SSA Badge Approval

A little off topic, but pertains to "badges" and soaring.

I am new to soaring, and just getting ready to get my glider
endorsement for my private. I am interested in working on "badges" and
for someone who is new, can someone point me to a diagram or a
directory somewhere that I can use as a guide to get started? What
badge should be the first step, and in what order should I work on
getting them?
Thanks
Steve

If you are in the USA (the badges are international), look at Soaring
Society of America website at www.ssa .org
Join the SSA. (Must be a member to earn the badges. Badge records
are archived at our National Soaring Museum in Elmira, NY.)

Also look at the terrific booklet series by Bob Wander, "Badges Made
Easy" (for A,B,C, Bronze, Silver badges.)
at www.bobwander.com or on the SSA site under merchandise.

A few pilots new to soaring don't think the badge program is
significant, but they likely do not know the history of the program
that dates back to the 1920's, when a few precious moments of soaring
flight were rewarded with the A,B,C, badges, Soaring flights were
more difficult to achieve back then and in a way, the badge program
honors those pioneers who worked to discover the art and science of
soaring. So be a part of the tradition and proudly wear your soaring
badges.

Note: You will add the glider category rating to your existing
Private Pilot Certificate (USA).
It is not an endorsement, as you wrote, it is a FAA Practical Test.
Details under FAA CFR's part 61.107 and 61.109.
Your glider instructor will make sure you meet all of the FAA
requirements for ground and flight training and recommend some texts
and videos.
Bob Wander's "Private Pilot Checkride Made Easy" book will help you
study for the checkride (FAA "Practical Test".)

This winter keep in mind the "season" does not end (as many write) but
continues year-round at soaring sites in the southern Sun Belt of the
USA and well north at some mountain sites. See the "Where to Fly"
page at www.ssa.org

All the best -- keep us updated with your progress!

Burt
Marfa Gliders, west Texas USA

Steve,

To amplify a bit on Burt's comments. The direct link to US badge related information is
http://www.ssa.org/myhome.asp?mbr=5361749529

The US badges are administered by the SSA. I agree with Burt that you should join the SSA. However, US FAI badges are not only for SSA members. For members they are free. A non-member must pay a fee of $20 with each claim application.
http://www.ssa.org/files/member/Application10.pdf

Soaring is a great sport and personally, I enjoy chasing badges.
http://www.soaridaho.com/Flights/6F_Gold_Distance.html

Wayne
HP-14 "6F"
http://tinyurl.com/N990-6F

"Burt Compton - Marfa" wrote in message ...


.... Snip ...

..

Note: You will add the glider category rating to your existing
Private Pilot Certificate (USA).
It is not an endorsement, as you wrote, it is a FAA Practical Test.
Details under FAA CFR's part 61.107 and 61.109.
Your glider instructor will make sure you meet all of the FAA
requirements for ground and flight training and recommend some texts
and videos.
Bob Wander's "Private Pilot Checkride Made Easy" book will help you
study for the checkride (FAA "Practical Test".)

This winter keep in mind the "season" does not end (as many write) but
continues year-round at soaring sites in the southern Sun Belt of the
USA and well north at some mountain sites. See the "Where to Fly"
page at www.ssa.org

All the best -- keep us updated with your progress!

Burt
Marfa Gliders, west Texas USA

To expand on Burt and Wayne's comments.

You may eventually fly a sailplane that's airworthiness is
experimental/racing. In its operating limitations you may find the
state that flights are for proficiency and the pursuit of SSA and FAI
awards. SSA sanctions most contests in the US, apart from some local
venues.

A little sleuthing shows you are a new SSA member. Although I'm sure
you are comfortable in FL for the winter, the SSA 2011 Conference will
be held in Philadelphia in late January. In 2012, an SSA Convention
will be held in Reno, with all of the eye-candy included. I invite
you to both.

Frank Whiteley
Colorado