It’s only a matter of time before drones take over. Roughly translated, drones are pieces of equipment in the field of robotics, aeronautics and electronics that operate as “Unmanned Aerial Vehicles” (UAVs). Drones comes in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and functions and are controlled either by remote or control systems from the ground.

In fact, you have probably seen a drone and didn’t even know it.

If you haven’t, stop by the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison on Feb. 20 as drones will be front and center at the Drone Wars III – Indoor RC Drone Races.

Those at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum are expecting about 30 participants to compete in FPV (First Person View) and Line of Sight competitions at the Drone Wars III event. They are also expecting thousands of spectators, according to Scott Slocum of the Cavanaugh Flight Museum.

“Racers are very competitive, forming drone racing clubs, and seeking places to legally race,” Slocum explains. 

Indeed, it really is a sport that looks more like science fiction than NASCAR, even if it is racing. The folks at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum say that flying drones has taken off across the United States, and they want to be a part of the fun.

The indoor races, which will be hosted in an 11,000 aircraft hangar, showcase drones competing head to head on a precision 3-D obstacle course. 

In each heat, the winning drone will be the one which crosses the finish line first. The carefully crafted, netted course includes hoops, pylons, bridges, turns and slaloms. There are three classes for entries: beginner, intermediate and expert. Trophies are awarded for first through third place in each class.

“Drones are cheap and easy to fly compared to other RC planes and helicopters,” explains Slocum. “The real growth in the sport is due to cameras on drones for a different perspective. FPV is the new hot ticket in drone flying and racing.”  

FPV drones have a camera mounted on the drone that broadcasts a signal to a pair of goggles being worn by the drone pilot on the ground. It allows the wearer to get the perspective of the drone as if inside piloting the machine.  

A new sport, the Cavanaugh Flight Museum was the first to offer the drone races last year. Slocum says there are clubs and leagues popping up all over the world now, with competitions across the country and the globe.

“The sport has developed much like any other sport – encouraging thrill seekers of every age,” Slocum concludes.

When:

Saturday, February 20, 2016
9 a.m. – 12 a.m. – Qualifying and Practice Rounds
12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. – Elimination Rounds

Where:

Cavanaugh Flight Museum
4572 Clare Chennault
Addison, TX 75001

Admission:

Race Entry: $25
Spectator Adults: $10
Spectator Children (4-12): $5

Learn more about the Cavanaugh Flight Museum here: www.cavanaughflightmuseum.com