot Certificate and Pilot logbook.
Talk with your instructor to be sure you have complied & meet with the SSAI (SSA Instructor) for this pin.
B Pin- Solo flight of at least 30 minutes from a 2,000 foot aero tow
(add 1 1 /2 minutes per 100 ft above 2,000)
Talk with you local SSAI (SSA Instructor) for this pin

4. C & Bronze Badges These two Pins are Pre Cross-Country Phases, Preparing you to go Cross Country. C Pin-
Dual training in techniques for thermaling, ridge soaring & wave (simulated flight &/or ground instruction qualifies)
Knowledge of Cross-country Procedures includes Hazards of Cross-County, sailplane Assembly, Disassembly & Retrieves.
Solo Practice (2 hour min.) Also another solo flight of at least 60 minutes after release form 2,000 foot tow.
While Accompanied by a SSA Instructor (SSAI)Demonstrate the following
Make a simulate off field landing approach without reference to the altimeter.
Perform an Accuracy Landing from the approach, Touching Down & coming to a complete stop with an area no greater than 500 feet in length.
Talk with you local SSAI (SSA Instructor) for this pin

5. Bronze Badge Requirements
Must have completed ABC Training along with C Pin.
least 15 solo hours in gliders
30 solo flights
At least 10 flights in a single-place glider
least 2 flights –Each having a duration of 2 or more hrs.
least 3 solo spot landing in a glider witnessed by an SSA Instructor
Log dual time in gliders with an instructor least 2 accuracy landings are made without reference to the Altimeter
Pass a closed Book written exam covering cross-country techniques & knowledge. 80% for passing & administered only by a SSA Instructor
NOTE: ABC & Bronze Pins -your local SSA Instructor can award to You.

6. Making the next step to the Silver, Gold and Diamond Badges

7. These FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale ) Badges
FAI Silver Badge- There are 3 elements
3,281 ft. altitude gain above an in-flight low point
5 hour flight time after tow release
Distance is a 50-km (31.07 miles) cross country flight
FAI Gold Badge- This involves 2 elements.
Altitude is a 9,843 ft. altitude gain above an in-flight low point
Distance is a 300-km ( mile) cross country flight.
FAI Diamond Badge- This has 3 elements.
16,404-ft altitude gain above an in-flight low point
500 –km (310.7 mile) cross country flight.
300-km cross country flight using a pre-declared out & return or Triangle course

8. Promoting Cross-Country to a higher level
The 750-km and 1,000-km The SSA as of 1996 has awarded in the US 68 and worldwide 275
The World Distance Award was approved in 1992-presented to pilots who accumulated through series of cross country flights that total 40,000-km a distance around the earth. There is no time limit for accumulating the total distance.

9. Lennie Pins
Robert F. Symons was a pioneer in mountain and wave flying – in the 1940’s working out of the airport at Bishop, California. He instigated a new system of awards for wave flying. It wasn’t until 1962 when Carl Buron Jr. when learning of the history, re-established these awards under the SSA .
One Lennie Pin attaining altitudes of 25,000 to 35,000
Two Lennie Pin attaining altitudes of 35,000 to 40,000
Three Lennie Pin - attaining altitudes over 40,000

10. Preliminaries for Silver & Higher
Visit the SSA Website Go to Badge & Record guidelines. Sleeper info but important
Official Observer (OO)needed- person needs to be a SSA member & hold at least an SSA “B” badge or a airport manager. The OO must be familiar with SC3, pre and post-flight procedures for the data recording equipment and the flight documentation.
Data Recording & basic Procedures- Flight Recorders (FR) are permitted for any badge or record flight.
Before flight, pilot & OO complete the pre-flight portion of the SSA Badge & record Worksheet.
In Flight the FR records data, as soon as possible after landing, an OO completes the post-flight portion of the SSA Badge & Record Worksheet.
Independent evidence is required to verify take off and landing times & locations. This may take the form of soaring site flight logs or witness statements.
NOTE: this is very basic must review the guidelines before planing a Badge flight.