Robotics Education & Competition Foundation logo
Aerial Drone Competition, Logo White
Competition Manual
Official Q&A
Additional Competition Resources
Aerial Drone Competition Time Warp logo
Registering a Team
Find a Competition
Ordering Equipment
REC Library
Getting Help and Support

Discover the Aerial Drone Competition Experience

The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation's (RECF) Aerial Drone Competition provides a unique hands-on learning experience, fostering crucial STEM skills including drone piloting, programming, and problem-solving.
The competition environment mirrors the real world, requiring teamwork, critical thinking, and innovation to navigate mission challenges. Students learn to collaborate effectively, hone their communication skills, and build the resilience to tackle future challenges. This fosters a deep understanding of flight principles, documentation, and interpersonal skills, all while igniting a passion for drone-related careers.
Game Field
Time Warp Field render
Product Partner
Robolink logo, horizontal
Learn More

Four Missions

Graphic showing the number one in a home plate-style shape
Teamwork Mission
Drones are piloted by students. Two teams fly together on the same competition field to maximize their score.
Graphic showing the number two in a home plate-style shape
Autonomous Flight Mission
Drone is programmed by students to operate entirely autonomously. Each team competes alone to score as many points as possible.
Graphic showing the number three in a home plate-style shape
Piloting Mission
Drone is piloted by students to fly through an obstacle course. Each team competes alone to score as many points as possible.
Graphic showing the number four in a home plate-style shape
Communications Mission
Teams interview with Judges about their Drone, Programming and Competition Logbook Documentation

Resources

FAQ

The Frequently Asked Question Page is a great place to learn about the Aerial Drone Competition.

FAQ

Help and Support

Got questions? We can help. This section will direct you to your Regional Support Manager and additional support websites.

Help and Support

Aerial Drone Competition Field set up and game elements set up in a school gym

Photography

Visit the REC Foundation Flickr page for Aerial Drone Competition photo albums.

Photography

Flyer cover features a player holding a controller. Text reads,

Program Flyer

This flyer promotes the Aerial Drone competition, inviting students to learn about drones, flight principles, programming, documentation, and communication skills.

Program Flyer

Become a Volunteer

Make an impact and volunteer at an Aerial Drone Competition. Learn how and read our training materials here.

Become a Volunteer

Two members of an Aerial Drone Competition team hold a trophy at an event.

Team Email

Aerial Drone Competition Team Email Updates are archived below:

Team Email

Season Timeline

June 2025
Mission 2026 Season Opens for Team Registration
September 9, 2025
Mission 2026 Competition Rules Released
November 2025 - March 2026
Local Qualifying Events
December 19, 2025
Deadline for Team Registration
April 2026 - June 2026
Regional Championships

Contact Us

Whether you're looking to learn more about the competition, need assistance with registration, or have any questions, we're here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the information and support you need to make your experience with the Aerial Drone Competition as smooth and exciting as possible.
drones@recf.org
Interactive Support Map
Getting Help & Support

Aerial Drone Competition Updates

Want the latest Aerial Drone Competition news, tips, and updates? Click the button below to request more information.
Sign Up Now

Aerial Drone Competition

We have opportunities for organizations in the drone and aviation industry to support students in our drone competitions. To learn more, email us at the link below.
Development@recf.org

See Our Program in Action

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

We proudly recognize the following organizations for their partnership and appreciate their continued support of our global mission to provide educators with hands-on, student-led competition programs and educational resources to prepare future innovators for a diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.

SPONSORS

DSEC logoGoogle logo

PARTNERS

Robolink LogoDrone Competition Gates LogoFAA Trust
Donate
Events
Privacy Policy Terms of Service Acceptable Use Policy
© Robotics Education & Competition Foundation. 2026. All rights reserved.

2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
REC Foundation Logo White
VEX Robotics World Championship logo