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: 3^rd – 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 $75-$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, 2025 (unless discussed with Drone project leader)

Meeting Location: Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, North Pavilion in Cedarburg

Meeting Dates and Times: all dates have two sessions: Session 1 from 3:00-4:30 pm.; Session 2 from 4:00-5:15 pm. Please sign-up in advance for dates/times. Sign-up emailed to project youth at start of season.

• December 7, 2025 : NEW project members only (session 1: 2:00-3:30pm, session 2: 4:00-5:30pm)
  • Introduction to project and equipment for new members only
• December 14, 2025: NEW project members only (session 1: 2:00-3:30pm, session 2: 4:00-5:30pm)
  • Introduction to project and equipment for new members only
• January 11, 2026
  • Terminology, Types of drones, Battery safety & advice, Intro to regulations & ethics
• January 18, 2026
  • How do drones work: mechanical and physics
• January 25, 2026
  • Part 2 of how do drones work: electronics and sensors, batteries
• February 8, 2026
  • Detailed parts, building, and programming a drone
• February 15, 2026
  • Regulations, laws, ethics, etc.
• February 22, 2026
  • Careers related to flying drones
• March 8, 2026
  • Aerial photography, videography, cinematography
• March 15, 2026
  • Surveying, mapping, etc. with drones
• March 22, 2026
  • TBD guest speaker and/or review and project wrap-up

For more information, please contact:

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