- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Year of Institution: 30 September 1965
- Country: Russia & USSR
The Honored Pilot of the USSR Medal (or Заслуженный пилот СССР, Zaslužennyj pilot SSSR in Russian) was established on 30 September 1965 and awarded to qualified civilian pilots 1st class for special merit in the development of modern aircraft, in the use of the most advanced piloting techniques, for the highest standards in education and training of flight personnel, for long-term trouble-free flying and for outstanding achievements in the use of aviation in the national economy.
The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR was the main conferring authority of the award based on recommendations of the Ministry for Civil Aviation of the USSR.
The chest badge “Honored Pilot of the USSR” was worn on the right side of the chest and in the presence of other orders, placed over them.
The Honored Pilot of the USSR Medal Design
The medal is a polygon with raised edges struck in silver and nickel and measuring 27mm wide by 23mm high.
At the top of the obverse, the relief inscription in two lines covered to the left ЗАСЛУЖЕННЫЙ ПИЛОТ (“HONOURED PILOT”), in the center, the gilt tombac image of a jet transport aircraft climbing diagonally towards the right, at the bottom, the relief inscription СССР (“USSR”) superimposed over a laurel branch.
The badge was secured to a standard Soviet square mount by a silver-plated ring through the suspension loop. The mount was covered by a silk moiré red ribbon.
