Embry-Riddle Hosts Unmanned Challenge at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

OSHKOSH, WI – Experienced pilots are once again invited to take on an aerial obstacle course in the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-sponsored Small Unmanned Aerospace System (sUAS) Challenge during this year’s fly-in at the 64th annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) convention held July 25-31 in Oshkosh, Wis.

As part of the challenging daily “drone” competition from 3 to 5 p.m. inside the Drone Cage at Aviation Gateway Park, competitors will fly quadcopters provided by Hobbico Inc. or Horizon Hobby Inc.

“Last year’s competition was incredible, with more than 80 people ages 12 to 62 participating and more than 200 spectators daily,” said Embry-Riddle Worldwide Professor David Thirtyacre, who helps coordinate this event each year. “Every day at our university, our students get hands-on experience with UAVs, so we’re excited to be a part of this and share the unique capabilities and ever-advancing technology of unmanned systems with the general public and aviation fans of all ages.”

Nonparticipants can watch the action from the 360-degree viewing platforms. Signup for the competition will be available onsite at the Embry-Riddle pavilion (booths 49, 50, 57–59) as part of Aviation Gateway Park or in advance by emailing david.thirtyacre@erau.edu.

Winners of the daily course challenge will receive awards donated by Etched Memory, LLC.