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Aerial Drone Competition Pro
The ADC Pro competition provides students with the opportunity to increase awareness and interest in drone technology, industry applications, and career paths in drone and aviation applications.
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FAA Part 107 Training
We are thrilled to partner with the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) to offer FAA Part 107 training, UAS curriculum, and stackable certifications, equipping students and educators with essential credentials for the drone workforce.
Click here for more details on how you can elevate your drone career readiness!
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Our Partners

Four Missions

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Teamwork Mission
Drones are piloted by students. Two teams fly together on the same competition field to maximize their score.
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Autonomous Flight Mission
Drone is programmed by students to operate entirely autonomously. Each team competes alone to score as many points as possible.
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Piloting Mission
Drone is piloted by students to fly through an obstacle course. Each team competes alone to score as many points as possible.
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Communications Mission
Teams interview with Judges about their Drone, Programming and Competition Logbook Documentation

Season Timeline

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June 2026
Mission 2027 Season Opens for Team Registration
August 11, 2026
Mission 2027 Competition Rules Released
October 2026
Local Qualifying Events Begin
TBD
Regional Championships

Contact Us

Whether you're looking to learn more about the competition, need assistance with registration, or have any questions, we're here to help. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the information and support you need to make your experience with the Aerial Drone Competition as smooth and exciting as possible.

Aerial Drone Competition Updates

Want the latest Aerial Drone Competition news, tips, and updates? Click the button below to request more information.

Aerial Drone Competition

We have opportunities for organizations in the drone and aviation industry to support students in our drone competitions. To learn more, email us at the link below.

See Our Program in Action

Thank You to Our Sponsors & Partners

We proudly recognize the following organizations for their partnership and appreciate their continued support of our global mission to provide educators with hands-on, student-led competition programs and educational resources to prepare future innovators for a diverse and inclusive STEM workforce.

SPONSORS

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PARTNERS

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2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.