 Aviation
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Aviation merit badge are: 2, 3, 4
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Aviation Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
| a. |
Define "aircraft." Describe some kinds and uses of aircraft today. Explain the operation of piston, turboprop, and jet engines.
|
| b. |
Point out on a model airplane the forces that act on an airplane in flight.
|
| c. |
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. |
| d. |
Demonstrate how the control surfaces of an airplane are used for takeoff, straight climb, level turn, climbing turn, descending turn, straight descent, and landing. |
| e. |
Explain the following: the sport pilot, the
recreational pilot, and the private pilot
certificates; the instrument rating. |
2. |
Do TWO of the following: |
| a. |
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.
|
| b. |
Under supervision, perform a preflight inspection of a light airplane. |
| c. |
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. |
| d. |
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. |
| e. |
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. |
| f. |
Create an original poster of an aircraft
instrument panel. Include and identify the
instruments and radios discussed in requirement
2e. |
3. |
Do ONE of the following: |
| a. |
Build and fly a fuel-driven or battery powered electric model airplane. Describe safety rules for building and flying model airplanes. Tell safety rules for use of glue, paint, dope, plastics, fuel, and battery pack. |
| b. |
Build a model FPG-9. Get others in your troop or patrol to make their own model, then organize a competition to test the precision of flight and landing of the models. |
4. |
Do ONE of the following: |
| a. |
Visit an airport. After the visit, report on how the facilities are used, how runways are numbered, and how runways are determined to be "active." |
| b. |
Visit a Federal Aviation Administration facility
- a control tower, terminal radar control
facility, air route traffic control center, or
Flight Standards District Office. (Phone
directory listings are under U.S. Government
Offices, Transportation Department, Federal
Aviation Administration. Call in advance.)
Report on the operation and your impressions of
the facility. |
| c. |
Visit an aviation museum or attend an air show. Report on your impressions of the museum or show. |
5. |
Find out about three career opportunities in
aviation. Pick one 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. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2025"
Download the workbook for the
Aviation Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
|
