Twelve CNY Drones mentors and members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics will travel to Queens July 14 to work with inner-city teens and officers from the New York Police Department. NYPD Community Affairs Officer, Sergeant Johnny Hines, requested assistance from CNY Drones after attending the 2018 Rig Rescue Team Drone Challenge at SUNY Polytechnic Institute April 15.

In May, development began on a four-hour competitive interactive program to introduce drones to teams of students and officer mentors. Teams from all five New York boroughs will compete in a Flight Simulator Zone, Safety Discussion Zone, Obstacle Course and Race Zone. Mentors include students from SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s AMA Club, students from Vernon Verona Sherrill Senior High School, educators, engineers and experienced drone enthusiasts.

Funds received from the presentation will go towards the purchase of field elements and sensors for the Forest Fury Indoor Team Drone Challenge April 7, 2019.

“We’re honored to be tapped by our friends in law enforcement to kick-start their drone program. We’ll focus on giving them a fun introduction to drones and safety,” according to Bob Payne, CNY Drones Volunteer Coordinator and AMA Club Advisor. “Once they are off and running, we’ll keep in touch through virtual meetings and connect them to other teams preparing for next April’s competition at SUNY Poly. Their goal is to not only grow teams, but to become a competition host site for our annual challenge.”

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