Hawaii’s Premier Drone Racing STEM Program

The Aeronautical Engineering and Robotics Program (AERo), is a next-generation STEM-based program utilizing quadcopter technology, blending robotics education with the thrill and excitement of drone racing. The program is designed to give students a conceptual understanding of newtonian mechanics, fluid dynamics, and electricity & magnetism. Participating students in the AERo Program will be tasked to design and build their team’s quadcopter to racing specifications. Students will also have the opportunity to experience our Flight Academy, which will teach them the knowledge of quadcopter safety, best practices, and expertise in FPV drone racing. With their knowledge and expertise gained through the AERo Program, program participants will be well prepared for rapidly expanding future career pathways and higher education opportunities.

AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM ESTABLISHED IN 2017

PRESENTED BY

A STEM INITIATIVE BY

A FUTURE IN CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY

The AERo program is fun, but it also provides long-term benefits for Hawaii students. The AERo program looks to help cultivate the STEM based job market in Hawaii. The AERo program aims to motivate students to pursue a STEM-based degree with our exciting lesson plans, flight school, and hands-on learning.

Drone and UAS technology has grown rapidly in recent years. Beyond being used for aerial videography for hobbyists, drone technology has gained adoption and application in various industries, such as:

  • Agriculture
  • Architecture & Construction
  • Delivery
  • Emergency / Search & Rescue
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Media
  • …and more

The drone/UAS market is currently a $14 billion-dollar industry, and is slated to quadruple by 2024.

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BUILD

Participating teams will be provided direction on building the quadcopter kits from the ground up. The builds are made to “race spec,” provided by Aloha FPV.

The builds will challenge students to think critically, but also use ingenuity to assemble technically-sound multirotor aircrafts. Along the way, students will learn engineering and aeronautical concepts on what makes these unique craft fly.

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FLY

Following a successful build and quality check, AERo Cadets will concurrently learn basic techniques on how to fly multirotor aircraft. Unlike an airplane or helicopter, multirotors combine the characteristics of both, with a unique twist.

Quadcopters provide a stable platform that is able to hover, but also has the capability of a higher degree of maneuverability, including acrobatics .

The AERo Flight School will train students on the best practices of flight with a focus on control, in order to navigate our drone race courses.

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LEARN

The AERo curriculum as a whole provides various learning opportunities, not just for the specific quadcopters and piloting, however, we’ll also provide learning milestones that will provide pratical and applicable lessons.

The lessons will cover, but are not limited to, physics, aeronautics, mechanics, electronics assembly proficiencies, software development, and others.

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REPEAT

The drone/UAS industry continues to rapidly evolve, and one of the items we’ll stress throughout the process is the ability to keep up with the latest trends.

We will touch upon concepts of tech entrepreneurialism, and how the lessons of today can take them far in their career path.

REGISTER

DONATE

Payments can be made to “Honolulu Junior Chamber.” The Honolulu Junior Chamber is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to the Honolulu Junior Chamber are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The HJC’s tax identication number is 87-1476603.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

The AERo Program is looking for local businesses, organizations, and individuals who would take pride as a team sponsor and supporter of our participating schools. Each team will receive an AERo Race Spec Multirotor Kit, which includes a set of standard electronics assembly tools, flight simulation software, a mini practice drone, dri-fit team shirts, parts & accessories for the custom-spec quadrotor build, and a set of FPV video goggles.

As a team sponsor, you have the option to work with students directly and help them claim the top spot. Sponsors will receive reports & updates from team sponsored.updates of the team to your organization.

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