Operations

STEM Advocates

Our recreational drone information hub provides information to promote safe flying & encourage participation in STEM-rich drone events.

Special Rule for Model Aircraft – Section 336 (2019 – faa.gov)

Program Planning

Our core volunteer Planning Committee meets weekly – either in person or via Google Hangout. The Committee steers promotion & event planning. We center our work around our mission & strategic plan. Meetings include a cross-section of our regional recreational drone community, educators, and representatives from local technology business & industry. We encourage participation from new organizations & appreciate their input!

Interactive demonstrations/exhibits & events are scheduled for our supporters, not-for-profit entities & community benefit as funding permits. Programs further our Drones-in-STEM promotional objectives, help produce a safe flying community & inspire new volunteers & mentors. Events are scheduled 2-4 months in advance. Most events are on off-hours & weekends to accommodate volunteer schedules and to insure the availability of space. We attempt to locate space at low-to-no-cost, relying heavily on community organizations to partner with us to keep costs to a minimum. For programs 50+ miles away from our central group of mentors in the Utica/Rome area, additional logistical costs can be anticipated.

To receive a program quote contact: cnydrones@gmail.com

Fiscal Oversight

CNY Drones exists under our fiscal agent, The Griffiss Institute, a 501c3 organization, whose primary role is to advocate and facilitate the co-operation of private industry, academia, and the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate, in developing solutions to critical cyber security problems. CNY Drones relies on corporate sponsorship, individual donors, grants & volunteers to support the presentation of our programs. We volunteer on behalf of our sponsors at events, providing demos & presentations. We appreciate the sponsors who keep us running!

Funding

CNY Drones is supported by program fees, annual sponsors, grants, individual donations & a dedicated volunteer network. CNY Drones relies on sponsor funding to sustain our cost-effective programming. Help Us

Working Affiliations

CNY Drones was the 1st Academy of Model Aeronautics Model Aviation Student Club (AMA MASC) in New York State. We encourage student groups to form drone clubs under the AMA & offer assistance in getting started.

We are a NUAIR Education Partner.

We are a Community Partner of the MVCC GEAR UP & STEP Programs.

We are Region II Directors & the NYS Tech Support Hub for U.S. Drone Soccer.