The DFS Drone Soccer League is set to launch a high-energy, high-tech twist on traditional team sports, bringing the thrill of competitive drone piloting to our community. Imagine players navigating flying drones inside protective spheres, battling mid-air to score goals in a fast-paced arena—equal parts soccer match and aerial dogfight. It’s hands-on STEM education disguised as pure adrenaline, giving kids and adults alike a chance to build, program, and pilot their own drones while working as a team. The league will ignite local interest in cutting-edge technology, create new pathways for skill development, and offer families an electrifying new reason to cheer on the sidelines—marking a bold step forward for innovation and community fun.
We’ve officially kicked off our fundraising campaign for Drone Soccer — and we’re not just talking pocket change for a couple of toy drones. This is about building a cutting-edge, team-based program where students learn to fly, code, and compete, all while developing real-world skills that stick with them long after the final goal is scored. Every dollar raised goes straight into equipment, training, and expanding opportunities for kids who might never have dreamed they could pilot a drone — let alone smash one through a goal in mid-air combat. So, game on — and if you want in, now’s the time to get behind the net.
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.
Drone Camp was a soaring success! Our Drone Flight School brought together curious, creative, and tech-savvy youth for a hands-on experience that blended fun with real-world skills. Over the course of the camp, students learned to safely pilot drones, complete flight challenges, and explore career pathways in this fast-growing industry. More than just flight time, the camp sparked confidence, teamwork, and innovation—proving that when you give young minds access to the right tools and support, they take off. We’re proud to be building the next generation of drone pilots and problem-solvers.
Meet our brand-new logo and say hello to AERO, the friendly face of Drone Flight School!
AERO isn’t just a drone, they're your co-pilot on an adventure into the world of flight, tech, and hands-on learning. With bright eyes and spinning props, AERO reminds us that drones aren’t just gadgets, they're gateways to big ideas, future careers, and sky-high fun.
Our new logo shows exactly what we’re about: bold, exciting, and ready to soar. The bright colors, wings, and shield stand for the skills and confidence you’ll build here whether you’re learning to fly for fun, exploring STEM, or dreaming of a drone career.
So buckle up, join AERO and the Drone Flight School crew, and let’s launch your future one flight at a time.
‘Accidental learning’: Students soar to new heights with the Drone Flight School
By Staff Reporter Daksha Pillai ...Ballet recitals, soccer practices, piano lessons — when brainstorming potential extracurriculars for their children, these are the staples that most parents turn to. However, one organization in Frankfort is trying to take after school activities into the 21st century. As recent advances in artificial intelligence and robotic capabilities cast a global spotlight on innovation, old and young learners alike are soaring to new technological heights with the Drone Flight School. ...
At The Drone Z.one, we proudly offer the Drone Legends curriculum because it does exactly what it promises—it makes STEM education hands-on, high-energy, and deeply engaging. Drone Legends takes the novelty of drones and turns it into a real-world learning engine, giving students the chance to tackle science, technology, engineering, and math concepts through practical problem-solving and teamwork. The modules are well-structured, age-appropriate, and packed with fun missions that push kids to think like engineers and pilots, not just drone operators.
By bringing Drone Legends into our programs, we’re not just teaching kids how to fly—we’re helping them build leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking skills that will stick long after they land. Whether it’s in our after-school clubs, summer camps, or classroom partnerships, Drone Legends turns curiosity into capability. It’s the perfect match for our mission at The Drone Z.one: to launch the next generation of confident, capable drone pilots and innovators.
The Ryze Tello drone is the little guy with big promises and, honestly, a mixed bag of results. First off, let’s talk about the price — it’s dirt cheap, usually under $100–$120. For a drone, that’s practically pocket change.
Where the Tello really shines is in being kid-friendly and beginner-proof. It’s practically made to be crashed. It’s lightweight, has prop guards, and is so light it won’t shatter your grandma’s window if you botch a landing. The camera is decent for the price — you get 5MP photos and 720p video. You’re not shooting Top Gun 3, but you’ll snag fun shots for your Instagram story without much fuss.
One of the coolest parts is the educational angle. The Tello works with Scratch coding, so it’s perfect for students who want to learn basic drone programming without frying expensive gear. Thanks to some Intel sensors and DJI tech, it actually hovers surprisingly well indoors — you can fly it around your living room like a hyperactive parakeet and it won’t immediately slam into the TV.
But let’s not sugar-coat the weak spots. The WiFi video feed has noticeable lag and frame drops, so expect frozen frames like a ‘90s webcam if you fly too far away. Outdoors, it’s basically a featherweight kite — the tiniest breeze can send it on a one-way trip to the neighbor’s yard. There’s no GPS, so forget about auto return-to-home; if you lose signal, you’d better hope the drone gods are merciful. The flight time is short too — Ryze claims 13 minutes, but realistically you’ll squeeze out 8–10 if you’re zipping around. Extra batteries are a must.
So, who should buy this thing? Total beginners, kids, or students wanting an ultra-safe practice drone. It’s perfect for dipping your toes in the drone pool without drowning your wallet. Teachers and STEM clubs also get a lot of bang for their buck with the coding aspect.
Who shouldn’t buy it? Anyone hoping to film cinematic YouTube videos — the footage will disappoint you. It’s not built for outdoor adventures on breezy days either, and if you want pro features like GPS, obstacle avoidance, or serious range, you’re barking up the wrong toy drone.
Bottom line: The Tello is training wheels for drone flight — fun, forgiving, and a solid way to learn. Just remember you’re flying a toy, not a baby Mavic. If you treat it that way, you’ll get your money’s worth. If you want a good next-step drone once you outgrow this flying hamster, just say the word — I’ve got recommendations ready.
The Drone Z.one came to life as a hub for drone enthusiasts, students, and curious newcomers to connect, learn, and share their passion for unmanned flight. It started with the idea of building more than just a website — it’s a growing community where people trade tips, find opportunities, and showcase their skills. To keep the spirit alive (and the lights on), the Drone Z.one T-shirt store was launched, offering slick, drone-themed designs that let members rep their love for drones wherever they go. What began as a simple online gathering place is now evolving into a real-world movement to elevate drone education, careers, and community pride.