About AKDRL

 

AKDRL is an Alaska nonprofit corporation that has partnered with national and international organizations to bring competitive and standardized sUAS (drone) events to Alaska.  AKDRL has partnered with MultiGP and theDroneRacingLeague to provide opportunity for local talent and skills to compete and qualify at a national and international level.

 

AKDRL is an Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) charter organization and is proud to support and educate the public about the KnowBeforeYouFly.org campaign.  AMA a Community Based Organization has been around 80 years and has a stellar record of education and safety through self-regulation and adoption of best practices that have evolved with continuous changes in technology and airspace users.  AMA provides a proven platform for learning, safety and insurance to all participants.  

 

AKDRL is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)and the Alaska sUAS legislative and professional community to ensure proper regulations and safe environment for all airspace users.

 

AKDRL is strategically focused on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) education and opportunities for Alaska’s rural and urban communities through technology, robotics, design, 3D Printing, production media, and social media.  AKDRL has partnered with NRRDI.org AKSTEM program to create a competitive and level playing field independent of your geographic location.

 

AKDRL is organization was formed by a group of diverse business professionals, engineers, aviators, educators, and senior hobbyists dedicated to create a robust community organization that provides opportunities to all Alaskans.  AKDRL accomplishes this through partnerships, sponsorships and mentoring of schools, teams and individuals.  If you are interested in partnering or sponsorships please contact Info@AKDRL.org

 

AKDRL Pilots and Team requirements:

 

We require an Academy of Model Aeronautics Membership (AMA) to ensure you and your fellow pilots have a mutual respect for safety and are insured. For more information on how to obtain an Academy of Model Aeronautics Membership, http://www.modelaircraft.org/membership/membershipoptions.aspx

Also any pilot operating any aircraft over 250 grams must register with the FAA as a sUAS operator.  Registration is available at http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/

We also strongly encourage our pilots to hold a Technician-Class License, which is required from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to transmit the video signal from your aircraft back to your visual display on the amateur radio band and frequencies. The license is not overly difficult or expensive to obtain and you learn more about what makes our sport work. Click HERE, for more information on how to obtain a FCC Technician-Class License.

 

Partners:

 

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

AMA is the world’s largest model aviation association, representing a membership of more than 175,000 from every walk of life, income level and age group.
Self-supporting, non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote development of model aviation as a recognized sport and worthwhile recreation activity. AMA organization is open to anyone interested in model aviation.
AMA is the official national body for model aviation in the United States. AMA sanctions more than 2,000 model competitions throughout the country each year, and certifies official model flying records on a national and international level.
 
Organizer of the annual National Aeromodelling Championships, the world’s largest model airplane competition. Chartering organization for more than 2,500 model airplane clubs across the country.  AMA offers its chartered clubs official contest sanction, insurance, and assistance in getting and keeping flying sites. 

 

MultiGP is the premier FPV (first-person view) radio-controlled drone racing league which hosts frequent competition-based tournaments, free-fly gatherings and casual events. MultiGP event management assets provide AKDRL with an effective process that make our events fun and rewarding.  MultiGP has created Frequency Management Software, race course standards for gates, flags and electronic timing systems.

 

theDroneRacingLeague & IDRA, International Drone Racing Association

is the premier drone racing league which creates global race opportunities and venues culminating in a World Championship.

 

NRRDI.org/AKSTEM.org, a division of the Northern Regions Research and Development Institute (NRRDI.org  “Nerdy”) is focused on STEM education opportunities throughout Alaska.  Using new and innovative technologies to excite, educate and create employment opportunities in Alaska.  There are unique challenges in the Northern Regions of the world.  These same unique challenges provide an opportunity for development and testing of new ideas and innovative use of technologies not possible elsewhere in the world.  NRRDI pioneers technology and innovative thinking to create new ideas and approaches to old problems.

 

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The Federal Aviation Administration is the governing organization in the Unites States regulating airspace.  AKDRL is mindful of the roles and responsibilities of all airspace users.

 

Sponsors:

Sponsors are an important part of our ability to sustain the AKDRL, purchase field equipment, timing systems, field rental fees and other essential items.

 

Below are the founding partners of AKDRL.  If you would like to be a Partner or Sponsor please contact admin@AKDRL.org

 

Precision Flight Devices

 

NRRDI.org