UTICA, NY – The SUNY Polytechnic Institute University Model Aviation Student Club #15104 (UMASC) will host two drone events on campus in April with free admission. The first annual Rig Rescue Team Drone Challenge is set for Sunday, April 15, 2018, 8:00am-5:00pm in the SUNY Polytechnic Institute Campus Center Gym. The public is invited to view the competition, take part in interactive STEM exhibits and pick up information on other drone community events. This year’s challenge theme, Rig Rescue, is based on a story of a malfunctioning off-shore oil platform. Teams from New Hartford, Oneida, Syracuse, Utica, Verona and Connecticut are scheduled to take the field. Participant flight crews will navigate through a 9-element course that includes recording key information, securing a facility, rescuing workers and retrieving equipment. The program, developed by CNY Drones volunteers is a local feeder event for the Academy of Model Aeronautics UAS4STEM competition.
On Saturday, April 21, 2018, the SUNY Student Club will host the CNY Drones MultiGP Chapter’s NEON Night Race at Wildcat Field. The event opens at 7:00pm with races starting at dusk. In addition to fast-paced outdoor drone racing, spectators can stroll the racer pits to mingle with area drone enthusiasts and participate in interactive STEM exhibits. Drones will fly under the lights and through a darkened neon lit course.
SUNY’s UMASC partnered with local STEM advocates, CNY Drones to present both drone events. The Utica/Rome based CNY Drones provides a drone information hub, mentors, introductory flying sessions, drone building workshops and networking opportunities for drone recreational owners. CNY Drones hosts a Utica/Rome MultiGP Chapter and the area’s first Academy of Model Aeronautics Model Aviation Student Club, #15080. The growing aeronautics club partnership gives groups an opportunity to provide the community with inspiring drone programs that feed into the regional education and employment pipeline.
For directions and parking information for the Rig Rescue Team Drone Competition and the MultiGP NEON Night Race, visit the CNY Drones website: www.cnydrones.org or contact SUNY UMASC Advisor Bob Payne at PayneR@sunyit.edu or Club President, Ryan Saunders at Saunder@sunyit.edu.