Minnesota Drone Classic

Welcome to the 2026-2027 Minnesota Drone Classic

We are excited for you to join the premier Aerial Drone Competition in central Minnesota. Please check our page frequently for updates to the schedule, we will be adding more details, agendas and travel arrangements soon.

Payment Deadlines: Full payment is due upon registration. For other arrangements, please select Pay Later and contact the Event Partner.

Inspection: All teams must pass inspection before competing. Review the Inspection Checklist in advance to ensure your drone is ready.

Venue: The event will be held in the North Gym. Directions and parking information are available under the Travel Info tab.

Pit Area Info: Each team will have a pit area with a table, chairs, and a power strip. Feel free to bring flags, banners, or decorations to personalize your space! Each pit will also include a sign with your team number, name, and location, which you may take home after the event. Signs are created from your team’s RECF Events profile; last-minute changes may not appear.

Competition Prep: 

• Review the rules and inspection checklist (in the Documents tab) at least a week prior.
• Pack the day before with: drones, safety glasses, spare parts & tools, batteries & chargers, programming cable, laptop, and digital competition logbook.
• Safety first: fly only in designated areas. First violation removes you from judged awards; second removes the team from the event.

Competition Documents: Inspection forms and judging rubrics are located on the RECF Events website.

Additional Info: 

• Registrations fees will go toward purchasing lunch. Please reach out if you have any competitors with dietary restrictions.
• Waiting List: If the event is full, add your team to the waitlist and contact the Event Partner. Payment must be made promptly if a spot opens.

Questions? Contact Captain Johnson: chrisjohnson@isd138.org

Logbooks will be reviewed during the event.

In-Person Team Interviews: Conducted on-site during the event.

Location: North Branch Area High School

38175 Grand Avenue

North Branch, MN, 55056

Google Maps

Parking: Busses and vans may park in the staff parking lot on the Northeast corner of the campus. Enter the parking lot by the softball field and proceed around the building to the left. Signs will be posted.

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy

If weather or a local emergency causes us to cancel or adjust the schedule, all teams will be notified via email.

Refund and Payment Policies

If the Event Partner cancels the event:

• Refunds will be issued by the Event Partner minus REC Foundation $5 processing fee.

If a team withdraws or no-shows: Due to the costs associated with event planning, refunds will not be issued.