Summer 2024, Drone Flight School hosted a STEM Fundamentals Drone Camp at the Thorn Hill Education Center in Frankfort, Kentucky, serving 16 middle school students (ages 11–14) from Franklin County. The program, led by educators Tisa Conway-Cunningham, Jason Allen, and Krystal Conway-Cunningham, used a problem-based learning approach to teach real-world applications of drone technology. Over six weeks, students explored how drones can aid in fields such as forestry, public safety, energy, agriculture, cinematography, and even space exploration. Through themed weekly projects—from hurricane disaster relief in Puerto Rico to bee pollination simulations and koala habitat monitoring—students learned drone navigation, coding with functions, automatic flight modes, and the engineering design process.

In addition to hands-on drone missions, students connected their learning to academic standards in science, technology, engineering, and math. According to post-camp surveys completed by 13 participants, 100% of respondents reported improved understanding of drone-related vocabulary, and 92% felt confident using the engineering design process. Only 25% had drone experience prior to the camp, yet by the end, 75% recognized how drones solve real-world problems. The camp also included a visit to the Frankfort airport and aviation department, further inspiring future interest in aviation and technology careers.

At Drone Flight School, we offer a comprehensive range of courses designed to engage students of all ages and skill levels in the exciting world of drones. Our programs include STEM Fundamentals for 4th–8th grade students and their parents, where learners explore the science, technology, engineering, and math behind drone flight through hands-on activities. For teens and adults, we provide in-depth preparation for the FAA Part 107 certification exam, equipping aspiring drone pilots with the knowledge they need to fly commercially. We also offer advanced training in drone racing, aerial photography, and autonomous flight programming, giving students opportunities to specialize and excel. Whether you're a beginner or aiming to go pro, Drone Flight School has a course for you. 

The Drone Flight School – Drone Club meets every month on the 3rd Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. Open to drone enthusiasts of all experience levels, these sessions offer hands-on flying practice, tech tips, guest speakers, and team-building activities. Whether you're training for your Part 107, racing drones, or just curious about UAVs, the club is a great place to connect, learn, and take your drone skills to new heights. 

In addition to the monthly club meetings, Drone Flight School also offers open study every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is a dedicated time for students to drop in, work on their drone certifications, get help with FAA Part 107 prep, or tinker with builds and flight plans. Instructors and mentors are available throughout the day to provide guidance, answer questions, and support learners at every stage of their drone journey. 

The Drone Flight School Drone Camp offers 4th through 8th-grade students an exciting, hands-on introduction to drone technology through the Drone Legends: STEM Fundamentals program. Campers explore flight principles, engineering, and coding by completing interactive missions and real-world challenges, such as obstacle navigation and simulated rescues. Through structured lessons and engaging activities, students build critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while gaining practical experience in aerodynamics, sensor tech, and autonomous flight. By the end of camp, participants leave with a strong foundation in STEM and drone operations, inspired to pursue future opportunities in technology and innovation. 

The Franklin Center for Innovation's Drone Flight School in Frankfort, Kentucky, has garnered significant media attention for its pioneering approach to drone education. Featured on both Spectrum News 1 and KET's Kentucky Edition, the program is lauded for equipping students as young as 16 with the skills and knowledge to become FAA-certified drone pilots. Spectrum News highlighted the school's comprehensive six-week course, which transitions students from online simulators to real-life drone operations, emphasizing the potential for young individuals to enter the workforce through drone technology. Executive Director Jason Allen noted the global applications of drones, such as delivering medication in remote areas like Zimbabwe, illustrating the broader impact of drone proficiency. KET's Kentucky Edition showcased the school's commitment to hands-on learning, preparing students for careers in industries like agriculture, public safety, and infrastructure inspection. Through these features, the Drone Flight School is recognized as a vital contributor to workforce development and technological advancement in the region.

At Drone Flight School, the creative team has been hard at work developing the concept and stories behind AERO, the adventurous drone. Inspired by the excitement of flight and the limitless possibilities of drone technology, the team envisioned AERO as more than just a machine—AERO is a character with curiosity, courage, and a mission to explore, learn, and help others. The stories crafted around AERO aim to engage students and families alike, weaving STEM education into thrilling narratives set in the skies above mountains, forests, and cities. From initial sketches to storyboarding adventures, the team blends technical expertise with artistic imagination, making AERO a powerful teaching tool and an inspiring symbol for young drone pilots everywhere.