Coachella Valley boy scouts soar to earn latest badge

It was an exciting day for some of the Coachella Valley’s local Boy Scouts. Members of Troop 377 had the chance to earn their Aviation Merit Badge at the Jackie Cochran Airport in Thermal on Saturday.

Thirteen scouts between the ages of 11 and 14, all from Bermuda Dunes, worked with the Experimental Aviation Association to learn all about careers in aviation and the principles of flight. The scouts made Styrofoam gliders and then put them to the test.

“It’s a good thing,” said Sid Burkes from EAA. “These kids get to see what aviation is all about and it’s a chance for them to see if they like a career in aviation. They learn about math and science.”

Hours after classroom time, the scouts checked over the aircraft and had a chance to fly in them. Some of them were even lucky enough to sit in front of the controls and navigate over the Salton Sea.

It was the first time the Aviation Merit Badge has been offered at the airport in several years.