Diamond Goals, Start Lines and how not to miss them!

by Bruno Tagliapietra, GNZ Awards Officer

Appendix - Checklist - For Pilots chasing FAI Badges

Be prepared for your Badge Flight and follow our checklist.

The checklist is generic, it doesn’t talk about this problem specifically, although it mentions repeatedly to “read the rules” - which, as a consequence, should help avoid the mistakes mentioned in the article.

At the beginning of the flying season, or a.s.a.p.

• If I own an IGC-Approved Flight Recorder, see: https://www.fai.org/page/igc-approved-flight-recorders
  ​(NOT A CELL PHONE! Also, hang gliding / paragliding recorders are usually NOT included in the list above.)
  • I know the make and model of the Flight Recorder and its S/N is readily available to me
  • I have the latest calibration certificate of the Flight Recorder readily available to me (even if expired)
  • I have done some dummy runs with the Flight Recorder, so I am confident I know how to operate it

~3,4 Days before the flight

• The goal for my badge flight is: ………………………………………………………………………………....
• I have verified that the forecast weather is good for the goal I want to achieve
• I have reviewed the Sporting Code Section 3 at https://www.fai.org/igc-documents
• An Official Observer (OO) (find one https://gliding.co.nz/fai-official-observers/, or on https://gliding.net.nz/) will observe my flight
  • Name: ………………………………………………………………………………................................
  • Phone: ………………………………………………………………………………...............................
• The Official Observer and I know the procedures well, as per Annex C Guide at https://www.fai.org/igc-documents
• I will have access to a glider, rego: ………………………………………………………................................
• I will have access to an IGC-Approved Flight Recorder, see: https://www.fai.org/page/igc-approved-flight-recorders
  ​(NOT A CELL PHONE! Also, hang gliding / paragliding recorders are usually NOT included in the list above.)
  • The Flight Recorder is permanently and securely fit to the glider I will fly
    ​or
  • A Nano or other portable IGC approved Flight Recorder is available (remember to charge the battery!) and the O/O will be present on the day, to verify and control the portable Flight Recorder
• I know how to operate the Flight Recorder / I have done at least one dummy run

On the day - Before the flight

• I have planned out my flight according to my goal:................................................................................... ………….
• I.M. S.A.F.E. & properly equipped for the planned flight
• The Duty Instructor agrees that I should attempt the flight as per the plan above
• I have entered my “Declaration” in the IGC-Approved Flight Recorder, see:
  ​https://www.fai.org/page/igc-approved-flight-recorders
  ​(NOT A CELL PHONE! Also, hang gliding / paragliding recorders are usually NOT included in the list above.)
  • My full name (first name and last name at very least)
  • The glider’s registration
  • The list of waypoints (if applicable)
• The Official Observer is satisfied on being able to observe the flight (everything in order)
• Glider trailer hooked on, retrieve car fueled up & crew ready for retrieve (if flying XC)

On the day - After the flight

• The Official Observer is certain that:
  • The name of the pilot flying the controlled glider matches the name in the controlled Flight Recorder
  • The name of the controlled glider matches the glider name in the controlled Flight Recorder
  • The controlled Flight Recorder was in the controlled glider
  • The .igc file representing the flight was produced by the controlled Flight Recorder
• The Official Observer has observed my flight and analysed the .igc file (for example using SeeYou)
• The Official Observer confirms a claim is likely to be accepted
• Download OPS 4 https://gliding.co.nz/pilots/pilot-resources/operational-forms/
• Fill out OPS 4 (as per instructions in OPS 4)
• Pay the fee (as per instructions in OPS 4)
• Attach the latest calibration certificate of the Flight Recorder (even if expired)

Mail and email OPS 4, original unmodified IGC file, and attachments (as per instructions in OPS 4)