Air Spotter Scout Interest Badge

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Badge Requirements

Air Spotter
Air Spotter


The Air Spotter Scout Interest Badge invites you to become a skilled observer of the skies, spotting and identifying aircraft, learning about the countries they come from, and understanding how aviation connects our world. You'll explore everything from airline routes and aircraft markings to the symbols of international air forces. You'll track real aircraft, decode registration codes, and visit places where aviation comes to life. Using all that you've learned, you'll even get to create your own dream aircraft.

  1. Prerequisite Knowledge and Training
    Have completed the Aviation Skills Scoutcraft Badge and be prepared to demonstrate any of those requirements
    OR
    Complete all the requirements for the Aviation Skills Scoutcraft Badgeas part of this badge.
  2. Spotter's Knowledge
    Demonstrate your understanding of aircraft spotting by explaining the following to your Examiner:
    1. How to safely and legally spot aircraft
    2. Common aircraft types found in South African skies
    3. How to tell aircraft types apart (e.g., by silhouette, engine position, number of wheels, size)
    4. Tools and apps used by spotters (e.g., Flightradar24, ADS-B apps, binoculars, camera, spotting logbook - digital or hand-written)
  3. Your Spotter's Logbook
    In at least five spotting sessions, record thirty aircraft you've personally seen. First note what you observe — shape, size, engines, colours, markings — before using an app like Flightradar24 to confirm details you couldn't see clearly. Present your completed log to your Examiner for review and discussion.
    For each entry, record:
    1. Aircraft type/model (e.g., Airbus A320, Bell 206)
    2. Registration number
    3. Date and location spotted

    Tip: You don't need to find 30 different aircraft types - It's okay to record the same model more than once. This is about sharpening your observation skills and spotting patterns in the skies!

  4. Aircraft Registration Prefixes
    Research and list the aircraft registration prefixes for:
    1. Ten Sub-Saharan African countries
    2. Ten countries from other parts of the world

    For each prefix, include:

    1. The registration prefix (e.g. "V5")
    2. The full name of the country it belongs to (e.g. "Namibia")
    3. The name of an airline or aircraft currently using that prefix
  5. Flight Paths to South Africa
    Research and present a list of ten international airlines that currently operate flights into South Africa and share your findings with your Examiner using a table, infographic, or creative map.
    1. Include the airline name and country of origin
    2. At least three must be airlines on the African continent

    Optional: Include an image of the aircraft or tail logo

  6. Wings of the World
    Draw or digitally create the insignia of ten different Air Forces from around the world. (Your selection may include roundels, tail markings, or other official military aviation symbols.)
    1. At least three must be from African countries
    2. Each image must be clearly labelled
    3. Include one interesting fact about each Air Force (e.g. motto, aircraft used, year founded, or notable history)
  7. Aviation in Action or Imagination
    Select ONE of the following options to explore further and share your findings or design with your Examiner.
    1. Visit an Aviation Location
      With your Patrol, family, or on your own; visit a site of aviation interest and learn more about real-world aircraft operations. This could include: A local airport or airstrip, an aviation museum, an air traffic control facility, an airshow or aviation day event. Note: The site should be different to that which was visited for the Aviation Skills Scoutcraft Badge.
      After your visit, discuss the following with your Examiner: Where you went. What you saw or learned. Your favourite part of the experience, and why it stood out to you.
      OR
    2. Design Your Dream Aircraft
      Use what you've learned from aircraft spotting to design your own original aircraft — either on paper or digitally.
      Your design must include:
      1. Type of aircraft (e.g. passenger, military, cargo, surveillance)
      2. Key features (e.g. number of engines, wing shape, landing gear, cockpit position)
      3. A custom registration code using a real-world prefix
      4. A logo, roundel, or tail marking
      5. A short explanation of where it would fly and why, based on its design and purpose

Recommended Age Range: The Air Spotter Scout Interest Badge is recommended for Senior Scouts aged 14 and older. By this stage, Scouts have the observational skills, technical knowledge, and attention to detail needed to identify and classify aircraft types accurately and can engage more deeply with the aviation-related activities and creative elements of the badge.

Badge Examiner: Training and examination for this badge must be conducted by a suitably qualified individual who has relevant experience or formal training in the specific field of expertise being assessed.

The ideal Air Spotter Scout Interest Badge Examiner should be someone familiar with aviation — an experienced adult with a background or strong interest in the subject. This could include a Scout Group Leader, Troop Scouter, Assistant Troop Scouter, or any adult with some aviation knowledge; a qualified pilot; an aviation enthusiast; or a member of an aeronautical club or flying school.


Badge Requirements in printable PDF format


Safe From Harm

Whilst completing the requirements for this badge, Scouts must not be placed in hazardous or dangerous situations under any circumstances.

All activities must comply with SCOUTS South Africa Safe from Harm framework and be supervised by responsible adults.

Participation should offer meaningful learning or service experiences while ensuring the Scout's safety and well-being at all times.

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