Aviation Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Aviation Basics and Mechanics of Flight. Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Define “aircraft.” Describe three kinds of aircraft today, and their typical uses.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Provide a brief overview of the evolution of flight, and discuss three notable times in history important to aviation.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 1.c
      Explain the difference between a fixed wing and a rotary wing aircraft, and the benefits of each.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 1.d
      Explain the operation of piston, turbine, and jet engines.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 1.e
      Using a model aircraft, describe the four forces that act on an aircraft in flight.
   6. # Copy link to requirement 1.f
      Explain how an airfoil generates lift, specifically noting Bernoulli’s principle.
   7. # Copy link to requirement 1.g
      Identify and describe the aerodynamic control surfaces on the aircraft of your choice, and explain how they operate to control its attitude and direction of flight.
   8. # Copy link to requirement 1.h
      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, communication, and engine performance indicators.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Principles of Flight. Do ONE of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a
      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.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b
      Build a rubber-band driven balsa wood airplane. Fly the plane for 25 feet in a straight line, with a smooth landing.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c
      Build (or obtain) a fuel-driven or battery-powered electric model aircraft or drone. Obtain The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) certification, and fly the aircraft with a successful take-off and landing.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Flight Operations. Do TWO of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 3.a
      Using a flight simulator software package, set a course and fly the headings you have established with a successful take-off and landing.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 3.b
      Under supervision, perform a preflight inspection of an aircraft.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 3.c
      Observe and/or participate in an aircraft maintenance activity. Describe the maintenance schedule and requirements for an aircraft of your choice.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 3.d
      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 navigational heading for an aircraft.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 3.e
      With your parent or guardian’s permission, take a discovery flight in an aircraft. Record the date, place, type of aircraft, and duration of flight. Report on your impressions of the flight.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Airport Operations. Do ONE of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.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.”
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      Visit a Federal Aviation Administration facility: Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON), Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), or Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Report on the operation and your impressions of the facility.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 4.c
      Visit a military aviation facility. Learn how that facility supports defense and/or civilian activities. Report on the operation and your impressions of the facility.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 4.d
      Visit an aviation museum or attend an air show. Report on your impressions of the museum or show, and what you learned from the experience.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Personal & Professional Aviation Opportunities. Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 5.a
      Explain the following: the student pilot, the recreational pilot, the remote pilot, and the private pilot certificates.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 5.b
      Describe the benefits of the instrument rating.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 5.c
      Explain the following: the commercial pilot certificate, the airline transport pilot certificate, and certified flight instructor (CFI).
   4. # Copy link to requirement 5.d
      Identify an Aviation Exploring Post and/or Civil Air Patrol facility in your area. Learn about their activities and membership requirements.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 5.e
      Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in aviation. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.