Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology hosted its third annual International Drone Day on Saturday, May 5, 2018. It was a genuinely high-flying experience as the College’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) club will welcome the public to explore the exciting field of drone technology.

About International Drone Day

International Drone Day is a collaborative effort that began four years ago to educate the public, media and local governments about the amazing ways drones are used for good in our society. Each year, more than 150 cities around the world simultaneously celebrate drones and their uses. Vaughn was proud to be a part of the excitement again this year.

“International Drone Day is one of our favorite days of the year,” said Utsav Shah ’18, president of the College’s UAV club and a senior in the mechatronic engineering program at Vaughn. “It not only brings awareness to all the good things drones can do, but sheds light on the possibilities of what drones will do in our future.”

Something for everyone

The UAV Club has planned a fun-filled day from start to finish. This year, attendees participated in several interactive workshops, including “Computer-Aided Design,” “Learn to Build a Drone,” “Programming with Python” and “How to Apply for a Remote Pilot Certification.” Additionally, there was a panel discussion on “Changing the Skies,” featuring a distinguished guest within the aviation and drone industries. Drone owners were invited to show off their skills and fly in Vaughn’s Hangar. The UAV club kicked things up a notch by inviting professional drone racing groups from the New York area to compete in a racing competition in Vaughn’s Hangar.

Drone technology heats up

Today’s latest technology has UAVs in the line of fire—literally. Last year, the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) used its first drone to respond to a six-story fire in the Bronx. The eight-pound tethered drone, equipped with high-definition and infrared cameras, transmitted live images to the commanding chiefs, the FDNY Operations Center and incident commanders on the ground, giving them a bird’s-eye view of the roof where firefighters were operating. The cameras provided vital images to help commanders make decisions on the best way to put the fire out while keeping FDNY members safe.

Future generation of drone aviators

Today, UAVs are setting the pace as our “eyes in the sky,” aiding in search and rescue, conservation, agriculture, sports, film and so much more. With his knowledge of mechatronic engineering, Shah says he has his sights set on pursuing a career in autonomous robotics systems. “Mechatronic engineering has given me a well-rounded foundation in mechanical, electrical and computer engineering to build drones for the future,” said Shah. “I believe we will see drones used for transportation and other practical purposes for the good of our society. The sky’s the limit on where we will see drones going next.”

Check out our events calendar to see what will be coming up next on campus!