Scouts open world of aviation to youths

Fast Facts

For additional information about Air Squadron 747, contact Charlie Braun at (702) 480-3118.

Shortly after playing a computer-simulated jet-fighter game that his dad brought home seven years ago, Micah Braun was hooked on aviation.

Since then he has amassed a hearty collection of model airplanes, including jet fighters, piston-engine airplanes and aircraft from around the world.

Braun subscribes to the Smithsonian Institution's Air & Space magazine and studies literature on Air Force flight maneuvers and on World War II aircraft.

This fall the 14-year-old will attend Rancho High School, which has a magnet program that offers an Academy of Aerospace and Aviation. Braun plans to obtain his pilot's license as soon as he's legally able to at age 17.

"He wants to fly so bad he can taste it," said his dad, Charlie Braun.

And because of a newly formed Boy Scout aviation program, Micah Braun is closer to realizing his dream.

The program of the Boy Scouts Learning For Life Division, known as Air Squadron 747, introduces young men and women, ages 14-20, to the world of aviation.

It is one of 35 Boy Scout Explorer programs that help youth explore career opportunities, and is sponsored by the Nevada Aviation and Aerospace Foundation.

Joanne Stephlic, district executive for Boy Scout Explorer Programs, said there are about 800 local youth participating in activities that include fire and law enforcement, health and medical programs.

Being a Scout is not a requirement for the Air Squadron 747, she said -- but having an interest in aviation is.

The Explorers meet with people who work in the field of aviation, from military pilots to mechanics who work on aircraft, and take field trips to local air-traffic control towers.

"We try to teach them what aviation is about and the different fields they can be in," said Charlie Braun, who is also an adult advisor to Air Squadron 747.

The group meets twice a month at the North Las Vegas Airport. Young Explorers wear uniforms similar to those worn by Air Force pilots. Explorers work together to form their own agenda, including field trips.

Scholarships to be applied to aviation instruction are offered to Aviation Explorers by Comair Aviation Academy in Sanford, Fla., Silver Wings Fraternity, a national organization and Sporty's Pilot Shop in Ohio.

Jim Bonelli, a local certified flight- and ground-school instructor, is volunteering his time to teach an ongoing ground-school awareness program to the Explorers, which will begin this month.

Participating youth will be taught the basics of ground school, including navigation, Federal Aviation regulations, general knowledge about different aircraft and engines and the requirements for becoming a student pilot, Bonelli said.

Micah Braun is a member of Young Eagles, the FAA's Experimental Aircraft Association program that introduces youth to aviation. Three years ago, accompanied by a pilot, he flew a Beachcraft Bonanza single-engine plane for about 30 minutes.

By taking the ground school program offered through Air Squadron 747, Braun said he'll be better prepared for the aviation classes that are offered through Rancho High School.

The ground school program offered through Air Squadron 747 is accredited, and Explorers who continue with the program over a three-year period (and who learn all that is required) qualify to take the written exam.

Many of the Explorers are well on their way.

"You'd be surprised at what they know already," Charlie Braun said. "They are so dedicated."

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