DRONE CHALLENGE

1. Devices that have the Tello EDU app for coding and programming. It is advised that each team have two (2) devices (with one serving as a “backup”). The suggested gadgets are Apple iPads or iPhones. The Tello EDU app is available in the app store for no cost.
2. Chargers for the devices: During the event, charging stations will be clearly identified; however, chargers will not be supplied. The team is responsible for ensuring all their equipment is charged and available throughout the day.
3. Safety goggles: All team members must wear eye protection all day long. Without eye protection, team members will not be permitted to access fly zones.

GENERAL PILOTING GUIDELINES

• The offending pilot or team may be disqualified from the competition if, at any point, a drone is determined to be hazardous or to be acting in an unsafe manner.
• All pilots are required to sign the necessary waivers from the event organiser and the location and attend a general safety briefing.
• Every pilot’s radio must have an “ARMING” position switch or sequence. There shouldn’t be any unintentional radio controls that start the aircraft. A control switch must be used to arm the aircraft.
• Serious safety violations could get you pulled out of the competition. This will be carried out in such circumstances after consulting the Race Director and each supervisory teacher.
• Every pilot is allowed to show that their aircraft is airworthy and to pass a general mechanics and electronics exam. The race director has the authority to conduct all tests.
• Everyone on the team is required to wear appropriate eye protection whenever they enter the flight zone. Wearing eye protection (clear safety glasses) the entire day is strongly advised for all team members.
• To control an aeroplane, pilots should use FPV. This can be done using goggles or an LCD on a ground station.
• Only the approved flight zones may be used to fly drones. To reduce the danger of incidents, it is advised that drone batteries be taken out of the drones when they are not in the flight zone.
• Pilots will not turn on video transmitters unless specifically instructed to do so, such as when the race director has given permission to participate in a race. Any video transmitter turned on could result in immediate competition disqualification.
• Drone operators who violate safety regulations by operating their machines outside specified flight zones face the same penalties as those mentioned above.

Venue operations.

• Pilots are required to follow all regulations within the competition area and are not permitted to fly anywhere else unless it is an authorised flight zone.
• Pilots are required to keep all tools and aircraft inside the approved pilot pit area.
• There will be a public charging facility and 120v plugs available. It is advised that competitors carry their extension cords and chargers.
• Any electronic equipment with a self-contained power supply, including radios, may be generally charged.

Judging and Marshaling

• A panel of judges who have been appointed will oversee each race.
• Judges, cameras, timing/lap systems, and/or marshals will oversee each race to ensure fair and accurate competition.
• Pilots can continue the race after a mid-air accident if they can take off again unaided.
• Flying above the maximum ceiling height, for example, will result in immediate disqualification for any activity or behaviour judged unsafe.

Discretionary Reruns

• If a pilot notifies the race director prior to the start of their race, the pilot may request a reschedule to another race owing to technical issues. One request at most may be granted.
• During the qualifying semi-finals and finals, the pilot may ask for a rerun if the video was lost or there was some technical issue beyond the pilot’s control.
• Any of the requests mentioned above may be approved or denied at the sole discretion of the race director.

Disqualifications

• A pilot will receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) for that race and will not be given a rerun if they are not physically present on the flight line and fully prepared to race at the time of their scheduled race. The event will be disqualified if there are two or more DNFs due to no-shows.
• Missing a gate, flag, or necessary obstacle: A pilot will receive a DNF if they miss a gate, obstacle, block or barrier. While the race is in progress, pilots are allowed one try to retry the gate or obstacle.
• Flying outside the lines: A DNF for the current run will be given to any pilot who flies outside the lines, including beyond the allowable ceiling height. Two violations will result in a pilot’s complete disqualification.
• While the race is still going, no celebratory laps or extreme displays of joy. A DNF for that heat will occur if the pilot or airframe interferes with the flight.
• Anyone who receives two or more DNFs will be eliminated from the competition.
• Unsportsmanlike behaviour won’t be accepted.
• The Race Director or Judge’s decisions are final.

Emergency or Fail-Safe Procedures

• In the event that a pilot loses control of their aircraft, they must make an effort to land safely, fly into a designated “catch” zone, shut their engine in a safe place, or carry out a fail-safe operation in a secure area.
• A pilot must immediately carry out a fail-safe procedure and/or try to land the aircraft using line-of-sight if they lose video.