100th Anniversary Logo with the 100 in large letters and the museum logo
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
FREE Admission & Parking

Fourth Annual Micro Drone Race, 2023
Friday, Feb. 24 - Sunday, Feb. 26

See fast flying micro machines as pilots maneuver their drones over, under, around and through the C-124 Globemaster II aircraft during a micro drone races that will take place in the museum’s second building. Spectators will be able to watch the race along the course, as well as from a large screen that will show the drones’ perspective as they are racing. The race will also be live streamed to the Cincinnati Quad Racers YouTube channel.

Race Information

Close-up of drone pilots wearing goggles

NOTE: The drone pilots in this race have pre-registered to participate (registration has closed). The flying of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) on museum grounds is strictly prohibited. This includes drones and model remote control aircraft. Unauthorized sUAS flights are immediately reported to security forces. Only pre-approved drones participating in this event are permitted to fly inside the museum’s second building.

Friday, Feb. 25
Let the races begin!
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Morning Session Practice and Qualifying Rounds - Sixteen Pilots will race in 2-minute heats.  The morning will contain seven rounds.

12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Afternoon Session Practice and Qualifying Rounds - Sixteen Pilots will race in 2-minute heats.  The afternoon will contain seven rounds.

Saturday, Feb. 26
The races continue!
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Morning Session Practice and Qualifying Rounds - Sixteen Pilots will race in 2-minute heats.  The morning will contain seven rounds.

12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Afternoon Session Practice and Qualifying Rounds - Sixteen Pilots will race in 2-minute heats.  The afternoon will contain seven rounds.

Sunday, Feb. 27
The best of the best compete for the Title!
Top 32 Pro and Sport Class Double-Elimination Brackets

Sport Class: 
Warm ups begin at 9 a.m. with double-elimination bracket racing throughout the morning. 
Sport Class award ceremony will take place at 11:45 a.m. 

Pro Class: 
Warm ups begin at 1 p.m. with double-elimination bracket racing throughout the morning. 
Pro Class award ceremony will take place at 3:45 p.m. 

Course Map:

A map of the drone course route

 

Activities for museum visitors

Close-up of drone remote controller

Visitors learn to fly a Drone
Each day visitors will be able to experience flying a drone with computer-based simulators from, Sinclair College Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) program, and the museum’s Education Division.

Visitors can then put their skills to the test by flying an actual drone in the fourth building (near Presidential Gallery).

Sinclair’s UAS program will also have a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and fixed wing UAS on display. 

Free drawing for a Drone Give-Away!
All visitors who stop by each activity station and fill their free Drone Punch Card will be able to enter a free drawing to win a Micro Drone.  Visitors will not need to be present to win.  (This drawing is made possible through generous support by the Air Force Museum Foundation. Federal Endorsement Not Implied). 

Food Trucks Available Daily from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.!
Exact times could be subject to change based on vendor. (Federal Endorsement Not Implied) 

While you are here, stop by and visit one of the Food Trucks located outside the museum for a bite to eat between races and activities!

Note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the National Museum of the USAF, the U.S. Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external website, or the information, products or services contained therein.