Skip to content
View menu
Junior Test Pilot School
Log in
Physics Calendar view

LA Scouts Aviation Merit Badge


Class
Lisa Brown
Access code required
Enroll

This learning module was developed to meet most of the written requirements of the Aviation Merit Badge based on the guidelines from the Scouts of America. See the long description for the specific requirements the content covers.

This learning module meets the written requirements of the Aviation Merit Badge based on the guidelines from the Scouts of America.

 

Module One: FLIGHT meets the following requirements:

  1. Define “aircraft.” Describe some kinds and uses of aircraft today. Explain the operation of the piston, turboprop, and jet engines.
  2. Point out on a model airplane the forces that act on an airplane in flight.
  3. 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.
  4. Demonstrate how the control surfaces of an airplane are used for takeoff, straight climb, level turn, climbing turn, descending turn, straight descent, and landing.

Module Two: JET ENGINES further demonstrates how engines work and the basic physics of high-speed flight and maneuverability. 

Module Three: Pilots, Instrumentation, and Gear meet the following requirements:

  1. Explain the following: the sport pilot, the recreational pilot, and the private pilot certificates; the instrument rating.
  2. 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. 

Module Four: Interviews with Aviation Professionals can be used to meet the following BSA requirement:

  1. Find out about three career opportunities in aviation.
  2. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession.
  3. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.

Here is the class outline:

1. Mission: FLIGHT

In this module you will learn about how the wings of an airplane work with air pressure and the thrust of an engine or propeller to overcome the forces of gravity!

2. Mission: JET ENGINES

This is a fun module that will help you learn more about the force of gravity, how it is produced in the F-22 by Mach speed, and how it affects test pilots.

3. Pilots, Instrumentation, Airplanes, and Gear

Understand the role of a pilot, test pilot, how the instruments work and function in aircraft., and the gear needed to fly.

4. Aerospace Professional Interviews

Throughout the summer, we will be collecting questions from our students for professionals in aerospace including engineers, test pilots, AF pilots, flight test physiologists, and astronauts. In this section, we will collect our interviews.