Dude, L/D makes a difference.
Period.


Yes, a 1000K is a good flight, sorta depending on where you fly from. Some are easier, some are harder.
I pride myself on doing all SSA badges from my home field from solo to 2 diamonds (missing diamond altitude) and looking to finish that and a 1K distance from "home".

No, not all was in a 1-26, most was.......I bow to Ron S. and others, for for that medal........