Embedded Files
2025-2026 CMDR- c/CPO Francis Linardo
The NJROTC drone team is an exciting new program that is made available to all NJROTC cadets. During drone practice, participants will learn how to fly different drones and eventually use their flying skills to participate in a drone competition. This program has access to 6 drones in total: two Holy Stone HS340 Mini FPV with cameras, two Holy Stone HS165 FPV with cameras and two Holy Stone HS110D FPV with cameras which can be used to learn how to fly, practice filming events and competitions. Only cadets who have mastered flying will be permitted to use these.
Competition Info
There are four missions for each competition:
Teamwork Mission:
Drones are piloted by students. Two teams fly together on the same competition field to maximize their score.
Team composition: 1 Pilot, 1 Spotter, 1 Analyst
Autonomous Flight Mission:
Drone is programmed by students to operate entirely autonomously. Each team competes alone to score as many points as possible.
Team composition: 1 Pilot, 1 Spotter, 1 Technician
Piloting Skills Mission:
Drone is piloted by students to fly through an obstacle course. Each team competes alone to score as many points as possible.
Team composition: 1 Pilot, 1 Spotter, 1 Analyst
Communications Mission:
Teams interview with Judges about their Drone, Programming and Competition Logbook Documentation
SAFETY PROTOCOLS
• All teams must pass a pre-flight inspection and complete a pre-flight checklist before each match.
• Teams must operate only in designated Flight Zones.
• Safety glasses are required for all flight team members in active zones.
• Coaches must ensure all participants comply with RECFoundation Code of Conduct.
Team Composition
PILOT
Primary Role: Operates the drone during the competition
Responsibilities:
- Mastery of the drone’s controls for navigating,hovering, and completing tasks.
- Maintains focus on precision, speed, and accuracy during all events.
- Communicates effectively with the Spotter for guidance and situational awareness.
Skills Needed: Strong hand-eye coordination, drone control expertise, quick decision-making.
* Required for competition
SPOTTER
Primary Role: Assists the Pilot by providing situational awareness and strategy updates.
Responsibilities:
- Tracks obstacles, course boundaries, and event-specific goals.
- Provides verbal feedback or instructions to the Pilot about navigation and positioning.
- Monitors drone compliance with competition rules (e.g., avoiding penalties for boundary violations).
Skills Needed: Excellent communication, spatial awareness,
quick analysis.
* Required for competition
TECHNICIAN
Primary Role: Maintains and troubleshoots the drone to ensure it is competition-ready.
Responsibilities:
- Prepares the drone for events by checking batteries,calibrating sensors, and testing motors.
- Handles any technical issues or repairs during the competition.
- Ensures spare parts, tools, and equipment are available if needed.
Skills Needed: Knowledge of drone mechanics, problem-solving, attention to detail.
TEAM LEADER
Primary Role: Oversees the team's overall performance and ensures coordination among members.
Responsibilities:
- Develops strategies for each event based on the team’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Ensures adherence to competition schedules and rules.
- Acts as the primary liaison between the team and competition officials.
Skills Needed: Leadership, organizational skills, strategic thinking.
ANALYST
Primary Role: Evaluates the team’s performance in real-time and offers improvements.
Responsibilities:
- Observes the team during events to identify opportunities for optimization.
- Reviews scoring criteria and advises the Team Leader on adjustments.
- Keeps track of other teams' strategies to inform decision-making.
Skills Needed: Analytical thinking, knowledge of event
rules, adaptability.
Holy Stone HS165
Holy Stone HS110D
Holy Stone HS340
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