CNY Drones, in cooperation with the Utica Jewish Community Center and the Academy of Model Aeronautics University Model Aviation Student Club at SUNY Polytechnic Institute (AMA UMASC), will host an informational meeting on Friday, February 16, 2017, and Friday, March 16, 2017, for those interested in forming teams for the area’s first open team drone competition, Rig Rescue.  The meeting is from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium at 2310 Oneida Street, Utica. The public is invited to learn more about the competition, pick up information to start a team, or to sign up a team. Teams can be any combination 2 to 5 members, ages 11+. Families, neighbors, friends, schools, community groups, and companies are encouraged to get involved in this low-cost, landmark program that ties to the local drone education and employment pipeline. Registered teams are invited to attend and practice with their drones using field elements or get advice on their building projects.  Rig Rescue is an inclusive, low cost, STEM-based Team Drone Challenge that utilizes Next Generation Science Standards to offer 9 real-World field elements.  This year’s competition will be held on April 15, 2018 in the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Campus Center Gym, a new location from the originally planned Parkway Recreation Center. The 2018 program is limited to 10 teams and will grow to 16 teams for future presentations.   Six regional teams have already confirmed that they area building and practicing for the event. The new location at SUNY provides more space for teams and spectators and gives the college community a chance to get involved.
Informational meetings are part of CNY Drones’ efforts to promote STEM, provide awareness of drone technology educational and employment opportunities and build a safe flying recreational drone community.  Recreational drone owners throughout the State utilize the CNY Drones information hub and add to their growing network of knowledgeable enthusiasts and advocates. CNY Drones is an AMA affiliate that partners with the SUNY Polytechnic sister organization to bring college students together with the local community.  The SUNY student group will also host a nighttime CNY Drones MultiGP Outdoor Drone Race on April 21st under the lights at the SUNY Athletic Field adjacent to the Field House.
For more information on Rig Rescue and other CNY Drones programs, visit https://www.CNYDrones.org or email: CNYDrones@gmail.com.