Honorary Title "Distinguished Pilot".

[Taz]

This is the first initial emission with the old type ribbon.
It was made by the Bulgarian State Mint.
The Award has a relief in 3 layers:

- a mirror-like finish of flat surface averse in yellow colour;
- opaque relief details - sun rays also in yellow colour;
- and opaque relief of a plane with wreath in white colour.

Instituted on 18th January 1979, by the State Council of the P.R. of Bulgaria. It is awarded to Pilots from the Military Air Force and civilian pilots for considerable contributions and long and loyal service.
On the obverse background are sunrays, with a flying aircraft. Above is the state coat of arms. Below is the inscription HONOURED PILOT. The badge is carried on a metal suspension, with a Light blue ribbon.
Emission Closed: November 1987.

[Taz]

This group of awards belonged to colonel Alexander Ivanov Vassilev, a pilot in the Bulgarian Air Force.
The Title "Honoured Pilot" was awarded to Vassilev in 1982. This high prize has a large format luxury Diploma, with Todor Jivkov's own signature. The document was issued by the State council of People's republic of Bulgaria with decree No. 2736, the serial number of the document is only 30.
Inside it states that Colonel Vassilev earned the prize for its contribution to the consolidation and fighting trim of the Air power of Bulgarian army and for his merits to the training of highly skilled pilots. The Diploma was awarded in Sofia, October 14, 1982.
This Set also contains the highest rank Honoured pilot badge, 1st class with the pilot wings, in it's award case. There is also a Jubilee badge awarded for the 35th anniversary of Bulgarian Air forces.

Here is another view.
The inside of the award doc.
The fully opened award doc and the "Honoured Pilot" in it's case.

[Taz]

The fronts of the Title and Badges.
And the reverses. Note the lack of S/N's on these awards.
And that the "Honoured Pilot" Title has the later second emission Type suspension device.

[CtahhR]

Here is the latest addition to my Bulgarian collection, the Honorary Title "Distinguished Pilot" (Почетно Звание "Заслужил Летец"). Founded 18th January 1979 for distinguished contribution and long service to the aviation of the People's Republic Of Bulgaria. During the 8 years this title was awarded only 28 Pilots of the Bulgarian Air Force received it. Recipients include: General Kiril Aleksandrov Kirilov, Reserve Brigadier-General Pilot-Cosmonaut Double Hero Aleksandr Panajotov Aleksandrov (although I can't find a picture of him wearing it) and Major-General Ivan Mаrkov Andreev on 4th October 1982 (Pictured wearing the award on his right side).

This award pictured may be a little "tired" but is only showing good honest wear caused by a "Distinguished Pilot" having it pinned onto his chest for years. Because of the wear and tear to the award due to the fact that it wasn't unawarded and never saw the day of light (which are more numerous than awarded ones), I got a very good deal on this rare high title.