Thousands of people enjoyed day three of the National Championship Air Races Friday. This year, a new event is becoming a popular attraction. The Drone Zone is a small unmanned aerial system challenge, or better known as a drone challenge. Organizers said the event is a fun way to educate and let people see what this new technology can do.
The competition test skills and demonstrates a variety of small drones. “So we have a three event challenge we’re doing, we have an obstacle course their flying around, they have a speed course they’re going to run around, and then a weight lifting competition,” said David Thirtyacre.
Thirtyacre is the Assistant Professor of Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Worldwide. He said it is a way to educate those who are not familiar with this technology. “There’s a lot of perceptions of the drones that aren’t necessarily good, and what we’re trying to show is to educate the public on what they are when they hear it in the news and show them some of the things that they can do.”
One local said he believes the Drone Zone is the best part of the Air Races this year. “Well the Drone Zone is probably why I came out to the Races this year,” said Sparks resident Orville Lang. “I wanted to see it because it’s a new feature.”
Competitor Rob Dunbar’s hexicopter can hold around 12 pounds. Like Thirtyacre, Dunbar said he hopes this event changes how people look at drones. “I think this is great because Nevada being one of the test sites, this is a great way to promote it, I know everyone here is working very hard with the FAA to get clearance to fly their aircraft, so I’m hoping doing something like this will show people that this a safe hobby and safe industry.”
The Drone Zone Competition is under a net, so it is considered a structure, an FAA requirement. Organizers also said they hope the Drone Zone becomes a new annual event at the Air Races.
If you want to see drones fly, it is happening all weekend. If you have a drone, it is free to enter the competition.