One thing I have not seen posted yet. It used to be required to have evidence of a silver distance xc flight and five hour endurance or a voucher from another contest pilot of the same. I think the five hour is the most important in all of that. Being able to think clearly and have good judgment after a stressful 3-4-5 hour flight canout be emphasized enough. So if your thinking about contest get a few consecutive 5 hour flights in then go have some fun.