Aviation Merit Badge
digital resource guide
For counselor information, event coordinator, and camp director resources, visit our Counselor Information page.
Introduction & Overview
For most of history, people have dreamed of flying, imagining how it would feel to soar through the sky like an eagle or hover in midair like a hummingbird. Today, through aviation, we can not only join the birds but also fly farther, faster, and higher than they ever could. In fact, we can even fly remotely through the use of drones and other unmanned aircraft!
Aviation: In the movies
Some of the most famous movies have been centered around Aviation – with many of them based on real-life stories! While some of these may appear “larger than life,” it is important to know that most of these are based on real people doing real things – men and women who once were just like you!
Click the links below to see the movie trailer.
Aviation: In the military
The military uses aircraft of all types and functions. Sometimes they are protecting our country, other times they are helping our citizens directly.
U.S. Air Force
The Air Force provides Air and space superiority, global strike capabilities, rapid mobility, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance functions.
Navy
The Navy focuses on power projection from the sea, supporting fleet operations, and providing air superiority for carrier strike groups.
U.S. Army
The US Army Tactical aviation group supports ground forces – including transport, reconnaissance, and attack operations.
Marines
The Marines use aviation to provide close air support for ground forces, expeditionary operations, and amphibious warfare.
U.S. Coast Guard
The Coast Guard is focused on search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, environmental protection, and maritime security.
Did you know?
The military is now investing heavily in the use of “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” (UAVs) – aka drones!
Did you know?
The military is now investing heavily in the use of “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” (UAVs) – aka drones!
Did you know?
The military is now investing heavily in the use of “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” (UAVs) – aka drones!
Aviation: In our lives
Aviation plays a pivotal role in modern life, connecting people, goods, and services across the globe. It drives economic growth, fosters cultural understanding, supports emergency response, and improves overall quality of life. While challenges like environmental impact remain, ongoing innovation ensures that aviation will continue to shape the future in meaningful ways.
Aviation: Merit Badge Requirements
1. Aviation Basics and Mechanics of Flight.
Do the following:
1. Aviation Basics and Mechanics of Flight. Do the following:
- Define “aircraft.” Describe three kinds of aircraft today, and their typical uses.
- Provide a brief overview of the evolution of flight, and discuss three notable times in history important to aviation.
- Explain the difference between a fixed wing and a rotary wing aircraft, and the benefits of each.
- Explain the operation of piston, turbine, and jet engines.
- Using a model aircraft, describe the four forces that act on an aircraft in flight.
- Explain how an airfoil generates lift, specifically noting Bernoulli’s principle.
- 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.
- 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. Principles of Flight.
Do ONE of the following:
2. Principles of Flight. Do ONE of the following:
- 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.
- Build a rubber-band driven balsa wood airplane. Fly the plane for 25 feet, with a successful take-off and landing.
- 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. Flight Operations.
Do TWO of the following:
3. Flight Operations. Do TWO of the following:
- Using a flight simulator software package, set a course and fly the headings you have established with a successful take-off and landing.
- Under supervision, perform a preflight inspection of an aircraft.
- Observe and/or participate in an aircraft maintenance activity. Describe the maintenance schedule and requirements for an aircraft of your choice.
- 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.
- With your parents 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. Airport Operations.
Do ONE of the following:
4. Airport Operations. Do ONE of the following:
- 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."
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. Personal & Professional Aviation Opportunities.
Do the following:
5. Personal & Professional Aviation Opportunities. Do the following:
- Explain the following: the student pilot, the recreational pilot, the remote pilot, and the private pilot certificates.
- Describe the benefits of the instrument rating.
- Explain the following: the commercial pilot certificate, the airline transport pilot certificate, and certified flight instructor (CFI).
- Identify an Aviation Exploring Post and/or Civil Air Patrol facility in your area. Learn about their activities and membership requirements.
- 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.
