Medal riband fitted with a post-1990 9mm crimp style brooch the reverse of the brooch with contractors hallmark 'LIGI'. The mounting brooch with long-hinged pin & intricate drop-lock clasp fittings, as issuedThe Aerial Achievement Medal is a decoration of the United States Air Force that was created in 1988. The decoration specifically recognizes the contributions of aircrew members - as well as 'Drone' operators - who would, otherwise, not be qualified for the award of the Air MedalThe decoration is awarded in the name of the Secretary of the Air Force and is presented to members of the United States military or civilian personnel, while serving in a capacity with the U.S. Air Force, who distinguish themselves by sustained meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight. The achievements must be accomplished with distinction above and beyond that normally expected of professional airmenOperators of Unmanned aerial vehicles (Drones) may receive the award. One was given in 1997 for successfully flying a disabled UAV back to its base. According to a report based on Air Force statistics, from January 2009 to mid-2010 3497 medals were granted to operators, while 1408 more were given to pilotsThe Aerial Achievement Medal may be approved by local commanders; however, the missions for which the decoration is authorized must be approved by a Major Air Force CommandMinimum requirements for an Aerial Achievement Medal are 20 flights of at least 2 hours with one flight per theatre per day. For the basic Aerial Achievement medal, 14 flights may be used. However, if this is the case, then 26 flights must be used for the first Oak Leaf ClusterEnlisted personnel receive three (3) promotion points per award of the AAAMCondition: EF