Having spent over 10 years on the SSA's Badge and Record Committee including several years as the chairman, I've seen many frustrated pilots over the years. Having recently "retired" from that program, I can speak here as an unofficial commentator. In reality, there's usually plenty of blame to be spread around.

On the one hand, you have people who have some very vague idea of various performances who show up and do just about everything "wrong" from a procedures perspective. Sometimes, they get lucky, and they've done just enough "right" to skate by. I can't tell you how many times we got files (even under the "supervision" of supposedly experienced OOs) that amounted to "I just made a really cool flight. Here's the IGC file. Now tell me what I've won". The OO is primarily responsible for making sure you follow procedures and that your performance(s) meet the requirements.

On the other hand, we have a Sporting Code with several annexes and annexes to the annexes in the form of individual FR approval documents. As an outgrowth of that, we have people trying (and often failing) to write simplified summaries. I've read the entire SC cover-to-cover literally dozens of times, yet I still find loopholes and uncovered scenarios. So, while a close read is important, it's still not a guarantee that even a conscientious pilot won't get caught up.

The best advice I can give is: 1) put a simple plan together well before you intend to start doing badges. For instance, if your goal is to get a silver badge, work to understand just that portion of the SC and build a few flight options to meet those requirements 2) find a "real" OO who understands the SC. They don't have to know how to quote it chapter-and-verse (in fact, I'd be very scared of anyone who could). They just need to be able to find the relevant sections in the SC and check your plan. And, if such a person isn't around locally, ask for help from the Badge Guy (Rollin Hasness). Even if he doesn't have time to completely spoon feed you, he can usually help you find someone locally. As a last resort, you can try to find someone on this forum who will work with you offline. Just be sure you hook up with someone who is a real expert and not just R.A.S. pundit.

Erik Mann (P3)

On Monday, April 14, 2014 7:42:32 AM UTC-4, wrote:
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.