Federation Aeronautique Internationale (“FAI”) Badges and Diplomas are international gliding qualifications. The SC3 Sporting Code provides the requirements and standards to achieve these performances.
Image courtesy of AJ Mey
1. Performance requirements for the different badges and diplomas are listed below
It is all about achieving a specific flight performance under supervision of an OO.
- Decide the performance.
- Declare the performance
- On completion: provide the evidence and claim the Badge.
- A height gain of at least 1000m after a previous low point.
- A flight of at least 5 hrs duration after release or engine stop.
- A straight distance flight from a fix after release to a finish fix located at least 50 km from release and at least 50 km from the fix recorded at the beginning of the take-off roll.
- A height gain at least 3000m after a low point after release or engine stop.
- A flight of at least 5 hrs duration after release or engine stop.
- A distance flight of at least 300 kilometres as defined in the sporting Code SC3, # 1.4.2d to 1.4.2h.
- Read our Badge Guide.
- Browse our FAQs per subject.
- Download our documents on the relevant topics.
- Ask your instructors for guidance and find an OO from the OO list. They will gladly assist you.
- You can also email us your question by using the contact form on the Badge page.
Yes, if the requirements for each badge type are met, including the declaration detail.
No, the OO must be present to verify the FR when you are downloading the file.
For all claims the pilot must certify that the flight was conducted in accordance with the Sporting Code, was flown in compliance with all the glider manufacturers and national operating limitations, and is in accordance with SACAA flight regulations (Airspace, VFR conditions, etc.)
No, we require the original IGC logfile direct from the flight recorder.
The claim must be logged on myGC app within two months from the date of the flight.
No, the claim and supporting documents are submitted to the OO (Official Observer that controlled your flight).
A fix is a single line of recorded data from a flight recorder or position recorder containing the time, position and altitude of the glider.
Yes, except for the Silver Duration on condition that the flight is performed under continual attention of the OO from take-off to landing. Silver or Gold requires an FR approved to Levels 1, 2, or 3.
See our FAQs “About Declarations” for more info.
The standard hard right turn after release determines the release point. If you forget this, the analyst will take the first sharp turn he can find, and you will lose the time and height advantage of the release point. If using a motor glider – the MOP or ENL recording determines when the engine is stopped.
The claim must be logged on myGC app within 2 months from the date of the flight.
This is the loss in height from start to end of your performance. For distances of 100 kilometres or less, the flight is invalid if the LoH exceeds 1% of the distance using barometric data. (for 50 km its 500m). LoH limit is reduced by 100m when using GPS height data.
Your OO will ensure the control of the flight in accordance with the Sporting Code requirements and will also gladly assist you in setting up your FR(s).
- Before take-off, he will make sure you are in the designated glider and that the nominated FR(s) are with you. This is done on our myGC app Flight Certificate.
- On landing the OO will check his seal and download the logfile(s) with you. This is also done on the myGC app and completes the Flight Certificate.
- Finally, the OO will check the flight to see that your performance meets the criteria.
- Make sure you plan the date of your flight with the OO.
- For all badge flights the pilot must be alone in the glider.
- Make sure the OO controls the FR(s) before and download the logfile from the FR(s) after flight.
- Do not forget the legal daytime rules, the Aviation Regulations and do not fly into Airspace.
- Do not forget the Loss of Height rule (LOH) when you do the Distance task.
- Do not take a launch over 1000m height when doing your Duration task.
- If you are flying a motorglider make sure the MOP (method of propulsion) sensors are selected in the FR and this facility is fully functionable.
- Switch your logger on well before take-off, and switch-off a while after landing.
Yes, for the distance and height. The Duration, if not already achieved by the Silver badge, can be flown without FR if under continual attention of the OO. Gold claims must be recorded by an FR approved to Levels 1, 2, or 3.
It consists of pilot name(s), glider type, its callsign or registration and any way point(s) coordinates required by a given soaring performance. Internet declarations for Silver and Gold can also be made on the myGC App. To prepare yourself for the Diploma and Diamond badge declarations, it will be beneficial to do the declaration on the FR.
The claim must be logged on MyGliding within 2 months from the date of the flight.
No, the Gold badge does not require a calibration, but then you will require an extra 100m for the height gain and the LOH will require an extra 100m margin.
- Make sure you plan the date of your flight with the OO.
- For all badge flights, the pilot must be alone in the glider.
- Make sure the OO controls the FR(s) before and download the logfile from the FR(s) after flight.
- Remember the max FL195 for Class G airspace.
- Don’t forget Aviation Regulations, legal daytime rules and do not fly into Airspace.
- Make a “notch” after release, so we can see where your release point is.
- Don’t forget the Loss of Height rule (LOH) when you do the Distance task. (Add 100m if no calibration certificate)
- Always plan the distance flights with at least a few km extra.
- If you are flying a motorglider make sure the MOP (method of propulsion) sensors are selected in the FR and this facility is fully functionable.
- Switch your logger on well before take-off, and switch-off a while after landing.
If you use a start and finish point, the Start and Finish lines are 1000m long (500m radius). Furthermore, you need to cross them in the correct direction. If you use a 500m CYLINDER observation zone at a turn-point, and turn just short of the Turn-Point, 1 km distance gets deducted. However, if you managed to go around the turn-point, you get scored full distance as the Sector observation zone will then be used.
Diamond badges get issued separately for each performance. Once all three have been achieved, we register you with FAI. For all badge flights, the pilot must be alone in the glider.
- Diamond GOAL is a distance flight of at least 300 kilometres over an out-and-return (1.4.2g) or triangle (1.4.2h) course. there is no restriction on the triangle geometry.
- Diamond distance a distance flight of at least 500 kilometres as defined in 1.4.2d to 1.4.2h.
- Diamond height a gain of height of at least 5000 metres
The GOAL distance options are Closed Course flights. This means you need to declare the start and finish points. For a Closed Course the Start and finish points are identical, you need to finish at your start-point and “close” your course. Read up in the SC3 code for the definitions of the waypoints.
The Start-line and Finish Lines are 500m radius, 1000m total length. Do not confuse the Sporting Code with Competition rules, they differ radically!
Diamond claims require an FR approved by GFAC to Levels 1, 2, or 3.
You can ask your CFI to assist, your OO and of the more senior pilots who have completed of their Diamond badges.
No. The declaration in the FR(s) must be correct in every aspect. Let your OO assist you! The declaration requires a lot of information, so do this carefully!
The claim must be logged on MyGliding within 2 months from the date of the flight.
Yes, the FR calibration must be up to date, or be done after the flight and before the claim.
FAI Diploma flights begin with a minimum distance of 750 km and increase in 250 km increments. They may use any course defined in the Sporting Code, 1.4.2d through 1.4.2h. A Diploma is awarded once only for the incremental distance immediately less than the distance flown. The pilot must be alone in the glider.
You can ask your CFI to assist, your OO and of the more senior pilots who have completed longer distance flights.
No, the declaration in the FR must be correct in every aspect. Let your OO assist you.
Diploma flights require an FR approved by GFAC to Levels 1 or 2.
The claim must be e-mailed to the OO within 1 month from the date of the flight. We will process the claim and if all is correct send over the application to FAI to issue the diploma.
Yes, the FR calibration must be up to date, or be done after the flight and before the claim.
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2. Official Observers “OOs” and the role they play!
The OO ensures that the flight is controlled in accordance with Code requirements, and that the required flight evidence is gathered and prepared in such a manner that later study of it by an independent examiner, will leave no doubt that the claimed achievement was met.
An Official Observer (OO) is the person authorized by a NAC to control flights undertaken for an FAI badge or record attempt and to control the data gathered to prove the Soaring Performance.
Any member of SSSA and Aeroclub, who has at least completed his Silver Badge, and who has sufficient knowledge of the FAI Sporting Code may take the online “OO” test. If he passes that test, he will be appointed. To be an “OO” for Record flights you will need to have processed at least 2 badges and have passed the online exam for “Records OO”. Directors of competitions sanctioned by FAI, or a NAC may act as OOs for badge or record flights undertaken during a competition.
After a 4-year term the OO will require a revalidation test which is done online.
OO’s must be familiar with the most recent IGC Sporting Code and the air regulations pertinent to the flight and have the integrity and competence necessary to control and certify that flight. The OO should be familiar with the evaluation methods and problems as outlined in SC#C-10.8 (OO & Pilots Guide)
The OO has the responsibility of being the FAI’s “field representative”. An OO ensures that the flight is controlled in accordance with Code requirements, and that the required flight evidence is gathered and prepared in such a manner that later study of it by an independent examiner, will leave no doubt that the claimed achievement was met.
The control over the FR ensures that the nominated FR(s) are checked. The type and serial numbers are noted before the take off. This completes the first half of the Flight Certificate. At landing, the OO retrieves the .igc files from the FR(s) and checks the seals made before take-off (if applied). This completes the second half of the Flight Certificate.
The most recent SC3 sporting code. A study our OO guide will be helpful.
Regardless of the number of flight recorders and/or position recorders carried in the glider, only those selected by the pilot before take-off and inspected (i.e. controlled) by an Official Observer (OO) shall be used for flight claim evidence. For the relevant FR approval documents, please visit the FAI website for further details; https://www.fai.org/page/igc-approved-flight-recorders
The OO shall provide control by noting the type and serial number of each FR and PR, inspecting its installation as described in its approval document. At take-off, an OO shall confirm pilot name(s) and the glider flown. If this is not possible, an OO shall seal each FR (or PR) to the glider.
Evidence is required that is independent of any FR/PR to confirm the time and location of take-off, pilot name(s), and glider ID. Clubs timesheet for example.
For Diamond Goal, Diamond Distance, and Diploma claims, the .igc files from every FR used shall be submitted. For Silver and Gold, only 1 FR file is required, but it must be checked that all FR declarations are identical.
The OO shall consult the approval document for each device recording MoP data and certify the means used to determine that a MoP was not used during the soaring performance, and that the MOP recorder functioned correctly.
Visiting OOs may be appointed (prior to the flight) by the controlling NAC to act on its behalf. The OO may forward the completed claim directly to the organising NAC after the controlling NAC has reviewed the claim and confirms to the organising NAC that the flight was flown legally.
Position evidence from a FR or PR must show that a fix was recorded within the OZ or a straight line between consecutive fixes passes through the OZ.
OO certifies all supporting documents if added to the claim.
The Flight Certificate, when correctly submitted, is already certified online.
- Time sheets
- Calibration certificate (need not be certified)
- Correction certificate if declaration had error (Silver & Gold)
- OO Badge Certificate.
Please read the sporting code SC3 #4.4.1 and #4.4.2 for this information.
- Silver or Gold claims must be recorded either by an FR approved to Levels 1, 2, or 3, or by a PR approved by the “controlling NAC” as in 2.6.
- Diamond claims require an FR approved by GFAC to Levels 1, 2, or 3.
- Diploma flights require an FR approved by GFAC to Levels 1 or 2.
The flight certificate summarises all the required control actions the SC3 requires from the OO before take-off and at landing. Used for all badges, diplomas, and record flights. It is completed on the SSSA myGC App.
- 2.0b/3.0d: Selection of FR(s) before take-off.
- 2.2.6/3.3: Control (by noting type and serial no) plus inspection of FR(s) before take-off.
- 2.2.6/3.2: Ensuring correct approval levels of FR(s) before take-off.
- 4.3.1: Pre-flight control to confirm pilot name and the glider flown.
- 3.3/4.3.3: Post flight inspection of seals and supervision of data transfer
- It is highly suggested to have data sampling interval set at 4 seconds or less.
- If the glider is equipped with a MOP, the OO must ensure that the FR(s) have suitable MOP detection 4.3.1/3.3.6/2.4.7. to determine that the MOP was not used.
- That all FR(s) used have identical declarations.
- The .igc files from each FR (controlled before take-off) shall be downloaded by the OO and submitted with exception of Silver and Gold badges where only one file is required.
- If for some reason the App is not available, use the hardcopy and let an independent party sign as witness.
- Care must be taken to complete every required field of the FC required for that performance.
- Both OO and pilot must sign before take-off.
- Make sure the FC part 1 is submitted online before take-off.
- At landing the OO completes the second half of the FC, signs the document and submits online before leaving the airfield.
2.0b 2.0d 2.3c 2.2.6 2.4.1 3.0d 3.1.3a 3.2 3.3 3.3.2 4.3.3
Read the Sporting Code SC3 to see what it’s all about. Contact us via the help/contact facility below and we’ll gladly assist you in getting your appointment.
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3. Pre-Flight declarations and using Flight Recorders
Flight Recorders are IGC-approved devices to record pressure altitude and GPS position and altitude. The
approval level of a given Flight Recorder (FR) specifies its use for badge and record claims.
A declaration is the pre-flight recording of pilot name, the glider identity, and the waypoint(s) coordinates as
required for a given soaring performance. This is entered into the Flight Recorder prior to the flight.
For Silver and Gold Badges, you can make use of the Internet declaration facilty on myGC app or the MyGliding portal.
The declaration is the pre-flight entry of data on the FR. It consists of pilot name, glider type and the glider registration or callsign, plus any waypoint(s) coordinates as required by a given soaring performance. If you use more than one FR, they must have identical declarations, or the flight will be invalidated.
A Waypoint is point specified by a set of coordinates. A Waypoint may be a Start-point, Turn-point, or Finish-point.
Yes, make sure the pre-flight declaration is done before take-off and that the logger is switched on a few minutes before take-off.
Since 31st October 2021, we no longer support written declarations. Only declarations made on the actual used FR(s) will be accepted. However, for Silver and Gold badges, an Internet declaration on SSSA myGC App is an option. Please note that the latest made declaration is the valid one.
You only need to enter your name, glider type and registration for the Silver Badge.
Although no declaration is required for Silver Height and Duration, it does make your “OO” control a lot easier if you have it. Written declarations are invalid.
Yes, except for the Silver Duration if the entire flight is performed under continual attention of the “OO” from take-off to landing.
If the data file for a Silver or Gold flight recorded by a FR has an error, the OO shall submit a correction certificate with the claim. For Diamond Badges, Diplomas and Records, the declaration must be without error. Please note that an omission is not an error.
If you use release for a flight, it is not required to add this to the declaration. Please refer to the “Performance distance types” SC3 #1.4.4 to check where you may use this option.
Yes, except for the Silver Duration if the entire flight is performed under continual attention of the “OO” from take-off to landing.
If the FR calibration period has lapsed, GPS height data may be used for Silver, Gold and National Diploma claims, provided that a 100mtr error margin is applied (example: the gain of height is at least 1100 metres for Silver altitude). This concession is not applicable to FAI Distance Diplomas or Diamond badges
A FR is not 100% accurate throughout the entire altitude range. They are therefore tested and pressure calibrated to measure the instruments error.
Yes, the barometric recording function of a FR shall be calibrated within 5 years prior to the flight or within 2 months after the flight.
Yes, but all FR(s) selected by the pilot require to be noted and inspected before take-off. All FR(s) that are selected must have identical declarations.
Please visit the FAI website for further details; https://www.fai.org/page/igc-approved-flight-recorders Also make sure the FR you have selected has the correct approval level for the specific badge, diploma, or record.
Only FAI approved flight recorders may be used. A PR approval can be applied for at IGC, see SC3#2.5.
It is recommended to give it a few minutes to give a post-flight baseline before switching off.
You are required to submit the calibration certificate for all Diamond Badges and FAI Diplomas.
A IGC security checking software IGC Shell with the proper DLL is used to detect innocent flaws which can corrupt a data file during download.
The internet declaration is the pre-flight notification of pilot name, glider type and the glider registration or callsign, plus any waypoint(s) coordinates as required by a given soaring performance.
The Internet declaration can only be used for Silver and Gold badges.
Yes it must be done before take-off.
Make sure your FR is switched on before doing the Internet declaration, and stays on. (in case the FR has a residing/old declaration)
Yes, the new declaration will be logged with a later timestamp, so it will be the valid one.
If this is required by the performance type, yes. See sporting code, #1.4.4 Table of badge and record requirements.
A Waypoint is point specified by a set of coordinates. A Waypoint may be a Start-point, Turn-point, or Finish-point.
You only need to enter your name, glider type and registration for the Silver Badge.
Although no declaration is required for Silver Height and Duration, it does make your “OO” control a lot easier if you have it.
If the data file for a Silver or Gold has an error, the OO shall submit a correction certificate with the claim. Take note that an omission is not an error.
If you use release for a flight, it is not required to add this to the declaration. Check 1.4.4 where release is an option.
4. SSSA National Diplomas to prepare you for the longer flights
The SSSA now offers you 2 national Distance Diplomas, a 100km Diploma, and a 200km Diploma.
The 100km and 200km Diplomas issued by SSSA are aimed as a stepping-stone to longer distance performances. For all diploma flights, the pilot must be alone in the glider.
The SC3 rules will apply, with exception of the FR calibration requirement.
No Airspace violations are allowed, official daylight time and CAA regulations apply.
The Diplomas are issued for a flight performed as per SC3, #1.4. d-h. see the “Guide to distance types” for more information.
National Diploma flights require an FR approved by GFAC to Levels 1 to 3.
No calibration certificate is required but you the need an extra 100m reserve for LOH rule.
Only IGC approved FR’s are allowed.
Yes, a full declaration is required on each FR. See the Distance Performance Summary in the Documents section regarding the waypoints (with their coordinates) to be declared.
The claim must be logged on MyGliding within 1 months from the date of the flight.
5. How to claim your badge or diploma
Once you have completed your flight and the OO has downloaded your file from the flight recorder, all you need to do is follow the following steps
– pay the required fee to the SSSA Treasurer; cost and banking details are found below. Use “surname-badge” as reference
– complete the “Pilot Badge claim” form found under documents
– email the required documents to the relevant OO.
- Pilot Badge claim.
- Copy of Aeroclub Membership form
- ‘Time or Launch Sheet’ signed by third party.
- Badge application payment advice.
- Copy of last declaration if made on myGC
- Calibration certificate for FR(s) if
– OO checks and certifies the claim; When the OO has certified your claim against the flight performance, he will send all your documents plus the OO certificate(s) to the claims officer.
– Claims Officer verifies the claim; After maximum 10 working days you will receive a notification advising if the flight was a success.
You can thereafter download and print your badge from our myGC portal.
- Locate the Badge/Diploma claim form
- Complete all the required fields
- Sign off the document
- Select the appropriate OO from a “OO” list and email the claim to your OO.
Kindly pay the required fee using the reference “surname-badge”.
- OO receives application and does certification/control actions.
- On completion the OO will email the claim together with his certification and supplementary documents to the Claims officer.
- Claims officer will only use documents received from the OO for the claim verification.
Badge & National Diploma: The Claims officer will verify and if flight meets the requirement, he will issue the certificate on myGC portal and notify you by e-mail.
FAI Diploma: The Claims officer will verify and if flight meets the requirement, he will forward the application to FAI. Once your Diploma is issued by the FAI you will be advised accordingly.
Pilot can view his credentials on myGC and print his certificate(s).
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