Going solo is just the beginning for a glider pilot. Then the real fun begins. There are various levels of competency which are divided into badges.

Below is the information on the badge system. This section will be decorated with more information about badge system in due time so please check back with us. Thanks.
(Note the recent change in rule of the bronze badge system)
Also check our about gliding section

• 'A' Badge
• 'B' Badge
• Bronze 'C'
• UK Cross-Country Endorsement
• Glider Pilot's License
• UK 100km Diploma
• Silver C
• Gold C
• Diamond
• U.K. 750Km and 750Km 2-Seater Diplomas
• 1,000Km and 2,000Km Badges

• Must be over 16 years old.

• 20 flights with an instructor.

• 1 successful solo flight.

• Show reasonable knowledge of the rules of the air.

• Notes:
  • 20 flight minimum may be waived if a Private or Commercial Pilot's Licence is held or if you are a qualified services pilot.

• 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

• 50 solo flights or 20 solo flights and 10 solo hours P1 (a 2000 foot aerotow DOES NOT count as 3 winch flights anymore - The new bronze endorsement application form does not have the old rule).

• A PPL or similar Service or Foreign equivalent requires 25 solo flights or 10 solo flights and 5 hours P1.

• 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.

• Field Landings: Two field landings into a field, or if a suitable field is not available adjacent to the club site, into a marked areas of the airfield; the altimeter should be covered or the millibar scale offset for this practice. If a marked area of the airfield is used it must be so chosen that there is little or no undershoot and that the circuit and approach does not coincide with the normal circuit and approach to the airfield. Where a suitable two-seater is not available, the field landings may be flown solo.

• Pass multiple choice written Air Law and General papers (on airmanship, meteorology, principles of flight, radiotelephony, navigation).

• Notes:
  • Flying and ground tests must be completed within the 12 months before the application.

• Soaring: Two soaring flights one of at least an hour duration and one of at least two hours duration after release under the supervision and certification of a BGA instructor or Official Observer.

• Field Selection: The ability to select and reject fields for their suitability for landing. This exercise must be undertaken from the air, but can be flown in a glider, motor glider or light aircraft.

• Field Landings: A minimum of two successful approaches into fields, selected by him/herself in a motor glider, with the altimeter covered or the millibar scale offset. The landings/approaches must be flown without any assistance or prompting from the instructor and must show adequate judgement and skill.

• Navigation: Plan a triangular task of at least 100Km giving due consideration to any airspace requirements and aspects of airmanship. Demonstrate the ability to understand an aeronautical chart, correlating features on the map as they appear from the air, and orientation of the map with respect to ground features. Can be flown in a glider, motor glider or light aircraft. All must be completed within 12 months of the second soaring flight.

• Notes:
  • 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.

• The requirements of the A/B/C/Bronze badges vary in each country and are set by local governing bodies.In the U.K. the CAA delegated the management of gliding to the BGA. However, the requirements for the Silver badge (and above) are set by the FIA and apply worldwide. To bridge this gap and seek worldwide standardisation of pilot certification, the ICAO defined a minimum set of requirements for a Glider Pilot's License. In the U.K. the Bronze C plus Cross-Country Endorsement exceed the ICAO requirements and entitle the holder to a U.K. Glider Pilot's License. The license is valid for life provided the holder achieves at least 5 hours solo per year or has a revalidation by an instructor.

• 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

• Notes:
  • Bronze Badge and Cross-Country Endorsement are needed before attempting the distance component.
  • Minimum requirement to fly in a competition (for which an FAI sporting licence is needed).

• 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.

• Notes:
  • Bronze Badge and Cross-Country Endorsement are needed first.

• 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.

• Notes:
  • Bronze Badge is needed for the distance component
  • The flight for Silver duration can count for Gold.

• Height - a gain of height of 5000 metres (16,405 feet)

• Goal - a goal flight of 300km (186 miles) or more over an out-and-return or triangular course

• Distance - a flight of at least 500km (311 miles)

• Notes:
  • Bronze Badge is needed for the distance component.
  • It is considered a big achievement to gain "All Three Diamonds"

• A distance of at least 750Km starting in the U.K. flown either solo or with two pilots.
  Requirements as for Gold distance.

• The FAI awards these badges.
• Requirements as for Gold distance.

Section courtesy
BGA
Brian Rodgers
Thanks!