Drone Pilots Offer Intro Program

Lisa Marie Payne

UTICA, NY – CNY Drones will host a Tiny Whoop Experience FPV Session on Friday, February 2, 2018 at the Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Utica, NY.  First Person View (FPV) flying will give attendees the feeling of being in the drone cockpit during flight. For ages 11 and up, this 2-hour introductory program gives beginners experience using FPV goggles, radio controllers and Tiny Whoop class drones. Experienced drone enthusiasts will share their knowledge and encourage newcomers to get involved in their sport. The session will be held from 8:00 to 10:00pm in the Jewish Community Center Auditorium. No previous experience is required.  Drone equipment is provided. Participants will get acquainted with various gear used by area drone hobbyists and practice with guidance in a controlled environment. Attendees will be paired, switching off as pilot and spotter with the assistance of CNY Drones mentors. Participant to mentor ratio is 2 to 1. Registration and $45 fee will be accepted online via PayPal until Noon on Wednesday, January 31st or when the program fills, whichever is first. Program is limited to 8 participants. 

For those who already own a Tiny Whoop drone or wish to watch indoor racing action, CNY Drones is hosting another Friday Night Flights event on January 19th at the JCC. Pre-registration is requested and admission varies based on participation and membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics.  Program details are available on the CNY Drones website. “We hope this will become a monthly event to keep drone enthusiasts flying regardless of outdoor weather,” according to Lisa Marie Payne, CNY Drones Administrator.

In addition to flying sessions, CNY Drones offers STEM-centered build workshops, drone clinics, interactive demonstrations, drone races and competitions. The group also hosts an informational hub to keep the local drone community connected to events, safety updates, and the latest industry and technical information. CNY Drones partnership with JCC is part of the Utica Jewish Community Federation’s STEM initiative.

For more information or to register for Experience FPV or Friday Night Flights, go to https://www.cnydrones.org/ or join the newsletter mailing list by emailing: CNYDrones@gmail.com.

Recent News

Economic study highlights work of Griffiss Institute in Rome

Originally published by the Daily Sentinel. Read the full article here. (November 29, 2025) Story by...

Griffiss Institute Drives $15.4M Economic Impact While Strengthening the Mohawk Valley’s Innovation Economy

Download pdf Rome, NY, November 20, 2025 — Griffiss Institute (GI) announced the findings of its...

Five Women-Owned Businesses Recognized and Awarded a $5,000 Grant Totaling $25,000

Pictured:  Brenda Carney / Can Chasers, Alex Nicolette / Bloom Nutrition Solutions, Ana Felica Brito...

Rediscovering the Mohawk Valley: From Apathy to Optimism

Article Written by Travis Applebee, Marketing and Communications Manager, Griffiss Institute In late...

Griffiss Institute Launches PASSPORT After-School STEM Program with $100,000 Gift from Griffin Charitable Foundation

Griffiss Institute (GI) is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural PASSPORT after-school STEM...

Four Wheels and a Big Idea Local Business Owner Donates Trailer to Drive Griffiss Institute’s STEM Programs Forward

Griffiss Institute (GI) is rolling full speed ahead with delivering STEM programming directly to...
Scroll to Top

MVGives Now Accepting Donations Through 9/19 @ 9PM EST