Requirements
1. Do the following:
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.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges