As I read the "rules" (see below) the Fly with CE IS approved for all phases of silver and gold badge flights. The altitude requires a 100 meter "extra margin".

It is my understanding that a "declaration" would only be required for distance badge flights. Altitude or duration flights do not require a "formal" declaration. BUT with flight recorders, you do have to have certain information programmed in...such as pilots name...glider info etc...

We have two Fly with CE units which we use at our commercial operation....we like them very much...they are well worth the (low) cost. The clubs I am in have purchased Cloibri, which also work great, but the cost is huge.

Erik Mann has worked very hard over the years to get "affordable" GPS units approved for badge and record flights.

The $130 Fly with CE is far more sophisticated than the old baragraph and camera set up we used to use back in the day....And if I remember correctly a Replogle baragraph cost around $650 back then...a Winter cost more!

Yeah, the "rules" for the silver badge flights seem to be overcomplicated.....in fact the silver badge is more complicated than the other badges....ALL of the required information is available with an Internet search...SSA web site etc. Lots of us have somehow struggled through and achieved the Silver badge, in spite of the paperwork!

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IGC Position Recorder PR -1- Approval Document 2013-6
Approval document for an IGC Position Recorder
Issuing Authority: Soaring Society of America (SSA)
Erik Mann, SSA FAI Badge and Record Chairman -
Date of effect: 01 June 2013
References:
A. FAI Sporting Code Section 3 (Gliders and Motor Gliders) (SC3)
Particularly: SC3 Appendix A to Chapter 4 on Position Recorders
B. Annex B to the Code (SC3B), Glossary items on Position Recorder and Validation,
and paras 1.7, 2.1.1.2, 2.2.2.
C. Annex C to the Code (SC3C), particularly para 6.1 and 6.2, also 1.1, 1.5, 3.3.
D. Specification for the IGC file format, Appendix 1 to the
Technical Specification for IGC-approved Flight Recorders
1.1 This document authorises the use of the GPS recording device described in para 2 for use as an
IGC Position Recorder (PR) for flights under the jurisdiction of the above NAC under the rules and
procedures for PRs in the FAI Sporting Code Section 3 (Gliding), in particular under References A-D
..
1.2 Silver and Gold Flights. At the date of publication of this document, Reference A allows IGC
Position Recorders to be used for flights for Silver and Gold IGC Badges. For other badge, diploma
and record flights, an IGC-approved Flight Recorder must be used, and can also be used for Silver and
Gold flights.
1.3. Scope. This document covers only the PR recording function and the data in the IGC-format file
that is downloaded from it (Reference D and 3.3 below). Other functions in the PR and other modules
that can be connected, are not the responsibility of the NAC or IGC.
Type of IGC Position Recorder
2.1. Name of Position Recorder: flyWithCE Flight Recorder FR300
Manufacturer: Name: flyWithCE
Address: Ulica Lojzeta Hrovata 9, 4000 Kranj, Slovenia
Tel/Fax: email: web: www.flywithce.com
Contact name(s): Uroš Podlogar s.p
2.3. Details of the PR.
IGC Position Recorder PR -2- Approval Document 2013-6
3. Compliance with the IGC Sporting Code. This type of IGC Position Recorder complies with the
Sporting Code requirements for Position Recorders (References A-D above) as follows.
3.1. The WGS84 ellipsoid Earth Model is used for all fixes in the IGC file (SC3 Chapter 4 para A2 refers).
3.2. All fixes in IGC files downloaded from this Recorder are all obtained from real-time GPS data, and no
predicted fixes are recorded (SC3 Chapter 4 para A3 requirement). If signal is lost, the device does not
project position or otherwise use any predictive model.
3.3. The downloaded IGC file can be electronically validated at any time to ensure that the file is identical to
when it was initially downloaded (SC3 Chapter 4 para A6 requirement).
3.3.1 Downloading. IGC files are downloaded directly from the FR via USB; the device is recognized as USB
Mass Storage media.
3.3.2 The file validation program - to be used with such downloaded IGC files:
VALI-FWC.EXE and associated DLL are available from the manufacturer’s download page:
www.flywithce.com/download.html
3.4. Recording of Altitude. References: SC3 Chapter 4 para A7, Annex C to SC3 para 6.2c, Reference D.
3.4.1 Altitude data from this IGC PR - for accurate measurement is from figures in the IGC file for GPS altitude
above the WGS84 Ellipsoid, applying the margin over Pressure Altitude requirements as specified in the Sporting
Code (Reference A), currently 100 metres due to the different characteristics of GPS and Pressure Altitudes.
3.4.2 The IGC file – Field for Pressure Altitude. In IGC files from this type of Position Recorder, the field for
Pressure Altitude is recorded as Zero, in accordance with SC3C para 6.2 and Reference D,
4. Engine Recording. This PR is not able to detect the operation of a Means of Propulsion (MoP). For
gliders with a MoP, SC3 4.5.4 and SC3C 12.1 apply, and one of the following must be carried out:
4.1. Carry a separate device that records MoP use and is acceptable to the NAC, or:
4.2. Seal the MoP is such a way that the Official Observer can detect if it has been operated, or:
4.3. Disable the MoP prior to flight to the satisfaction of the Official Observer and NAC.
5. Mounting in the Glider. This Position Recorder may be mounted anywhere in the glider, and the
Official Observer must be able to show that it was in the glider for the flight concerned, and that the IGC
file used to assess the flight came from it.
6. Authority. This approval document is issued by The Soaring Society of America (SSA).
Signature Erik H Mann
Name: Erik H. Mann
Position in NAC: Chairman, SSA FAI Badge and Record Committee
Email address:
Any queries or comments about this document should be sent to the above, with a copy to the
Chairman of the IGC GFA Committee (currently: ).
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