TAMPA – The Museum of Science & Industry allows guests to take control of real drones – completing challenges, racing each other, and getting up-close with the technology that’s transforming our world.
Regulations and training requirements are increasing for drone operators across the U.S., but in MOSI’s dedicated indoor drone space, trying out a drone is both approved and encouraged.
Flight Club Drone Zone, presented by Suncoast Credit Union, will be included with admission for guests of all ages, with guidance from a MOSI educator always close by.
“We take science and technology that may be new, confusing or overwhelming and we make it real for you,” CEO John Graydon Smith said. “We get you hands-on with it. And we show you how it fits into your future – looking at how it may change our community and how you can be prepared for the new careers the technology is creating.”
Learn how drones impact lives
In addition to controlling drones that are about the size of a paper plate, guests will see drones on display in a range of sizes, designed for a range of jobs.
Videos showcase the careers that are emerging from this growing technology and show drones in action around the world.
The number of drone-related job postings more than doubled between 2021 and 2023, according to drone training company DARTdrones.
“Drones are changing the way we live our lives, from enhancing agricultural efficiency to enabling innovative search and rescue operations. They’re not just streamlining deliveries or entertaining us with spectacular aerial displays – drones are paving the way for new learning and career paths,” said Kevin Johnson, president and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “We’re excited to partner with MOSI to make drones more accessible to the Tampa Bay community, as they continue to create new opportunities and experiences that we can all benefit from and enjoy.”
As part of Suncoast Credit Union’s partnership with MOSI, Suncoast members can buy one MOSI ticket with their Suncoast debit or credit card and get a second ticket free.
Museum creates attraction with scientific method
MOSI’s team used one of their favorite concepts, the scientific method, to develop Flight Club Drone Zone.
Starting in 2023 with the hypothesis that drone flying would be a great guest experience, they tested a small drone flying area in their IdeaZone makerspace.
“The area was a big hit, but we ran into some snags. Literally,” Smith said. Drones got caught in the netting used to enclose the drone space. The first fragile drones they tried couldn’t hold up to constant use. And long lines formed, since the area only had room for one guest at a time.
After analyzing their experiment, the MOSI team tested different types of netting and drones and rearranged a section of the museum to more than triple the area available for flying.
The conclusion is a zone complete with mesh walls that won’t snag, durable drones and enough room for three guests to take to the skies at once, allowing for skills challenges and head-to-head races.
Drones have also been added to several MOSI programs and Summer Science Camps. The additional drone programs were designed with input from experts and licensed drone pilots.
Learn more about Flight Club Drone Zone or get tickets at mosi.org.
