Flying: Drones/UAV and UAS

FLYING: DRONES/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

What can you do in this project?

  • Learn about types, parts, controls, basic features of drones.
  • Learn regulations, safety, and ethics for operating drones.
  • Learn how drones work: physics, electronics, etc.
  • Learn flight basics, flight dynamics, forces of flight.
  • Practice drone flying to develop pilot skills, including navigation around and through obstacles.
  • Explore advanced drone features, conveniences, autonomous flight, sensors, etc.
  • Explore careers and uses of drones beyond recreation.
  • Explore and experience FPV vs photography/videography and other recreational uses of drones.
  • Building a drone from scratch, trade-offs in range, battery, weight, etc.
  • Other miscellaneous topics such as battery safety and care.

Ages

3rd – 13th grade, parents are requested to assist 3-6 grade members during flight time.

Cost

$20 participation fee plus the cost of a drone.(Note:a project adequate drone will roughly cost $100-$250 for a beginner model. Discuss options with Drone project leader before purchasing.)

Equipment Needed:

  • It is strongly suggested for each member to have their own drone, but 4-H does have limited equipment to share during meetings.
  • It is best to contact the project leader before purchasing a new drone
  • For safety reasons, drone allowed to fly during project meetings must meet the following restrictions:
    • Full-surround prop protection (ducts/guards that completely surround each prop)
    • “1S” (4.35v) max battery size
    • 45mm (1.77”) max prop size
    • Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis

Project Add Deadline:

December 1 (unless discussed with Drone project leader)

Meeting Location:

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, North Pavilion in Cedarburg

Meeting Dates and Times:

All dates (except for November New Member meetings) have two sessions: Session 1 from 3:00-4:30 pm.; Session 2 from 4:00-5:15 pm., depending on number of sign-ups. Please sign-up in advance for dates/times. A sign-up form will be emailed to project members.

  • November 8, 2026 : NEW project members only (session 1: 2:00-3:30pm, session 2: 4:00-5:30pm)
  • November 15, 2026: NEW project members only (session 1: 2:00-3:30pm, session 2: 4:00-5:30pm)
  • January 10, 2027
  • January 17, 2027
  • January 24, 2027
  • January 31, 2027
  • February 14, 2027
  • February 21, 2027
  • February 28, 2027
  • March 14, 2027
  • April 4, 2027
  • April 11, 2027

Topics to be covered at project meetings:

  • Introduction to project and equipment for new members.
  • Types of drones
  • Basics of flying a drone
  • Battery safety and advice
  • Get your drone flying: guidance/assistance with first drone flight and troubleshooting common issues
  • Intro to regulations, ethics, challenges of drone use
  • Intro to obstacle course
  • How do drones work- Part 1: mechanical and physics
  • How do drones work- Park 2: electronics and sensors
  • Careers related to flying drones
  • Regulations, laws, ethics of drones
  • Advanced parts, building, and programming a drone
  • Surveying, mapping, etc- with drones
  • Aerial photography, videography, cinematography

Countywide Project Contact Leader:

Jason Heller   414-294-9870  hellerjj@gmail.com