Post by ronturner on Feb 9, 2020 10:09:48 GMT 1
I was thrilled that my grandson, (Aiden, 12) achieved his aviation merit badge yesterday. Boy Scouts of America, Winter Garden, Florida USA)
I have no idea if a similar programme exists in UK, perhaps someone knows, but here is how it works over there.
First the boys have to study and pass a questionnaire which covers the principles of flight, effects of controls and safety. Them they get to fly. Yesterday 15 boys flew from Kissimmee in 5 Piper Archers, each making a three leg flight with a boy in the left hand seat, boys changing places at each stop. The cost of this is minimal because in common with other things the Scouts do, there are sponsors and the flight school gives up aeroplane time and instructor time. Only a few incidentals to pay such as gas, which is cheap in the USA anyway. (… and by selling pop corn and cleaning cars through out the year, the boys earn credits to pay for these incidentals, including camping and so on.)
Aiden is no stranger to flying, having flown my '172 in the past and this year he will be flying The Diamond, but it was a great day out for him and his mates.
I am not clever enough to extract photos and video from Facebook, so I cannot illustrate this brief item.
Bravo to the Scouts and all those who facilitated it.
Again I do not know if a similar programme exists in France, for Scouts, but there are several sponsored schemes over here, including state sponsorship, and in fact I participate in one at our aero club in conjunction with a rigorous learning programme at the local secondary school. (One afternoon per week)
I have no idea if a similar programme exists in UK, perhaps someone knows, but here is how it works over there.
First the boys have to study and pass a questionnaire which covers the principles of flight, effects of controls and safety. Them they get to fly. Yesterday 15 boys flew from Kissimmee in 5 Piper Archers, each making a three leg flight with a boy in the left hand seat, boys changing places at each stop. The cost of this is minimal because in common with other things the Scouts do, there are sponsors and the flight school gives up aeroplane time and instructor time. Only a few incidentals to pay such as gas, which is cheap in the USA anyway. (… and by selling pop corn and cleaning cars through out the year, the boys earn credits to pay for these incidentals, including camping and so on.)
Aiden is no stranger to flying, having flown my '172 in the past and this year he will be flying The Diamond, but it was a great day out for him and his mates.
I am not clever enough to extract photos and video from Facebook, so I cannot illustrate this brief item.
Bravo to the Scouts and all those who facilitated it.
Again I do not know if a similar programme exists in France, for Scouts, but there are several sponsored schemes over here, including state sponsorship, and in fact I participate in one at our aero club in conjunction with a rigorous learning programme at the local secondary school. (One afternoon per week)
