Before the first session, families must:

• Read this page carefully 

• Sign the Participant Waiver & Consent (PDF)

• Review the Parent Info Sheet: What to Expect (PDF)

Safety is our top priority. Students and parents must understand and follow rules for battery handling, building, and flight operations. 

Breaking core rules results in sitting out until expectations are met.

Rule of Thumb Rules

• LiPo rules: Charge only with the provided charger, never leave batteries unattended, and retire puffy or damaged packs.

• Props‑off: Remove props during building and whenever the drone is connected to a computer.

• Arming: Arm only in approved areas with instructor approval and always disarm before retrieving or adjusting the drone.

• FPV spotters: Always have a spotter when flying FPV; goggles go on only after the drone is on the pad.

• Respect: Handle all equipment gently, follow indoor flight etiquette, and respect other students and instructors. Break the core rules and you sit.

****Repeated unsafe behavior may result in removal from the course without refun.***

In-depth Rules: 

Please read for understanding

Course Policies, Safety & Expectations

1. Safety / Behavior Is Non-Negotiable

This is a tools + electronics + flying robots environment. All students must follow safety instructions from the instructor at all times. If a student can’t follow directions or is unsafe with batteries, tools, or drones, they will be grounded (no flying) and may be asked to leave. No refunds for being removed for safety reasons.

2. Support Person (what you already asked for, tightened)

Because of space limits at the venue, each student may have one support person (parent/guardian or aide) with them if needed during the 8-hour course. We can’t accommodate extra guests or siblings in the build/flying area.

3. Age & Supervision for Minors

Students under 18 must have a parent/guardian sign the registration form and be reachable by phone during the course. For younger students, a parent/guardian is strongly encouraged to stay on site for at least the first session.

4. Personal Drones / Gear

We provide the build kit and gear for this course. No personal drones or radios may be powered on or flown at the venue unless the instructor specifically approves it. This keeps the space safe and avoids radio/video interference.

5. Equipment Damage

Normal wear and tear and honest mistakes are expected. Deliberate abuse of gear or ignoring safety rules that leads to damage may result in the student being billed for parts and/or being grounded for the remainder of the course.

6. Health, Motion Sickness & Sensory Stuff

FPV goggles, beeping electronics, and small crowds can bother some people. Students should tell the instructor right away if they feel sick, dizzy, anxious, or overwhelmed. We’ll switch to line-of-sight flying or take a break as needed. If a student can’t tolerate goggles, they can still do build + LOS and skip FPV.

7. Accessibility / Accommodations

If a student needs accommodations (mobility, vision, hearing, sensory, or learning support), let us know on the form. We’ll do everything we reasonably can to adapt the build and flight parts so they can participate.

8. Photos & Video

We may take photos or short video clips during the course to share with families and to promote future STEM programs. You’ll be able to opt out of photos/video on the registration form if you don’t want the student included.

9. Timing, Attendance & Make-Ups

We start on time. The first part of the course covers critical safety and build steps. Students who arrive more than 30 minutes late may have to sit out flying or come back to a later session so we don’t rush safety or soldering.

Cancellations / Refunds

If you need to cancel, please contact us at least 6 days before the course start for a refund or credit. Cancellations inside 5 days, or no-shows, may not be refundable because kits and venue time are already purchased.

11. “What This Course Is / Is Not”

This is an intro STEM and FPV workshop, not an FAA Part 107 prep course. You’ll leave with a solid build, basic flying skills, and a clear idea of next steps if you want to go deeper into drones, leagues, or certification later.

Also please take into consideration:

1. Clothing & Footwear

This is a tools + drones class. Closed-toe shoes are required. Long hair must be tied back and loose clothing/jewelry kept away from tools and spinning props.

2. Food, Drinks & Breaks

For the 8-hour course we’ll build in short breaks and a lunch break. Students are responsible for their own food and drinks. Venue rules about outside food still apply.

3. Drop-off, Pick-up & Supervision

Staff are responsible for students only during scheduled course hours. Please don’t drop off early or pick up late unless you’ve arranged it with us in advance.

4. Medical / Needs to Know

Please tell us about any medical conditions, allergies, or medications we should be aware of, plus an emergency contact number. Students must be able to manage their own medication; we can’t administer it.

5. Kit Ownership / If a Student Leaves Early

Each paid registration includes one drone kit. Once the course starts, the kit is the student’s, even if they miss sessions or leave early. We don’t replace lost or damaged kits, and there are no refunds once we’ve opened and started building.

6. Communication & Privacy

We’ll use your contact info only for course logistics and future drone/STEM program updates. We don’t sell or share your info outside our program and venue partners.