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Merit Badges > Digital Resource Guides > Aviation >  2.C

Aviation Merit Badge

Digital Resource Guide

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.

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (or “UAV”, which is a type of drone) is a fun way to experience the thrill of flying an aircraft relatively inexpensively, and with minimal training. However, you must make sure that you get the right training and operate the drone according to FAA regulations.

Before you begin this requirement, you MUST achieve the TRUST certification!

Learn More
Take The Test

Drones are a great way to experience flight – remotely!

Materials you will need

  • Mini-drones or beginner-friendly drones (e.g., DJI Mini 2, Holy Stone HS series, or similar).
  • Extra batteries and chargers.
  • Cones or markers for an obstacle course.
  • Safety equipment (e.g., goggles, gloves).
  • Landing pad (optional).
  • Notebook to record your observations and performance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Learn how to fly your drone.

Follow instructions provided by the drone manufacturer.

Practice flying.

Set and fly a course – stay away from trees!

Fly an obstacle course.

Check with your counselor, or local drone-focused Explorer post.

Did you know?

Drones are a rapidly growing type of aircraft – and with a bit of effort, you can find or acquire one that will give you hours of fun, and develop skills that could be useful in a future career!

Did you know?

Drones are a rapidly growing type of aircraft – and with a bit of effort, you can find or acquire one that will give you hours of fun, and develop skills that could be useful in a future career!

Here is a video that will give you an example of an entry-level drone.

The TRUST certification takes a long time and is rather expensive.

Hopefully, the thrill of flying a model aircraft has made you even more excited about Aviation.

Now step up to the “real deal” with a simulator, or even fly an actual aircraft!

Go To 3.A

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.