Tiger Flight Classic Weekend ADC

TIGER FLIGHT CLASSIC WEEKEND

South Panola High School AFJROTC | Aerial Drone Competition & Aerial Drone PRO

DREAM BIG. FLY HIGH. LEAVE A LEGACY.

Get ready for an exciting weekend of high-flying competition, teamwork, innovation, and STEM excellence at the Tiger Flight Classic Weekend, proudly hosted by the South Panola High School AFJROTC Autonomous Operations Squadron in Batesville, Mississippi!

Held during Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend, this special event brings together rookie and veteran aerial drone teams to showcase their skills, challenge their abilities, and celebrate the next generation of aviation, robotics, and STEM leaders.

THREE EXCITING COMPETITIONS — ONE INCREDIBLE WEEKEND!

EVENT 1: Aerial Drone Competition (ADC) – Rookie Division

Designed specifically for rookie teams from programs with less than three years of competition experience. This event provides newer programs an opportunity to compete against teams with similar experience levels while developing confidence, teamwork, and competitive skills.

Rookie teams will experience the excitement of the Fast Track season, including Teamwork Missions, Piloting Skills, Autonomous Flight Skills, and judged awards.

EVENT 2: Aerial Drone Competition (ADC) – Veteran Division

This event welcomes established teams from programs with three or more years of competition experience that are ready for intense competition and advanced challenges.

Veteran teams will compete in Fast Track Teamwork Missions, Piloting Skills, Autonomous Flight Skills, and judged awards. Expect exciting matches, strategic flying, and outstanding displays of teamwork and precision.

 EVENT 3: Aerial Drone PRO Competition

Take drone competition to the next level! Aerial Drone PRO introduces an exciting challenge featuring advanced drone operations, engineering, programming, strategic planning, and innovative problem-solving.

Teams will demonstrate their technical abilities, creativity, and teamwork in a challenging competitive environment.

WHAT TEAMS CAN EXPECT

• Three distinct competitions: Rookie ADC, Veteran ADC, and Aerial Drone PRO.

• Exciting flight challenges: Competitive missions that test piloting, programming, strategy, and teamwork.

• Awards and recognition: Opportunities to earn tournament, skills, and judged awards.

• STEM excellence: Hands-on learning through aviation, robotics, engineering, and technology.

• Positive competition: A welcoming environment focused on sportsmanship, leadership, and teamwork.

• The Tiger Experience: Southern hospitality, championship energy, and lasting friendships.

HONORING THE DREAM — INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend, the Tiger Flight Classic recognizes the importance of opportunity, perseverance, leadership, and the courage to dream beyond limitations.

Our goal is to provide a competitive experience where rookie teams can build their foundation, veteran teams can demonstrate their excellence, and PRO teams can push the boundaries of innovation.

Whether your team is making its competitive debut or pursuing another championship, the Tiger Flight Classic Weekend is the place to compete, learn, grow, and create a legacy.

EVENT INFORMATION

Host: South Panola High School AFJROTC – MS-081
Program: Autonomous Operations Squadron
Location: South Panola High School, Batesville, Mississippi
Weekend: Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Weekend
Competitions:

1. ADC Fast Track – Rookie Division

2. ADC Fast Track – Veteran Division

3. Aerial Drone PRO Competition

ONE WEEKEND. THREE COMPETITIONS. ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES.

DREAM BIG. FLY HIGH. LEAVE A LEGACY.

Tiger Flight Classic Weekend – Event Day Schedule

South Panola High School AFJROTC
601 Tiger Drive, Batesville, MS 38606
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend | Saturday

The Tiger Flight Classic Weekend will feature three competition events: Aerial Drone Competition (ADC) Rookie, ADC Veteran, and Aerial Drone PRO.

All three events will operate simultaneously, with ADC Rookie and Veteran competitions receiving scheduling priority over ADC PRO.

Tentative Schedule of Events

Competition Scheduling & Priority

ADC Rookie and ADC Veteran Events

ADC Rookie and Veteran events will receive scheduling priority throughout the tournament. These competitions will follow their official match schedules, including qualification matches, skills missions, and championship rounds.

Aerial Drone PRO Event

Aerial Drone PRO will operate concurrently with the ADC events rather than as a separate competition after ADC concludes.

ADC PRO teams will compete during available competition periods while ensuring ADC Rookie and Veteran match schedules remain on time.

Competition Priority Policy

Teams participating in multiple events must report to their scheduled ADC matches first. ADC PRO activities will be coordinated around ADC competition requirements.

Event officials may adjust ADC PRO match timing to avoid scheduling conflicts and maintain efficient tournament operations.

Judging & Awards

On-site judging and team interviews will begin at 9:30 AM. Each competition event will be evaluated separately according to its applicable judging guidelines.

Awards will be presented for the respective events following the completion of competition activities.

Important Reminder

All teams should arrive early for check-in, inspections, and setup. Competition schedules are tentative and may be adjusted by event officials.

WE ARE STANDARDS. WE ARE SOUTH PANOLA!

Judging and Team Interviews

All judging and team interviews for the Tiger Flight Classic Weekend will be conducted on-site at South Panola High School.

Team interviews will begin at 9:30 AM.

Teams should arrive prepared to meet with judges and discuss their drone program, teamwork, technical knowledge, flight strategies, problem-solving skills, and overall learning experiences.

What Teams Should Bring:

• Engineering or competition notebooks, if required or permitted by the event's judging format.

• Their team identification and competition information.

• Any supporting documentation permitted under the judging guidelines.

• All team members participating in the interview.

Judges will evaluate teams according to the official competition judging criteria. Teams should be prepared to explain their individual roles, contributions, and accomplishments.

Important: All interviews and judging activities will take place in person. Teams should review the event's designated judging type for specific notebook submission and interview requirements.

Interview Start Time: 9:30 AM

We Are Standards. We Are South Panola!

Welcome to the Tiger Flight Classic Weekend!

South Panola High School AFJROTC welcomes all teams, coaches, families, and spectators to Batesville, Mississippi, for an exciting weekend of Aerial Drone Competition and Aerial Drone PRO during Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend!

Competition Location

South Panola High School
601 Tiger Drive
Batesville, MS 38606

Event Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
On-Site Judging & Interviews: Beginning at 9:30 AM
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)

Travel Distances & Estimated Driving Times

All distances and travel times are approximate, one-way estimates.

Driving Directions

From Memphis, Tennessee: Travel south on Interstate 55 toward Batesville, Mississippi.

From Jackson, Mississippi: Travel north on Interstate 55 toward Batesville.

From Little Rock, Arkansas: Travel east on Interstate 40 toward Memphis, then south on Interstate 55 toward Batesville.

From Huntsville, Alabama: Travel west toward Memphis using US-72 and connecting highways, then south on Interstate 55 toward Batesville.

Final Approach: Take the Batesville exit at Highway 6 (Exit 243), travel west, and follow your GPS directions to South Panola High School at 601 Tiger Drive.

Parking & School Entrance

• Free event parking is available in the parking lot directly in front of South Panola High School.

• All competing teams, coaches, parents, and spectators must enter through the main front entrance doors.

• Follow posted event signs and instructions from event volunteers.

• Teams should allow sufficient time to unload drones, equipment, notebooks, and other competition materials.

• Please arrive early to complete check-in and prepare for competition activities.

Recommended Hotels – Batesville, Mississippi

Hampton Inn Batesville
103 Lakewood Drive
Batesville, MS 38606
Phone: (662) 578-5555

Amenities include complimentary hot breakfast, Wi-Fi, fitness center, and free parking.

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Batesville
290 Power Drive
Batesville, MS 38606
Phone: (662) 367-0360

Amenities include complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, an indoor pool, fitness center, and free parking.

Both hotels are conveniently located near Interstate 55, restaurants, shopping, and the competition venue.

Hotel Reservation Reminder: Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend is a holiday weekend. Teams traveling from outside the Batesville area are encouraged to make hotel reservations early. Room rates and availability are determined by each hotel.

On-Site Medical, Severe Weather & Emergency Procedures

Medical Assistance & First Aid

The safety of all competitors, coaches, volunteers, and spectators is our top priority at the Tiger Flight Classic Weekend.

For minor injuries or medical concerns, please notify an event official at the registration/check-in area near the main entrance. Event staff will assist in obtaining appropriate medical assistance.

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately and notify tournament officials so emergency responders can be directed to the appropriate location.

Severe Weather & Emergency Evacuation

In the event of severe thunderstorms, tornado warnings, or other dangerous weather conditions, tournament operations will be suspended immediately when necessary.

• All drone flights and competition activities will stop.

• Teams and spectators will follow event staff to designated indoor shelter locations.

• Participants should remain away from windows and exterior doors during tornado warnings.

• Competition will resume only after officials determine conditions are safe.

Emergency instructions will be reviewed during the opening ceremony.

Emergency Contacts & Event Officials

For assistance, please locate:

• TSgt (Ret.) Rodney D. Williams – Event Partner / Head Coach, South Panola High School AFJROTC Drone Program

• Tournament officials at the registration/check-in table

• Designated school personnel and event volunteers

Emergency Location: South Panola High School, Batesville, Mississippi.

In any emergency, remain calm, follow staff instructions, and keep entrances and emergency access routes clear.

Safety First. Mission Always.

We Are Standards. We Are South Panola.

Team Withdrawal & No-Refund Policy

Tiger Flight Classic Weekend
South Panola High School AFJROTC

This policy applies to all three competition events: ADC Rookie, ADC Veteran, and Aerial Drone PRO.

All Registration Fees Are Nonrefundable

• No Refunds: All registration fees are final and nonrefundable once payment has been submitted.

• Team Withdrawals: Teams may withdraw from the competition at any time; however, no refunds will be issued.

• No-Shows: Teams that fail to attend the competition will forfeit their registration fees.

• Event Cancellation: If the Event Partner cancels the competition and the event is not rescheduled, teams will receive a refund of their event registration fees.

• Schedule Changes: Changes to the competition schedule do not qualify teams for refunds.

Withdrawal Notification

Teams that need to withdraw should notify the Event Partner in writing as soon as possible, preferably no later than January 9, 2027, to allow tournament officials to adjust match schedules and event operations.

Withdrawal requests should include the team number, school or organization name, and registered competition event.

Event Contact:
TSgt (Ret.) Rodney D. Williams
rwilliams@spanola.net
Head Coach, South Panola AFJROTC Drone Program

Important Registration Notice

By submitting payment, teams acknowledge and agree that all registration fees are nonrefundable unless the event is canceled by the Event Partner and not rescheduled.

WE ARE STANDARDS. WE ARE SOUTH PANOLA!