Badge Program
A Badge
Overview
The Badge Program is soaring's oldest, and finest motivational tool. It's a great idea - you do the right thing, become a better pilot for it, and receive recognition from your peers, all in one program. Pilots who are awarded an A, B or C badge are recorded in the SSA's permanent badge files. When you earn a badge, you name is published in Soaring Magazine. You even get the jewel pin free! All you have to do is be a member of the SSA, and follow the steps of the program under the suprevision of an SSA designated glider flight instructor.
The SSA has provided support for the ABC Badge Program in American since its inception since 1932. This tenure of more than eighty years is one of the longest in sport aviation anywhere in the world. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and it is interesting to note that many features of the very popular and successful FAA Wings Recurrent Training Program appear to have been borrowed from our Badge Program for soaring pilots.
The ABC Badge Program is administered by a select group of SSA designated glider flight instructors called SSA Instructors (abbreviated SSAI). Only SSAIs can award the A, B and C Badges. The SSAI is responsible for ensuring that the training requirements have been met. The SSAI then awards the appropriate pin and card to the applicant.
There are only two requirements to participate in the ABC Badge Program: you must be a member of the SSA and you must complete all requirements of the badge you seek to the satisfaction of an SSAI.
The Badge Program lays out a progressive sequence of training milestones for you to achieve - and to celebrate! Because the program is progressive, you can continue to improve your skills for ten, twenty, even thirty years or more. When you participate in the Badge Program, there is always another soaring achievement just over the horizon.
Silver, Gold and Diamonds
For more details on the silver, gold and diamond badges, visit the Soaring Soaring of America badge program site.
C Badge
Preflight Phase
Applicant Demonstrates Knowledge of:
Sailplane Nomenclature
Sailplane Handling Procedures
Sailplane Pre-flight Check
Airport Rules and Federal Aviation Regulations
Tow Equipment, Signals, and Procedures
Hook-up of Towline
Launch Signals
Pilot Responsibilities
Applicant Possesses:
Valid FAA Pilot Certificate
Pilot Logbook or Suitable Permanent Record
Presolo Phase
Applicant Has Completed the Following Minimum Flight Training Program:
Familiarization Flight
Cockpit Check Procedure
Effects of Controls - Ground and Flight
Takeoff Procedures - Normal and Crosswind
Flight During Tow
Straight Gliding Flight
Shallow Turns
Circuit Procedures and Landing Patterns
Landing Procedures - Normal, Downwind, and Crosswind
Moderate and Steep Turns Up to 720 Degrees in Both Directions
Stall Recognition and Recovery
Conditions of Spin Entry and Recovery
Effective Use of Spoilers/Flaps/Slips
Emergency Procedures
Oral Examination on Federal Aviation Regulations
Solo Flight
Pre Cross-country Phase
Applicant Has Completed the Following Flight Training:
Dual Soaring Practice, including instruction in techniques for soaring thermals, ridge soaring, and wave (simulated flight and/or ground instruction may be used when suitable conditions do not exist).
Has Knowledge of:
Cross-country Procedures
Sailplane Assembly, Disassembly, and Retrieves
Hazards of Cross-country Flying
Demonstrates Soaring Ability by Solo Flight of at Least 60 Minutes Duration After Release From 2,000 Foot Tow (add 1½ minutes per 100 foot of tow above 2,000 feet).
While Accompanied by an SSA Instructor, Demonstrate the Following:
Make a Simulated Off-field Landing From the Approach Without Reference to the Altimeter
Perform an Accuracy Landing From the Approach, Touching Down and Coming to a Complete Stop Within an Area No Greater Than 500 Feet in Length.
Bronze Badge
B Badge
Cross-Country Readiness
Applicant Must:
Complete the ABC Training Program with the C Badge Awarded.
Log at Least 15 Solo Hours in Gliders. This Time Must Include 30 Solo Flights with at Least 10 Flights Flown in a Single-Place Glider if Possible.
Log at Least 2 Flights, Each Having Duration of Two Hours or More.
Perform at Least 3 Solo Spot Landings in a Glider Witnessed by an SSAI. The Accuracy and Distance Parameters Established Should be Based on Glider Performance Data, Current Winds, Runway Surface, and Density Altitude. As a Guideline, a Maximum Distance of 400 Feet Would be Acceptable for a Schweizer 2-33 Glider.
Log Dual Time in Gliders with an Instructor during which at Least 2 Accuracy Landings are Made without Reference to the Altimeter to Simulate Off-field Landings.
Pass a Closed Book Written Examination Covering Cross-country Techniques and Knowledge. The Minimum Passing Score is 80%. This Examination is Administered Only by an SSAI.
Practice Phase
Applicant Demonstrates:
Soaring ability by a solo flight of at least 30 minutes duration after release from a 2,000-foot tow (add 1½ minutes per 100 foot tow altitude above 2,000 feet).