Boy Scout Merit Badge Requirements
No

Aviation Merit Badge

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Aviation Merit Badge

Introduction

The Aviation merit badge is an exciting opportunity for scouts to learn about the principles of flight, aircraft design, and aviation safety. Scouts will also have the chance to explore the history of aviation and the role it plays in our world today.

Merit Badge Requirements

  1. Show that you know first aid for and how to prevent injuries or illnesses that could occur while flying, including hyperventilation, altitude sickness, motion sickness, dehydration, and heat exhaustion/heat stroke.
  2. Discuss the prevention of and treatment for the three most common types of aircraft accidents: crashes, collisions, and ground loops. Explain why proper restraint is important for both the pilot and passengers, and give examples of the kinds of injuries that can be prevented by proper restraint.
  3. 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, and engine instruments.
  4. Explain how meteorology affects aviation. Discuss the differences between stable air and unstable air, and explain how these conditions can affect cloud formation, turbulence, and visibility.
  5. Explain the Federal Aviation Administration's role in aviation safety. Explain how the actions of pilots, air traffic controllers, and others can affect aviation safety.
  6. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Build and fly a fuel-driven or battery-powered electric model airplane.
    2. Build and fly a rubber-band-powered model airplane.
    3. Build and fly an indoor model airplane.
  7. Visit an airport. Using charts and other aids, explain to your counselor the layout of the airport and how runways are numbered. Describe approaches and landings, and tower-controlled airspace, if applicable.
  8. Do ONE of the following:
    1. Take a flight in an aircraft, with your parent's permission, or visit an air traffic control facility, and describe what you learned about your flight or air traffic control.
    2. Using aircraft performance charts and other information, determine the takeoff and landing distances of the aircraft you flew on or of a comparable aircraft. Discuss the factors that might cause the distances to vary.
    3. Using the flight planning tools available for your computer simulator or online, create a flight plan for an actual trip, using real weather and route information. Chart a course with your destination at least 50 miles away using appropriate aeronautical charts and publications.

Lesson

Hey there, scouts! Are you ready to take to the skies and earn your Aviation merit badge? Let's get started!

First things first, we need to talk about safety. When flying, it's important to know how to prevent and treat injuries and illnesses that could occur while in the air. Can anyone tell me some examples of these types of injuries or illnesses?

Next, let's talk about aircraft accidents. What are the three most common types of aircraft accidents? How can proper restraint prevent injuries during an accident?

Now, let's take a look at the instruments found in a typical single-engine aircraft. Can anyone tell me what the attitude indicator does? How about the airspeed indicator?

Weather plays a big role in aviation. How does meteorology affect flying? What are the differences between stable and unstable air?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for ensuring aviation safety. What is the FAA's role in aviation safety? How can the actions of pilots and air traffic controllers affect aviation safety?

Finally, let's get to the fun part - building and flying model airplanes! Which option will you choose - fuel-driven, battery-powered electric, or rubber-band-powered? Let's get creative and see what kind of airplane you can build!

Questions

  • What are some common injuries or illnesses that can occur while flying?
  • How can proper restraint prevent injuries during an aircraft accident?
  • What is the role of the FAA in aviation safety?
  • What kind of model airplane will you choose to build and fly?

Remember, if you have any questions or need help completing the Aviation merit badge, don't hesitate to reach out to your merit badge counselor. Good luck!

Schedule

Week Requirements
Week 1 Requirements 1-3
Week 2 Requirements 4-5
Week 3 Requirement 6
Week 4 Requirement 7
Week 5 Requirement 8