Answers for parents, advisors and schools.
Everything you need to know about our clubs, camps and the competition. Cannot find your answer? Email droneteam@ainautics.com.
Parents & Students
What is the Drone Flight Academy Club?
An afterschool club for high school students ages 14 and up. Students meet one day a week for 90-minute sessions across the full academic year, with instruction, hands-on flight training and mission-based challenges.
Who teaches it, and what equipment is needed?
A licensed and certified drone pilot instructor leads the club. AINautics provides all drones, equipment and training materials.
Does my student get an FAA license?
Students are prepared and supported to earn FAA Part 107 certification. Students can take the class and the exam at 14, but the license is issued at 16.
How much does the club cost?
$25 per week per student ($100 per month), all-inclusive: instruction, equipment, curriculum and the certification pathway.
Is it safe?
Safety comes first. Club sessions are led by a certified instructor. In the competition, all live flights happen in controlled environments, such as indoor netted enclosures or defined outdoor zones, with a safety pilot who can pause or stop any flight. Orientation and practice come before anything is scored, and there is no racing.
Do students have to be in FFA to compete?
No. FFA membership is not required. Students must be in grades 9–12 and associated with a participating school. The competition is approved by FFA.
Will students be photographed or recorded?
Teams may be photographed or recorded during events. Drone data remains student-created, and AINautics may use content for educational promotion unless an opt-out is documented during registration.
When and where are summer camps?
Camp locations are coming soon, and details vary by location. We also partner with organizations to offer camps at their venues. Contact us for updates.
Advisors & Educators
What does a competition advisor do?
Each team has one advisor who confirms eligibility, supervises preparation and submissions, ensures school policy and safety compliance, and serves as the team’s official point of contact.
How big is a team?
Teams have 5–10 students, plus up to two optional alternates. A team represents one FFA chapter or school, and mixed teams are not allowed.
What roles does a team need?
Pilot-in-Command, Safety Officer, Mission Planner, Data Analyst and Presentation Lead. Teams submit a roster listing student names and roles.
What is the season timeline?
The competition launches in the 2027–2028 school year. Phase 0 (certification) runs August–December, Phase I (virtual qualifier) January–April, and Phase II (National Championship) takes place in May. The host will be announced.
Does every student need FAA Part 107?
Pilots must hold FAA Part 107 certification before the Phase I submission deadline. Students under 16 can take the class and exam and serve as Visual Observers until their certificate is issued at 16. Final details will be in the updated rulebook.
How much help can advisors give?
Advisors can schedule, coach, monitor progress, supervise safety, and review for grammar and formatting. Reports, maps, analysis and presentations must be student-created, and adults may not fly missions for student deliverables.
What does it cost?
$350 per student and a $250 one-time platform fee per chapter. Approved waiver or sponsorship codes are accepted. Registration is complete only after payment or waiver approval.
How is the virtual round judged?
FAA compliance and safety (25%), data accuracy and interpretation (25%), agricultural insight (25%), professional communication (15%), and innovation and practical impact (10%). Top-ranked teams advance to the National Championship.
School Administrators
What does it take for our school to start a club?
AINautics runs a turnkey program: a certified instructor, all drones and equipment, curriculum, certification preparation and program management. Staff lift is minimal.
How does this fit our school’s goals?
The club aligns with STEM and CTE initiatives and supports workforce development and career readiness. The competition is also designed to fit Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and postsecondary pathways.
What safeguards protect students?
Mandatory FAA certification for pilots, advisor supervision, written safety checklists, signed acknowledgments and controlled flight environments. Safety protocols and checklists are available on request.
Is this a drone racing event?
No. There is no racing, stunt flying or timed speed challenge. Students are judged on safety, control, decision-making and professionalism.
What does it cost the school?
The club is $25 per week per student. The competition is $350 per student plus a $250 chapter platform fee. We can also help you find funding.
Can you help us find funding?
Yes. We help schools and institutions identify funding sources and put them to work. See our Services page or contact us.
Where is the National Championship?
The host and location will be announced.
How do we get started?
Call 864.500.1019 or 803.603.1387, or email droneteam@ainautics.com.
I want to earn my Part 107 myself. Where do I sign up?
Individuals sign up at AINautics University, ainauticsuniversity.com, in person or online. The request forms on this site are for schools, institutions and agencies.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help parents, advisors and administrators.