I am a proponent of badge flying A,B,C, Bronze, Silver etc. They require forethought, planning and execution. All activities that require more skill, both organizational and aerodynamic than just boring holes in the airport sky. Frustration arises when pilots happen upon a flight that otherwise would qualify for a badge or badge leg yet the "planning" part of the equation was skipped. I understand the desire to have the particular flight memorialized with a badge issuance by the SSA. However, there will be other prime days in the future and this time make sure "all" the bases are covered.

The altitude "declaration" only references the IGC file header. You must have your personal and aircraft information in the header so the badge dude can positively identify your flight. This is a very basic requirement yet even last year a very accomplished pilot complained loudly because his 300k flight was not recognized due to a mistaken use of competition number instead of registration number in the header.

Please don't give up on badge flying because of a perceived inflexibility of the rules. Just take a moment to read the rules and prepare accordingly. The badge will be with you for a lifetime. The accomplishment is what makes it special. If the badge dude sent one hundred silver badges to your club to be handed out at the next meeting to anyone who "said" they had the proper altitude gain there would be no special meaning to the accomplishment. Stick with it and you will be rewarded with a badge in the mail. Wear your badge proudly so others will strive for the same.

Lane
XF