Aviation Merit Badge Activity Planner

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Come learn how to have fun with technology of Aviation.
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'Patrol Leader Merit Badge Planning Guide for the Aviation Merit Badge

*** Activities for the Youth Lead Patrol ***

Exploring Aviation can be a fascinating youth adventure when done right. Here are a few tips to help the patrol leader get started.

  • Scouts may never add or subtract from the actual merit badge requirements
  • This Planner is only a suggestion of different ideas to make working this Merit Badge both fun and easy.
  • While doing the Worksheet is not a requirement for earning this badge, in many cases it can help you learn key concepts and track your progress.
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A. Make Your Plan

Sample Patrol Activity Flyer
  1. Merit Badge Activity Planning Tips - 14 tips for a successful patrol activity. Read carefully before you start your plan!
  2. Share Your Plan - Meet ahead of time with your patrol, scout leaders, parents and especially with the Merit Badge Counselor. Make changes to the plan as needed.
  3. Prepare Activity Flyer - Keep your fellow scouts informed - events, activities, pre-requisites and more.
Patrol Activity GREAT Awesome MB to work as a patrol / Max Size 12 scouts
Virtual Field Trip GREAT See MBC for help on Req #2.
Family Activity FAIR Did your family take vacation by air travel?
Service Activity POOR n/a
S.T.E.M. Activity GREAT Learn all about modern Aviation Technology
Field Trip GREAT Four big options - See Extra Credit options
Duty-to-God POOR N/A
MB Day FAIR MBC brings material for Req #2 and #3a. Pre=requisite - Req #4.
Overnighter FAIR See Extra Credit Options
Summer Camp FAIR Very few scout camps have direct access to an airfield (See Extra Credit)


Online Resources

B. Introduction Meeting

Most merit badge activities do best to have a "introduction" meeting where the patrol can discuss how to get started and to plan out their field trips.


News Flash

C. Homework / Prerequisites

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Assign one or more requirements that the scout can do at home, perhaps as a family activity.

D. Study Hall Patrol Night

While some scouts may be adept at self-study, others may do better in a small group setting and taking notes on worksheets. Make an agenda. You can facilitate discussion by asking them why each of the principles introduced here would be relevant. Schedule one or more patrol meetings to work this merit badge.

MBC Discussion Group

  • Req #1: Discussion - How Aircraft Fly
  • Req #5: Discussion - Careers in Aviation

Discussion Resources:

Model Aircraft Activity


Req #3: Do ONE of the following:
a. Build and fly a fuel-driven or battery-powered electric model airplane. Describe safety rules for building and flying model airplanes. Tell safety rules for use of glue, paint, dope, plastics, fuel, and battery packs.
b. Build a model FPG-9 (Foam Plate Glider). 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.

E. Field Trip

A related field trip with the MBC will be a great time to do the second half of this merit badge activity:


Aviation Virtual Field Trip

For Req #2: Do TWO of the following Aviation Activities: Contact your MBC for assistance on this requirement.

  • a. Fly in an aircraft
  • b. Do Light Aircraft pre=flight inspection
  • c. Use an Aeronautical Chart
  • d. Use a Flight Simulator (Usually found at an aviation museum)
  • e. Explain the purposes and functions of the various instruments found in a typical single-engine aircraft:
  • f. Create an original poster of an aircraft instrument panel. (See Req #2e.)

Aviation Field Trip

For Req #4: Do one of the following Aviation Field Trips: - (See more options in below in Extra Credit)

  • a. Visit an Airport
  • b. Visit an FAA Control Tower
  • c. Visit an Aviation Museum
  • d. Visit an Air Show

F. Extra Credit

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While none of these are actual requirements for this merit badge - they are terrific opportunities to show Scout Spirit, Do A Good Turn Daily and to have FUN!

  1. Activity Reflection: Use this meeting for scouts to ask questions and to reflect on what they gained personally from this adventure. You can also have a discussion on what future opportunities are here.
  2. Court of Honor Exhibit: Pictures, handiwork and other memorabilia from this adventure will make for a great presentation at the next Scout Troop Court of Honor.

Aviation Summer Camp

Mataguay Scout Camp is the premier wilderness summer scout camp of the San Diego-Imperial Council. It is located in the backcountry near Lake Henshaw in the Northeast corner of San Diego County, California. This camp is very popular for its location close to a major glider port (Image right). Scouts working the Avaition Merit Badge at this summer camp get to take a flight in a real glider, thousands of feet in the air.

Aviation Hi-Adventure

Some scout troops plan their annual summer hi-adventure to a remote destination that requires air travel. This is an opportunity for the entire patrol to Req #2a.

Aviation Museum Campout

There may be a national historic site (Req #2a) that feature overnight camping tours; This is by far one of the funnest adventures associated with this merit badge. Here are a few examples:

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    USS Midway Museum - historic floating museum and national landmark, this famous aircraft carrier is docked in San Diego Harbor and regularly hosts overnight scout and family campouts. Many exhibits help visitors explore the development of science and technology in the military during the 20th Century. Explore aviation, citizenship and engineering activities onboard. Sleep overnight in the crew bunks onboard the ship!

Scouting Aviation Explorer Post

Does your council have an Explorer Post that studies exclusively on Aviation. A partnership with them can help your patrol to easily complete this merit badge.

Related Merit Badges

Sometimes it is easier by doing two or more merit badges together as a joint activity:

See Also

  • 9 Things to Know about Merit Badges - BoysLife.org - There are more than 135 merit badges. By earning them, you can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers. Here’s how to get the most out of your merit badge experience.