SSA Member
Resource Book
Table of Contents
ABC Bronze Training Program
The SSA ABC Training Program was developed at the prompting of Society members to have a standard of training available. It is designed to provide a basic approach to flying for the student glider pilot as well as to give the accomplished power pilots the necessary points unique to soaring so that the transition may be made safely.
This program is administered by designated SSA Instructors who must have 50 hours of glider time with 100 flights and hold a current CFI-Glider.
The SSA Instructor is responsible for ascertaining that the training requirements have been met. The appropriate pins and blue cards are awarded to the students who achieve the level indicated by A, B, C, and Bronze, each designated to develop skills and experience necessary for future safe flight and FAI Badge attempts.
| Requirements: | A: | Glide solo per FAA training requirements |
| B: | Soar 1/2 hour after release | |
| C: | Soar one hour after release and train for cross-country issues. | |
| Bronze: | Soar two flights of two hours and pass written and flight tests oriented toward cross-country soaring. |
Detailed information about the specific requirements for each level, as well as the requirements for Instructors can be obtained directly from the Soaring Society of America, Inc.
FAI BADGES
Established in the 1930's, Federation Aeronautique Internationale ("FAI") Badges acknowledge internationally-recognized levels of soaring achievement. The hundreds of Badge applications reviewed by SSA's Badge and Record office each year reflect the popularity of this challenging and rewarding program, administered in compliance with the FAI Sporting Code.
Detailed information about the program and requirements can be obtained directly from The Soaring Society of America.
FAI Silver Badge
The FAI Silver Badge involves 3 required elements.
- Silver Altitude is a 1,000-meter (3,281-foot) altitude gain above an in-flight low point.
- Silver Duration is a 5-hour flight time after tow release.
- Silver Distance is a 50-km (31.07-mile) cross country flight.
FAI Gold Badge
The FAI Gold Badge involves 3 required elements.
- Gold Altitude is a 3,000-meter (9,843-foot) altitude gain above an in-flight low point.
- Gold Duration is a 5-hour flight time after tow release. (This does not need to be redone if the Silver Duration was done.)
- Gold Distance is a 300-km (186.42-mile) cross country flight.
FAI Diamond Badge
The FAI Diamond Badge involves 3 required elements.
- Diamond Altitude is a 5,000-meter (16,404-foot) altitude gain above an in-flight low point.
- Diamond Goal is a 300-km (186.42-mile) cross country flight using a pre-declared Out and Return or Triangle course.
- Diamond Distance is a 500-km (310.7-mile) cross country flight.
1,000K Diplome
The FAI 1,000-Kilometer Diplome was adopted in 1964 and is awarded for a cross country flight of at least 1,000 km (621.4 miles). As of January 1, 1996, a total of 68 1,000-Kilometer Diplomes have been awarded in the US among a total of 275 worldwide.
2,000K Diplome
The FAI 2,000-Kilometer Diplome is the most recent addition to the FAI Badge program and is awarded for a cross country flight of at least 2,000 km (1,242.8 miles). As of January 1, 1996, none have been awarded in the US.
