wyverngc

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, including local airspace rules	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. An Air Cadet Vigilant solo flight can qualify providing the throttle remains closed after the takeoff and climb, and the flight is supervised on the ground by the Air Cadet A Category Instructor who signs the application form 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"!

Wyvern Gliding Club