Aviation Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Indoor study, airport visits
Best For: Scouts interested in flying, planes, technology
Hands-On Level: Moderate
Requires Camping/Travel: No
Eagle Required: No

The Aviation Merit Badge helps you learn about flying and aircraft. You explore airplanes, helicopters, and other types of aircraft. You learn how planes fly and look at different jobs in aviation. This badge is a good choice if you are curious about flight.

You also learn the basics of how flying works. You study things like lift, drag, and thrust. You look at engines, navigation, and how pilots control an aircraft. These ideas help you understand how science is used in real life.

Safety is an important part of this badge. You learn how pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers work together. You see why following rules and paying attention matters. This badge can help you build confidence and interest in aviation for the future.

The requirements for this merit badge were updated effective January 1, 2025.

Download the Aviation Merit Badge Requirements

Aviation Merit Badge Pamphlet

Aviation Merit Badge Printable Requirement Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Aviation Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Aviation merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Aviation Basics and Mechanics of Flight
• Requirement 2: Principles of Flight
• Requirement 3: Flight Operations
• Requirement 4: Aircraft Operations
• Requirement 5: Personal and Professional Aviation Opportunities
• Resources

Requirement 1a: Define Aircraft And Types

What You Need To Do
Define aircraft. Describe three types of aircraft and what they are used for.

Helpful Tips

• An aircraft is any machine that can fly.
• Think of airplanes, helicopters, and gliders.
• Pick three types you can easily explain.
• Say what each one is used for.
• Airplanes carry people and cargo long distances.
• Helicopters are used for rescue and short trips.
• Gliders are used for training and fun flying.

Leader Tips

• Use pictures or models to show different aircraft.
• Ask Scouts to share examples they have seen.
• Keep the discussion simple and clear.
• Let Scouts describe uses in their own words.

Requirement 1b: History Of Flight

What You Need To Do
Give a short overview of flight history. Talk about three important events.

Helpful Tips

• Start with early flight ideas like balloons.
• Talk about the Wright brothers in 1903.
• Mention the first passenger flight in 1914.
• Include the moon landing in 1969.
• Keep each example short and clear.
• Focus on why each event mattered.

Leader Tips

• Use a simple timeline to guide the talk.
• Let Scouts choose events they like.
• Keep the focus on key milestones.
• Encourage short answers.

Requirement 1c: Fixed Wing And Rotary Wing

What You Need To Do
Explain the difference between fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. Share benefits of each.

Helpful Tips

• Fixed wing aircraft have wings that do not move.
• They need speed to stay in the air.
• They are good for long trips.
• Rotary wing aircraft use spinning blades.
• They can take off straight up.
• They can hover in one place.

Leader Tips

• Show videos or models if possible.
• Ask Scouts to compare the two types.
• Keep examples simple and clear.
• Guide them to think about uses.

Requirement 1d: Aircraft Engines

What You Need To Do
Explain how piston, turbine, and jet engines work.

Helpful Tips

• Piston engines work like car engines.
• They turn a propeller to move the plane.
• Turbine engines use spinning blades.
• They burn fuel to create power.
• Jet engines push air out the back fast.
• This push moves the aircraft forward.

Leader Tips

• Use simple diagrams to explain engines.
• Avoid too many technical details.
• Let Scouts ask questions as they learn.
• Keep explanations short.

Requirement 1e: Four Forces Of Flight

What You Need To Do
Use a model aircraft to show lift, weight, thrust, and drag.

Helpful Tips

• Lift pushes the plane up.
• Weight pulls the plane down.
• Thrust moves the plane forward.
• Drag slows the plane down.
• Point to the wings for lift.
• Point to the engine for thrust.

Leader Tips

• Use a model plane for hands-on learning.
• Have Scouts point to each force.
• Play the Forces of Flight Game
• Keep the activity active and simple.
• Reinforce the four forces clearly.

Requirement 1f: How Lift Is Created

What You Need To Do
Explain how an airfoil creates lift using Bernoulli’s principle.

Helpful Tips

• An airfoil is the shape of a wing.
• Air moves faster over the top.
• Air moves slower under the wing.
• Faster air has lower pressure.
• Slower air has higher pressure.
• The higher pressure pushes the wing up.

Leader Tips

• Use a simple demo if possible.
• Keep the explanation short.
• Use this easy demonstration of Bernoulli’s Principle using two Ping-Pong balls.
• Focus on pressure difference.
• Check for basic understanding.

Requirement 1g: Control Surfaces

What You Need To Do
Identify control surfaces and explain how they move the aircraft.

Helpful Tips

• Ailerons control roll side to side.
• They are on the wings.
• Elevators control the nose up and down.
• They are on the tail.
• The rudder moves the nose left and right.
• It is also on the tail.

Leader Tips

• Use a diagram or model airplane.
• Let Scouts point to each part.
• Keep movements easy to picture.
• Connect each part to its job.

Requirement 1h: Aircraft Instruments

What You Need To Do
Explain the purpose of common instruments in a single-engine aircraft.

Helpful Tips

• The attitude indicator shows if the plane is level or tilted.
• The heading indicator shows the direction of travel.
• The altimeter shows how high the plane is.
• The airspeed indicator shows how fast the plane is moving.
• The turn and bank indicator shows if the plane is turning and if the turn is smooth.
• The vertical speed indicator shows if the plane is climbing or descending.
• The compass shows direction using north, south, east, and west.
• Navigation instruments help guide the plane to its destination.
• Communication instruments let the pilot talk to others.
• Engine performance indicators show fuel, temperature, and engine health.

Leader Tips

• Use pictures of a cockpit panel.
• Focus on the main instruments first.
• Keep explanations simple.
• Let Scouts match instruments to uses.

Requirement 2a: Build And Fly An FPG-9 Glider

What You Need To Do
Build an FPG-9 model glider. Have others build one and hold a flight and landing contest.

Helpful Tips

• Use a foam plate to build your glider.
• Cut the wings and tail carefully.
• Add a paper clip to the nose for balance.
• Test your glider before the contest.
• Make small changes to improve flight.
• Aim for a smooth and straight glide.

Leader Tips

• Encourage testing before the contest.
• Keep the contest simple and fun.
• Focus on learning, not just winning.

Requirement 2b: Build A Rubber Band Airplane

What You Need To Do
Build a rubber-band powered balsa wood airplane. Fly it at least 25 feet with takeoff and landing.

Helpful Tips

• Use light balsa wood for the frame.
• Attach the rubber band to power the propeller.
• Wind the rubber band to store energy.
• Check that the plane is balanced.
• Test short flights first.
• Launch gently for a smooth takeoff.

Leader Tips

• Guide Scouts during building steps.
• Check for safe use of tools.
• Encourage small adjustments.
• Help Scouts find a safe flying area.

Requirement 2c: Fly A Model Aircraft Or Drone

What You Need To Do
Build or get a model aircraft or drone. Earn TRUST certification and complete a safe flight with takeoff and landing.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a simple model or beginner drone.
• Follow all setup instructions carefully.
• Take the TRUST test before flying.
• Pick an open and safe flying area.
• Practice basic controls before full flight.
• Focus on smooth takeoff and landing.

Leader Tips

• Review safety rules before flying.
• Help Scouts find a safe location.
• Encourage careful and steady control.
• Support Scouts during first flights.

Requirement 3a: Use A Flight Simulator

What You Need To Do
Use a flight simulator. Set a course and fly it with a takeoff and landing.

Helpful Tips

• Pick a simple flight simulator program.
• Choose a starting airport and destination.
• Set a clear course to follow.
• Practice the controls before flying.
• Stay on your heading during flight.
• Focus on a smooth takeoff and landing.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts get started with the simulator.
• Keep the setup simple.
• Encourage practice before the full flight.
• Support Scouts during takeoff and landing.

Requirement 3b: Perform A Preflight Inspection

What You Need To Do
With supervision, complete a preflight inspection of an aircraft.

Helpful Tips

• Walk around the aircraft slowly.
• Look for damage or loose parts.
• Check the wings and tail.
• Inspect the propeller and engine area.
• Look at the tires and landing gear.
• Make sure control surfaces move freely.

Leader Tips

• Work with a trained adult or pilot.
• Guide Scouts step by step.
• Keep safety the main focus.
• Encourage careful observation.

Requirement 3c: Aircraft Maintenance

What You Need To Do
Observe or help with aircraft maintenance. Describe the schedule and requirements.

Helpful Tips

• Watch how mechanics check the aircraft.
• Look at the engine and control surfaces.
• Notice how parts are tested.
• Ask about regular inspections.
• Learn about yearly and hourly checks.
• Write down what you see and learn.

Leader Tips

• Arrange a visit with a maintenance crew.
• Encourage Scouts to ask questions.
• Keep explanations simple.
• Focus on safety and routine care.

Requirement 3d: Read An Aeronautical Chart

What You Need To Do
Learn to read an aeronautical chart. Measure a course and adjust it for navigation.

Helpful Tips

• Look for airports and landmarks on the chart.
• Learn the symbols in the legend.
• Measure the distance between points.
• Find your true course.
• Adjust for magnetic variation.
• Adjust for wind drift and compass error.

Leader Tips

• Use a real chart for practice.
• Guide Scouts through one example.
• Keep steps clear and simple.
• Check their work as they go.

Requirement 3e: Take A Discovery Flight

What You Need To Do
With permission, take a discovery flight. Record details and share your experience.

Helpful Tips

• Get permission before scheduling the flight.
• Listen during the preflight talk.
• Watch how the pilot controls the plane.
• Pay attention during takeoff and landing.
• Write down the date and location.
• Record the aircraft type and flight time.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts plan ahead for the flight.
• Remind them to take notes after.
• Encourage simple reflections.
• Keep the focus on learning from the experience.

Requirement 4a: Visit An Airport

What You Need To Do
Visit an airport. Report how the airport works, how runways are numbered, and how active runways are chosen.

Helpful Tips

• Watch how planes take off and land.
• Look at terminals, hangars, and control towers.
• Runway numbers match compass directions.
• A runway marked 09 points east.
• Active runways depend on wind direction.
• Planes take off into the wind for safety.

Leader Tips

• Help arrange a safe airport visit.
• Encourage Scouts to take notes.
• Point out runway markings and signs.
• Keep the focus on how the airport works.

Requirement 4b: Visit An FAA Facility

What You Need To Do
Visit an FAA facility. Report how it operates and share your impressions.

Helpful Tips

• Watch how air traffic controllers guide planes.
• Look at radar screens and communication tools.
• Notice how planes are spaced apart.
• Listen to how instructions are given.
• Write down what you see and hear.
• Think about how safety is managed.

Leader Tips

• Schedule visits ahead of time.
• Prepare Scouts with basic terms.
• Encourage quiet observation.
• Discuss what they learned after.

Requirement 4c: Visit A Military Aviation Facility

What You Need To Do
Visit a military aviation facility. Learn how it supports defense or civilian work and report your experience.

Helpful Tips

• Look at the types of aircraft used.
• Ask how missions are planned.
• Learn how the facility supports defense.
• Ask about disaster relief or support roles.
• Take notes during the visit.
• Think about how the work helps others.

Leader Tips

• Coordinate with the facility early.
• Review safety rules before visiting.
• Encourage respectful behavior.
• Guide Scouts to ask simple questions.

Requirement 4d: Visit A Museum Or Air Show

What You Need To Do
Visit an aviation museum or attend an air show. Report what you saw and learned.

Helpful Tips

• Look at different types of aircraft.
• Read signs and displays at the museum.
• Watch how planes perform at air shows.
• Notice how aircraft have changed over time.
• Write down your favorite parts.
• Think about what you learned about aviation.

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to explore different exhibits.
• Allow time for questions and discussion.
• Remind Scouts to take notes.
• Focus on learning from the experience.

Requirement 5a: Basic Pilot Certificates

What You Need To Do
Explain student, recreational, remote, and private pilot certificates.

Helpful Tips

• A student pilot is learning and flies with guidance.
• A recreational pilot flies small planes for fun.
• They have limits on distance and passengers.
• A remote pilot flies drones for work.
• A private pilot can carry passengers.
• They cannot be paid for flying.

Leader Tips

• Use simple examples for each certificate.
• Compare what each pilot can do.
• Keep the focus on basic differences.
• Encourage questions from Scouts.

Requirement 5b: Instrument Rating

What You Need To Do
Describe the benefits of an instrument rating.

Helpful Tips

• Pilots use instruments instead of outside views.
• This helps in clouds or poor weather.
• It makes flying safer in low visibility.
• Pilots can fly more often with this rating.
• It helps with navigation over long distances.
• It is useful for advanced pilot training.

Leader Tips

• Use real weather examples.
• Keep the focus on safety.
• Explain how instruments guide pilots.
• Keep it simple and clear.

Requirement 5c: Advanced Pilot Certificates

What You Need To Do
Explain the commercial, airline transport, and flight instructor certificates.

Helpful Tips

• A commercial pilot can be paid to fly.
• They work jobs like charter or delivery.
• An airline transport pilot flies large aircraft.
• This is the highest pilot level.
• A flight instructor teaches others to fly.
• They help students earn certificates.

Leader Tips

• Show the path from student to advanced pilot.
• Keep terms simple.
• Focus on what each role does.
• Encourage Scouts to ask about careers.

Requirement 5d: Aviation Programs

What You Need To Do
Find a local Aviation Exploring Post or Civil Air Patrol unit. Learn about joining.

Helpful Tips

• Look for programs near your home.
• Check age and membership rules.
• Learn what activities they offer.
• Ask about meetings and training.
• Find out how to join.
• Take notes about what interests you.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts find local groups.
• Encourage them to reach out.
• Keep expectations clear.
• Support their interest in joining.

Requirement 5e: Aviation Careers

What You Need To Do
Name three aviation careers. Research one and share details with your counselor.

Helpful Tips

• Pick three careers like pilot or mechanic.
• Choose one to study in detail.
• Learn about training and school needed.
• Find out about licenses or certificates.
• Look up starting pay and job outlook.
• Think about if the job fits your goals.

Careers To Explore

• Airline pilot
• Commercial pilot
• Flight instructor
• Air traffic controller
• Aircraft mechanic
• Aerospace engineer
• Aviation safety inspector
• Flight attendant
• Airport manager
• Avionics technician
• Drone operator

Leader Tips

• Guide Scouts to reliable sources.
• Help them narrow their career choice.
• Encourage simple notes and sharing.
• Focus on practical career steps.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Aviation Merit Badge is one part of the wide range of badges Scouts can explore. It gives Scouts a chance to learn how aircraft work and how flying has shaped travel and safety. This badge adds variety to the program and lets Scouts try something they may not see every day. It also helps Scouts discover interests that could guide future learning or careers.

The merit badge program encourages curiosity, and Aviation fits well in that goal. It lets Scouts study a real-world skill and talk with people who work in aviation. It is a good example of how the program mixes hands-on learning with personal growth.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Aviation Merit Badge also fits into the larger goals of Scouts BSA. It teaches careful thinking, problem solving, and responsibility. These skills connect with leadership, fitness, citizenship, and personal development. Scouts learn to work safely, ask good questions, and follow clear procedures.

This badge also encourages confidence. Scouts step into a field that may feel new or complex. They learn step by step, which supports the broader program’s focus on steady growth and active learning.

What will I learn in the Aviation Merit Badge?

The Aviation Merit Badge teaches Scouts about the basics of flight, types of aircraft, and how airports and air traffic control work. Scouts also learn about careers in aviation and the safety rules for flying and building model airplanes.

Do I need to take a real flight for the Aviation Merit Badge?

Taking a flight is one option for earning the badge, but it’s not required. You can choose other activities, like building a model plane, learning to read an aeronautical chart, or visiting an aviation museum.

What are the four forces of flight that I need to know for the Aviation Merit Badge?

The four forces of flight are lift, weight, thrust, and drag. Lift pushes the plane up, weight pulls it down, thrust moves it forward, and drag slows it down. These forces work together to keep the plane in the air.

What are some careers I can learn about in the Aviation Merit Badge?

The Aviation Merit Badge covers careers like airline pilot, flight instructor, air traffic controller, aircraft mechanic, and aerospace engineer. These jobs help Scouts see the variety of roles in the aviation field.

Can I use a flight simulator for the Aviation Merit Badge?

Yes, using a flight simulator is one option for meeting the requirements. You can use it to practice planning a flight route and keeping the plane on course. It’s a safe and fun way to experience flying.

The Aviation Merit Badge is a fun way for Scouts to explore the world of flying. This badge teaches Scouts about the basics of aviation, including how planes take off, stay in the air, and land safely. Scouts learn about the four forces of flight—lift, weight, thrust, and drag—and how they work together to keep a plane in the sky. Through this badge, Scouts gain an understanding of the science and mechanics behind flying.

Scouts working on the Aviation Merit Badge get hands-on experience with model planes, charts, and even flight simulators. They can choose to build and fly a model plane or take a flight with permission. Another option is visiting an airport or FAA facility to see how air traffic control and safety procedures work. By completing these activities, Scouts learn how pilots and air traffic controllers work together to ensure safe flights.

The Aviation Merit Badge also introduces Scouts to aviation careers, such as pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics, and engineers. These career paths show Scouts how they can apply the knowledge they gain from this badge to real-life jobs. Whether or not they choose aviation as a career, Scouts leave with a greater appreciation of the teamwork and technology involved in flying.

By earning the Aviation Merit Badge, Scouts gain practical skills and knowledge about an exciting industry. It’s a rewarding badge for those interested in planes, engineering, or even just learning something new. This badge helps Scouts build a foundation in aviation that can spark further interest in science, technology, and exploration.