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What Is UAS4STEM?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
UAS4STEM is a dynamic drone engineering competition brought to you by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). It offers students ages 11\u201319 a chance to design, build, program, and fly their own small uncrewed aircraft systems (sUAS). All teams must complete the virtual ground school and build a drone from components. Teams also receive access to SIMNET Ardupilot certification training. The mission challenge varies for Beginner<\/strong> and Advanced<\/strong> divisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We strongly recommend that new teams select the beginner division.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n September 1- January: Get registered and get started!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Order Drone Components: After registering, order drone components as soon as possible. Sometimes there are shortages or shipping delays. It will also take time to build the drone, learn how to fly it, troubleshoot and make repairs. Technical Director Archie Stafford<\/a> is happy to answer questions related to equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ground School: After submitting a roster, each team receives access to AMA’s mandatory online sUAS ground school. This covers flight principles, aviation safety, regulatory guidelines, airspace procedures, and prepares students to pursue a Part 107 drone operator license.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn how to fly: Students will need to practice flying the drone manually and learn how to use ArduPilot Mission Planner software to program the drone for autonomous flight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n April <\/strong>[Intermediate and Advanced divisions] or May<\/strong> [Beginner division] (last two weeks): Virtual Competition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Teams must submit a proof-of-flight video and attend a virtual session with judges to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n July (last week): Championship Competition at EAA AirVenture<\/strong> (Intermediate and Advanced divisions)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top-performing teams from the Intermediate and Advanced divisions are invited to compete in person at the world\u2019s largest aviation event in Oshkosh, WI. Participants enjoy admission, lodging, special access (such as being featured before the Air Show), and compete for trophies, prizes, and scholarship awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Support Network<\/strong>: Every new team has access to structured resources\u2014including the New Team Guide, monthly team manager meetings, direct AMA Education Team support, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hands\u2011On STEM Learning<\/strong>: Dive into drone construction and maintenance, mission planning, coding, fabrication, and autonomous flight\u2014plus build public-speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills. Check out the ways<\/a> UAS4STEM aligns with Next Generation Science Standards!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professional Development<\/strong>: Gain experience in safety, regulatory awareness, aviation communication, teamwork, and operations planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Real\u2011World Recognition<\/strong>: Engage with industry professionals such as representatives from FAA, NASA, and the aviation industry during competitions. Winning teams receive prizes, trophies, and medals. All participants receive certificates. Students consistently report elevated confidence and readiness for STEM careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRequirements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Intermediate and Advanced division teams advancing (by invitation)<\/em> to the in-person championship are responsible for travel costs to AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI.
Admission and campsites for AirVenture are provided by our partner, the Experimental Aircraft Association, at no cost for teams and up to 5 accompanying adults.
Camping equipment (or alternative lodging arrangements), meals and other miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of each individual team.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nCompetition Timeline & Structure <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhy UAS4STEM Might Be Right for You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n