Russian Federation Distinguished Aviator

[TacHel]

Just received these two beauties.

Breast badges for "Distinguished Aviator" of the Ministry for Emergency Situations (EMERCOM).

Instituted on 14 May 2002 by ministerial order 236. Awarded to military and civilian aviation personnel of EMERCOM for outstanding performance of their assigned duties whether in flying, logistics or engineering operations. A helicopter or jet transport device on the ribbon denotes work on rotary or fixed wing aircraft.

I was quite surprised at their size, these are huge compared to other Russian breast badges. The pendant is 4,5cm in diameter. The whole award is 7,7cm from top to bottom. The ribbon devices aren't cheap tin but heavy metal. The entire construction is quite heavy and sturdy.