The Dirigible Pilot Badge is a military decoration of the United States Navy that was issued to those service members who received training and qualification as dirigible pilots. The badge was first created in the 1930s, during which time the Navy was experimenting with lighter-than-air craft, as opposed to conventional, fixed-wing aircraft.
The Dirigible Pilot Badge was issued well into the 1970s, with occasional awards, on a case-by-case basis, to the end of the 20th century. In the modern Navy, however, the Dirigible Pilot Badge is considered obsolete, but still may be found on various insignia and badge charts promulgated through U.S. Navy instructions and publications.
The Dirigible Pilot Badge appears as a “half-wing” version of the Naval Aviator Badge. Its design was based on early versions of the Observer Badge, used in the United States Army Air Corps.
Famous quotes containing the words pilot and/or badge:
“Whenever the weather licks the pilot instead of him lickin’ the weather, he’s finished. The first time makes the second time easier. And the first thing he knows, he’s in trouble when the weather is perfect.”
—Frank W. Wead (1895?–1947)
“Signor Antonio, many a time and oft
In the Rialto you have rated me
About my moneys and my usances.
Still have I borne it with a patient shrug,
For sufferance is the badge of all our tribe.
You call me misbeliever, cutthroat dog,
And spit upon my Jewish gaberdine,
And all for use of that which is mine own.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)