The SSA Distance Award

In 1995, The Soaring Society of America adopted the SSA Distance Award. Pilots' accumulated cross-country soaring miles add up in the SSA Distance Award Program, which uses the Carl Herold Handicap system to equalize distances for glider performance. Written notice of flight claims must be submitted within 7 days and flight documentation must be turned in within 45 days of the flight. In every other way, application procedures parallel those in place for FAI Badge flights. Applicants may submit any number of documented cross country flight claims, each accompanied by a $10 processing fee.

The SSA Distance Award winner, second- and third-place pilots are determined each calendar year, based on the SSA Distance Award points granted for each pilot's best flight in each of four flight categories: Straight Distance to a Goal; Out and Return; Triangle Distance and Free Distance.