The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is developing 2,500 student drone kits and supporting educational materials on behalf of the Know Before You Fly program, for distribution across the nation. These drone kits will help teach 9th- through 12th-grade students about science, aerodynamics, engineering principles, aviation principles, drones, and safe flying practices.
Additionally, this effort will encourage students to pursue careers in aviation-related fields, in support of the FAA’s Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) goals.
Each kit contains all necessary components and instructions to assemble a small drone, including goggles for optional first-person view flying. Educators who receive the kits will have online access to a variety of supporting materials including an instructional build video, live professional development webinars, and a custom unit of study with a variety of lessons and activities for use with students.
“We're proud to offer our expertise in all things model aviation as it relates to this KBYF project. The AMA has supported educational outreach since 1936, and this project falls completely within our wheelhouse. We love getting people excited about aviation, and the opportunities it provides as a STEM teaching tool and model aviation in general as a wholesome hobby, competitive outlet, and a rewarding career path,” said Kyle Jaracz, Education Director for the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Distribution of kits is being determined by communication with the nation’s 25 largest school districts and other national organizations that support youth education. Delivery of student drone kits will begin in late March and continue until all available kits have been shipped, no later than September 2023. Kits are made available at no cost to recipients with the support of federal funding.
If you would like to receive more information about these kits, please send an email to [email protected] .
About Know Before You Fly: Know Before You Fly (KBYF) is a cooperative educational campaign that provides drone/unmanned aircraft system (UAS) aircraft with information and guidance needed to fly drones safely and responsibly. In December 2014, the AMA and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) founded Know Before You Fly (KBYF) in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration. The Consumer Technology Association was added as a partner to the cooperative program in 2020.
About the Academy of Model Aeronautics: The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a nonprofit community of enthusiasts who come together to celebrate model aviation. We are hobbyists who dream, design, build, and fly model aircraft of all sizes for fun and competition. We do this because we enjoy the company of fellow enthusiasts, we love flight, and we want to see participation in our hobby grow. Our nationwide network of clubs supports this passion by providing flying fields, mutual learning, and a safe and fun environment for model aviation activities. Our organization advocates every day for the safe enjoyment of model aviation.