The sounds of motors buzzing and children’s laughter filled the air as participants got hands-on experience constructing and operating drones during the recent Pima Air and Space Museum’s Fly-A-Drone Day on Jan. 24. The event saw a record turnout this year.

The museum invited families to build their own drones and test-fly them through a miniature obstacle course. Participants ranged from age 4 to 72, and each group was given a different drone to assemble with the help instructors, if needed. 

There were two sessions: one for beginners in the morning and a more advanced group in the afternoon. 

“You don’t need experience, we’re all amateurs,” said Lonnie Brunson, a participant in the first group. “We got our instructions and it’s easy from there. They even had some tools ready.”

Brunson said he brought the whole family. 

“I brought my nieces, nephews. Everyone’s having a blast,” he said. 

Both groups flew their drones indoors due to the National Guard Armory’s proximity and nearby US Air Force military base, creating a “no-fly-zone airspace above the museum and the surrounding area,” said Meagan Lawrence, an instructor for the event and assistant director of the museum. 

The beginner group drew 14 participants, including five families which, was “one of the best turnouts” the event has seen, said Lawrence, 

“We love having the kids here. Even if they aren’t able to fly on their own, usually everyone has a really positive experience. We try to make it very laid back,” Lawrence said. 

One beginner-group participant, Isabella Martinez, said it was fun even for complete novices.

“I’m not even a drone person, but that’s why the class is here so you can know how to do it and learn,” she said. “The instructors do a good job at really guiding you through it.” 

After each family took turns attempting to fly their drones through the obstacles, they received a full walking tour of the museum, including a closer look at its new building, which displays artifacts parts of aircrafts used in space exploration. 

“We were also able to go check out some other drones that we have in our Space Gallery, and learn where we first started to where we are now. Especially over in Hangar 1 where you see a drone from the World War II era to one that was used on our SR71 Backbird,” Lawrence said.

After the tour, participants were allowed to return to the fly room and take their drones home with them. 

The Pima Air & Space Museum plans to bring the drone event back in early 2027 and will host a family friendly “Night of Fright” Halloween event on Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. 

The Museum is located at 6000 E. Valencia Rd. and is open daily to visitors from 9-5 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://pimaair.org/plan-your-visit/general-admission/. 

Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.