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Pittstown, N.J. – June 20, 2006 –The sky truly is the limit when it comes to Scouting. One hundred and four Boy Scouts from the Raritan Valley District of the Patriot Path Council of Boy Scouts of America participated in the Aviation Merit Badge Program on May 6, 2006 at the Sky Manor Airport in Pittstown, N.J. The event was held under the direction of Tom Teel, the Aviation Merit Badge Counselor. The opening ceremony was provided by Troop 186 and Douglas Dittrick, President of the Northeast Region, BSA, welcomed the Scouts, challenging them to learn as much as possible about aviation.
“It was an excellent experience for the Scouts,” pilot David Velez commented. The Boy Scouts learned about the different types of aircraft, the operation of pistons, turboprops and jet engines. They learned about various instruments found in a typical single-engine aircraft for monitoring flight and engine conditions as well as navigation and communications radio operations.
Herb “Gus” Kushner, a pilot and assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 46 in Martinsville, explained the function of the Federal Aviation Administration and how it manages the aviation community. He also made a presentation on airport operations, how runways are numbered and how runways are determined to be “active.”
The Boy Scouts learned how an airfoil generates lift, how control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, and rudder) affect the airplane’s movement and how a propeller produces thrust. Somerset Signal Senders, Inc provided a large-scale radio controlled model WWII P51 Mustang, which was used to demonstrate aerodynamics and flight controls.
Donna Blanchard, of British Airways, explained the pre-flight inspection of an aircraft that is critical before take off.
Under the direction of Doug Nelson, EAA Chapter 643 conducted many Young Eagles orientation flights. “Seventy-seven Boy Scouts took the opportunity to experience a flight in a single-engine aircraft. We had great weather to offer the Scouts, starting promptly at 9:00 a.m. and finishing up at 12:30 a.m. Our regular ground crew was ably assisted by some folks from our partner organization, Aviation Exploring Post 107. Together they teamed up to run the smoothest and best organized Young Eagles event I've seen yet,” Nelson indicated.
Each Young Eagles pilot demonstrated how the controls are used for take off, straight and level flight and landing. After exiting the single-engine aircraft, Scott Brink from Troop 1776 of Neshanic commented, “It was good and fun!”
A number of aviation organizations contributed to the success of the Raritan Valley Aviation Merit Badge Program.
The instructors included pilots, Certified Flight Instructors, airline operations managers and Steve Riethof, Director of the New Jersey Hall of Fame and Museum. Marty Kress’ Aircraft Maintenance Hanger provided shelter to the Boy Scouts and their adult leaders.
EAA Chapter 643 hosted the EAA Young Eagles event under the direction of Doug Nelson. The Chapter provided skilled pilots, aircraft and excellent ground crew.
Aviation Exploring Post 107 managed the Aviation Merit Badge (AMB) Program for the Raritan Valley District. Youth Members of AEP107 served as the AMB Program Director and ground crew event.
Aviation Merit Badge counselor, Tom Teel, a former aircraft designer, explained different job opportunities in aviation. He described the qualifications and working conditions of each career. Tom also explained Aviation Exploring Post 107, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles Program, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and how these organizations support young people with an interest in the aviation community. The event provided an exciting experience for all the Scouts.
Submitted By: Tom Teel, Helena & Tom Mitchell
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Three soon-to-be Young Eagles excitedly wait for their flight to begin.
A group of Boy Scouts fills out their Young Eagles registration forms.
Doug Nelson gathers paperwork in preparation for the flights.
This Young Eagle waits patiently for his turn to fly.
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