December Flight Fest Aerial Drone Competition Plano Texas

✈️ DECEMBER FLIGHT FEST

Welcome to December Flight Fest!

We are excited to welcome teams to McMillen High School for a great day of competition, collaboration, teamwork, and flight!

Whether this is your first Aerial Drone Competition or you're a seasoned competitor, our goal is to provide a fun, organized, and memorable experience for every team. Please review the information below carefully before event day and share all relevant details with your team members and families.

We look forward to seeing you take flight!

Please review the complete event schedule located on the Agenda tab before arriving.

Teams should plan to arrive with enough time to complete all required morning activities, including:

• Team Check-in

• Drone Inspection

• Pit Setup

• Pilots/Team Meeting

Please do not plan your arrival based solely on your first scheduled match. Teams should be checked in, inspected, and ready to compete before competition begins.

🎒 WHAT TO BRING

Teams are responsible for bringing all equipment and materials needed to compete.

Before leaving for the event, we recommend checking that you have:

• Competition drone(s)

• Controller(s)

• Fully charged batteries

• Battery chargers

• Required cables and charging equipment

• Extension cords and/or power strips

• Competition Logbook information, if needed for reference

• Tools and supplies normally used by your team

• Refillable water bottles

Please clearly label your team's equipment and personal belongings.

🔋 BATTERIES & CHARGING

We strongly recommend arriving with your batteries fully charged and ready for competition.

Teams should bring their own chargers and any necessary charging equipment.

All batteries and charging equipment should be properly monitored throughout the event and handled in accordance with applicable competition and manufacturer safety guidelines.

🔌 TEAM PIT AREA

Each team will have a designated pit area to use throughout the competition.

Teams should keep their pit space organized and ensure that aisles and walkways remain clear.

Additional information regarding pit tables, chairs, and electrical access will be provided prior to the event.

Please remember that the pit area is a shared workspace. Teams are expected to be respectful of neighboring teams and help us maintain a safe and organized competition environment.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAMILIES & SPECTATORS

Families, friends, and spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend December Flight Fest and cheer on our teams!

Spectators should remain in designated viewing areas and follow all event and facility guidelines.

Please remember that competition and pit areas can become busy throughout the day. Help us provide teams with adequate room to prepare and compete by keeping competition pathways and team workspaces clear.

🏆 OFFICIAL QUALIFYING EVENT

December Flight Fest is an official REC Foundation Aerial Drone Competition Qualifying Event.

Awards will be presented in accordance with standard REC Foundation judging processes and qualification criteria.

Teams are encouraged to review all applicable competition rules, judging materials, and qualification criteria before attending.

✈️ DECEMBER FLIGHT FEST - Subject to Change

Event Agenda

Saturday, December 12, 2026
McMillen High School
750 N. Murphy Road | Murphy, TX 75094

Welcome to December Flight Fest! Please review the schedule below carefully and plan to arrive with plenty of time for team check-in, pit setup, and Flight Clearance Inspection.

All teams must be checked in and successfully pass inspection before participating in competition.

⏰ EVENT SCHEDULE

7:30 AM — Doors Open
Team Check-In • Pit Setup • Flight Clearance Inspections Begin

8:30 AM — Check-In & Inspection Deadline
All teams should be checked in and working toward completion of inspection by this time.

8:30 AM — Opening Welcome & Event Expectations
Welcome to December Flight Fest, event announcements, facility information, and expectations for the day.

8:45 AM — Flight Team Meeting
Important competition information and procedures will be reviewed. The Teamwork Match Schedule will be created following the meeting.

9:00 AM — Competition Begins
Teamwork Qualification Matches Begin
Piloting Skills Missions Begin
Autonomous Flight Skills Missions Begin
Team Interviews & Judging Begin

12:00 PM — Lunch Break

12:45 PM — Competition Resumes
Teamwork Qualification Matches, Skills Missions, and Judging resume.

1:45 PM — Skills Missions Close
Piloting Skills and Autonomous Flight Skills Missions conclude.

2:00 PM — Teamwork Qualification Matches End

2:15 PM — Alliance Selection

2:30 PM — Finals Begin 🚁
Finalist Alliances take to the field!

3:30–3:45 PM — Finals Conclude

3:45–4:00 PM — Awards Ceremony 🏆
Join us as we recognize our December Flight Fest award recipients and celebrate the accomplishments of all participating teams.

4:15 PM — Event Concludes / Team Load-Out

📍 EVENT LOCATION

McMillen High School
750 N. Murphy Road
Murphy, TX 75094

Additional information regarding parking, unloading, and the designated event entrance will be provided prior to the event.

Please allow enough time on event morning to park, unload equipment, and get your team to the competition area before check-in. Students will be stationed outside to help guide you to the correct location.