Boy Scout Aviation Merit Badge Requirements can be viewed at USScouts.org.
Before the Camp
All Aviation Merit Badge requirements will NOT be covered during the camp.
Boy Scouts should complete their Aviation Merit Badge workbook prior to attending camp, except for items 1d, 2c, 2d, and 2e. Our Merit Badge Counselors will NOT sign scout’s blue cards if the workbook is not complete. We will NOT have time during the camp for scouts to work on items other than 1d, 2c, 2d, and 2e.
Research Resources
1a. Define “aircraft”. Descirbe some kinds and uses of aircraft today. Explain the operation of piston, turboprop, and jet engines.
- Types of General Aviation Airplanes: http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/dream/chaircraft/AIRPLANES101.pdf
- Business Aircraft: http://www.nbaa.org/business-aviation/aircraft/
1b. Point out on a model airplane the forces that act on an airplane in flight.
- Forces of Flight: http://howthingsfly.si.edu/forces-flight
- How Airplanes Fly: http://www.executivetravelservice.com/travel-education-how-airplanes-fly.html
1c. Explain how an airfoil generates lift, how the primary control surfaces (ailerons, elevators, and rudder) affect the airplane’s attitude, and how a propeller produces thrust.
- How Do Planes Fly? (Bernoulli vs Newton): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpmpAYOFyKI
- Axes/Control Surfaces: http://flight.nasa.gov/pdf/axes_control_surfaces_5-8.pdf
- How do Things Fly: http://www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/wonder_of_flight/propeller.html
1d. Demonstrate how the control surfaces of an airplane are used for takeoff, straight climb, level turn, climbing turn, descending turn, straight descent, and landing. Done at Aviation Merit Badge Camp.
2a. Take a flight in an aircraft, with your parent’s permission. Record the date, place, type of aircraft, and duration of flight, and report on your impressions of the flight.
- EAA242 Young Eagles: http://www.eaa242.org/YoungEagles/EAA%20242%20YOUNG%20EAGLES%20PROGRAM.htm
2b. Under supervision, perform a preflight inspection of a light airplane.
- EAA242 Young Eagles: http://www.eaa242.org/YoungEagles/EAA%20242%20YOUNG%20EAGLES%20PROGRAM.htm
2c. Obtain and learn how to read an aeronautical chart. Measure a true course on the chart. Correct it for magnetic variation, compass deviation, and wind drift to determine a compass heading. Done at Aviation Merit Badge Camp.
2d. Using one of many flight simulator software packages available for computers, “fly” the course and heading you established in requirement 2c or another course you have plotted. Done at Aviation Merit Badge Camp.
2e. Explain the purposes and functions of the various instruments found in a typical single-engine aircraft: attitude indicator, heading indicator, altimeter, airspeed indicator, turn and bank indicator, vertical speed indicator, compass, navigation (GPS and VOR) and communication radios, tachometer, oil pressure gauge, and oil temperature gauge. Done at Aviation Merit Badge Camp.
2f. Create an original poster of an aircraft instrument panel. Include and identify the instruments and radios discussed in requirements 2e.
- Aircraft Instruments: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/media/PHAK%20-%20Chapter%2007.pdf
3. Build and fly a model plane.
- Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code: http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/105.PDF
4. Visit an airport, FAA facility, aviation museum, or air show.
- EAA242 Young Eagles: http://www.eaa242.org/YoungEagles/EAA%20242%20YOUNG%20EAGLES%20PROGRAM.htm
5. Find out about three career opportunities in aviation. Pick on and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.
- FAA Become an Aerospace Engineer: http://www.faa.gov/education/student_resources/media/engineering_brochure.pdf
- FAA Career Opportunities: http://www.faa.gov/nextgen/career/
- Aviation Careers Series: http://ntl.bts.gov/data/letter_nz/pilot2.pdf