Scout Mechanic

Choose 1 of the following options:

• Motor car
  • Learn the principles of operating an engine.
  • Makesure you understand the function of the clutch, gearbox and rear axledifferential.
  • Show how to check and refill the windscreen wash bottle of a car.
  • Show how to change a bulb at the front and in the rear light cluster of a car.
  • Show how to check the level of coolant in the radiator, ‘top up’ the radiator and explain the importance of anti-freeze.
  • Show how to check tyre pressures and inflate a tyre correctly.
  • Remove and replace a road wheel.
  • Explain what to look for when checking that a tyre conforms to the legal requirement. Find out why tyres with different amounts of wear should not be mixed on the same axle.
  • Show how to change a wiper blade.
  • Explain the outline requirements for an MOT road test.
• Power boat
  • Complete one of these activities (part 1):
    • Discuss the principles and performance of several types of motorboat engines, other than two-stroke.
    • Show that you know the maintenance needed for a familiar type of marine internal combustion engine, other than two-stroke.
    • Assist with the maintenance, dismantle, service and reassemble an outboard engine.
    • Show how to fit it properly to the transom of a boat. Explain how to detect minor faults in starting and running whilst afloat.
  • Complete one of these activities (part 2):
    • As driver or mechanic member of a power boat’s crew, help to prepare the boat for a voyage by checking the engine for possible minor faults, checking the fuel supply and pump and mustering the fire-fighting equipment.
    • Show you know how to leave the engine in a proper manner and how to drain the engine in an emergency.
    • Check the engine of a motorboat in preparation for a cruise or expedition, making sure there is fuel that is stored safely, an adequate tool kit and effective fire-fighting apparatus.
    • Accompany the expedition, either as the mechanic or assistant, and be fully or jointly responsible for the operation, care and maintenance of the engine throughout.
• Aircraft
  • Learn the basic principles of one these component parts and be able to point them out:
    • an aircraft piston engine
    • an aircraft gas turbine engine.
  • Learn the basic principles of flight and airframe construction of a fixed wing aircraft.
  • Learn and then demonstrate Aircraft Marshalling signals used by day and night.
  • Show you can carry out any four of these:
    • replenishing a light aircraft fuel and oil system safely
    • rigging and de-rigging a glider
    • picketing a light aircraft
    • changing plugs on a light aircraft engine
    • inspecting aircraft main and tail or nose wheel tyres for serviceability
    • repairing a small tear in the fabric surface of a light aircraft or glider
    • checking the control system of a light aircraft or glider for correct sense of movement.
• Motorcycle or scooter
  • Learn the principles of operating an engine. Learn about the function of the clutch, gearbox, carburettor and transmission of a motorcycle.
  • Check and top up the level of the engine oil.
  • Explain how to adjust the tension of the final drive chain.
  • Show how you change a bulb at the front and in the rear light cluster.
  • Show how you would check tyre pressures and inflate a tyre correctly.
  • Remove and replace a road wheel.
  • Explain what to look for when checking that a tyre conforms to the legal requirement.
  • Explain the outline requirements for an MOT road test.