In message , John Smith
writes
glider wrote:
I would think that an active instructor is not the same chap that
goes for long flights

A typical USA question. In nearly the whole rest of the world, being an
experienced cross country pilot is a prerequisite for becoming a glider
instructor.

Depends on what you call 'experienced'. In the UK a Silver badge is
required, not Gold or Diamonds. And, of course, some people with a
Silver badge have managed the 50k and never flown out of glide range
again whereas others might not have a Gold but still do regular XC
flying plus the odd field landing.

--
Surfer!