There are essentially two parts to the badge system.
The 'A','B' and Bronze Badges (and also the Cross-Country Endorsement
and UK 100km Diploma) are UK recognised qualifications, whereas
the Silver, Gold and Diamond Badges are internationally recognised
qualifications. The table below outlines the requirements and privileges
for each of the badges. In the case of privileges, it should be
noted that these are ultimately at the discretion of the Chief Flying
Instructor of the site where you are flying.
The requirements here are not definitive - more precise
definitions for Silver, Gold and Diamond Badges can be found in
the
FAI sporting code Section 3, or definitions for all badges can
be found in Laws and Rules and also on the claim
forms.
After diamond, there is a UK 750 kilometre diploma
and the FAI issues diplomas for flights of 1000 kilometres or more
in 250 kilometre increments.
| Badge |
Minimum Requirements |
Privileges |
Notes |
| 'A' |
Must be over 16 years old.
20 flights with an instructor.
1 successful solo flight.
Show reasonable knowledge of the rules of the air.
|
Shows a standard of proficiency reached. |
20 flight minimum may be waived if a Private or Commercial
Pilot's Licence is held or if you are a qualified services pilot.
The syllabus is here. |
| 'B' |
Completed 'A' Badge requirements.
Soaring flight of at least 5 minutes at or above previous low
point after release.
Successful landing.
Show knowledge of rules of the air, including rules appertaining to airspace |
Shows a standard of proficiency reached. |
|
| Bronze |
50 solo flights or 20 solo flights and 10 solo hours.
Two soaring flight of 30 minutes each (if launched by winch
car or bungy) or 60 minutes each (if from an aerotow not exceeding
2000 feet).
At least 3 check flights in a dual-control glider with a Full
rated instructor.
Pass multiple choice written Air Law and General papers (on
airmanship, meteorology, principles of flight, radiotelephony,
navigation).
|
|
Flying and ground tests must be completed within the 12 months
before the application.
The syllabus is here. |
| UK Cross-Country Endorsement |
Must have Bronze Badge and approval of the CFI.
Two soaring flights of at least 1 hour and one flight of at
least 2 hours.
Field selection flight.
At least 2 successful approaches into fields.
Plan and fly a triangular task of at least 100km (in a glider,
motorglider or light aircraft).
|
With the Bronze Badge, allows you to fly cross-country, and
also allows you to apply for the Glider pilot's licence (not
essential). |
All must be completed within 12 months of the second soaring
flight. |
| Silver |
Height - a gain of height of 1000 metres (3281 feet)
or more.
Distance - a flight on a straight course of 50km or more.
Duration - a flight of 5 hours or more. |
Minimum requirement to fly in a competition (for which an
FAI sporting licence is needed). |
Bronze Badge and Cross-Country Endorsement are needed before
attempting the distance component. |
| UK 100km Diploma |
Part 1: A pre-declared 100km triangle or out-and-return
flight.
Part 2: Same as part 1, but with a handicapped speed
of 65kph.
|
|
Bronze Badge and Cross-Country Endorsement are needed first. |
| Gold |
Height - a gain of height of 3000 metres (9843 feet)
or more.
Distance - a flight of 300km or more.
Duration - a flight of 5 hours or more |
|
Bronze Badge is needed for the distance component
The flight for Silver duration can count for Gold. |
| Diamond |
Height - a gain of height of 5000 metres (16405 feet)
Goal - a goal flight of 300km or more over an out-and-return
or triangular course
Distance - a flight of at least 500km |
|
Bronze Badge is needed for the distance component.
It is considered a big achievement to gain "all three Diamonds"! |
