I believe that the SSA is one of the very small number of national bodies representing gliding in this world that has handed over record keeping at a national level to some other body. In our case the National Aeronautic Association, which survives by charging fees to any group that will bow to its bureaucracy.
The SSA does precious little for its members (the insurance for instance is a commercial group deal that could just as well work as a group policy for glider pilots without the SSA element). It is about to raise dues again, it continues to spend more than the membership dues provide, living on money subscribed to the Eagle Fund and the Foundation. It loses money on such boondoggles as merchandizing. It justifies staffing levels by holding conventions (and would like to go to annual conventions) at which it barely scrapes into the black yet when, back in the day, clubs ran them they made real money.
Take a look if you can bear the thought at the way those in charge nominate each other for the major awards.
Why does this happen? Because the membership looks the other way, ignores reality. Or leaves the SSA entirely (membership is steadily declining and will do so faster each time dues go up).
Allowing the NAA to continue to hold onto record keeping at the National and International level and charge lots to those who fly these magnificent flights is but a symptom of the state of the Association. But until members get involved (now there is a laugh and a half) nothing is going to change.
Will the last one a member please remember to turn out the lights.





On Friday, September 4, 2015 at 11:39:58 AM UTC-6, wrote:
An FAI Sporting License is required for US National and World Records.

One can be applied for and obtained from the National Aeronautic Association ("NAA") at the following link:

https://naa.aero/membership/membership-application

An FAI Sporting License is required for all US National & World Record attempts and all FAI sanctioned events and competitions. Sporting License applicants must be a member of NAA and/or a current member of the appropriate NAA Air Sport Organization (for gliding this is the Soaring Society of America).

An annual FAI Sporting License can be obtained by an SSA Member for $45 without paying for membership in the NAA (see the link above).

or

An FAI Sporting License can be obtained free or charge for those who want to be members of the NAA; the annual cost of membership in the NAA is $50. Glider pilots participating in competitions and/or record setting activities can receive a one-year FAI Sporting License (free of charge), but must complete and application for the sporting license (see the link above).

Due to FAI policy changes, you must apply for a Sporting License at least 14 days prior to your record attempt or competition. Applications submitted less than 14 days prior to the event may not be processed in time to allow you to participate.