It is officially count down to holiday season time.  Many people are still looking for that perfect gift or experience to share with loved ones this year.  Just in time for that, Drone Zone NJ is gearing up for some special holiday races to entertain drone enthusiasts of all levels.  Whether you are a pilot or have never seen a drone race before, if you live in the New Jersey area this could be a great place to spend some holiday vacation time.  Located in Flemington, NJ Drone Zone is an educational and recreational drone facility.  They are members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the largest model aviation club in the country that provides it’s members with insurance, help finding and obtaining flight sites, and official contest sanctions.  It has been almost a year since Diane Booher first opened Drone zone, and she anticipates some big things to come for this year.

Before opening Drone Zone, Diane worked at Next Level Arena in Flemington as a special events coordinator.  When her 16 year old son Jack  started showing an interest in drones she realized there was something more to the small flying toys he was playing with.  With her business and event planning experience and inspiration from Jack’s new hobby, Drone Zone was born.  Diane opened Drone Zone to give people a place to truly experiment with drones in a safe environment.  “People love to challenge themselves with speed, flips and turning with our drones.  It’s a fun, lighthearted activity that people of all ages can enjoy,” Diane said.  The site offers drone operating courses, parties, has a store and repair shop, open fly nights, and hosts multiple levels of drone races.  “People typically think only the younger generation would be interested in drones, but that’s not true,” Diane said.  “People come up to me interested in drone flying who you would never think would want to fly a drone.”  And Drone Zone is the perfect place for someone who has never flown a drone to get in the game.

To fly a drone at Drone Zone you do not need a Part 107 license or any experience.  Staff members can help you get started, but for the most part flying the FPV (First Person View) drones is very similar to playing a video game.  You can rent a drone on site, bring your own, or even join a planned workshop to custom build your own drone.  There are some regulations on drone size, as this is an indoor space all drones used, have to be small range drones.  Inside the space Diane and Jack have set up a series of obstacle courses to race a drone through.  Hurdles, tunnels, and hoops lit up with lights make up just some of the course space.  And while Drone Zone sponsors races frequently, they are doing something special for the holiday season.

This weekend they are hosting a holiday themed event called the Micro Rip 2019.  Diane said of the upcoming race, “This is our first ever holiday meet.  This week’s indoor event will have continuous heats with all whoops and micros welcome (3-inch and under). Pizza and light refreshments are included, and there are door prizes and swag. It’s sponsored by Safety Third and Drone Zone.”  The race is open to anyone interested, with or without a Part 107,and the drones can be operated by a controller, tablet, or phone.  Registration must be completed by Friday the 20th and it is $20 to participate.  While the prizes aren’t as much as can be found on the professional circuit which range up to $100,000, there will be prizes awarded.

Just a bit after the Micro Rip, Drone Zone will be hosting another race on January 4th called Micro Madness.  This is another event that is open to the public, and while Diane estimates there will be around 25 drone operators for the afternoon of the Micro Rip, this event is set to be a bit bigger.  In the past, Diane says “Pilots have come to this event from as far away as Colorado.  Pilots check in between 8:30 and 9am and we wrap it up around 6pm.  The event is live streamed, so anyone can watch the action.”  This day long event boasts some exciting prizes too.  The cash purse is $1,000 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, $100 for 3rd place, and of course thrilling entertainment for anyone watching. 

If you are still looking for some gift ideas or something to do this coming holiday season, Drone Zone could be just the place you need.  Between meeting all of your drone equipment needs, entertaining races, opportunities for novices or experienced pilots, Drone Zone has something for everyone interested in drones.  As they gear up for these next to race events they are looking forward to more exciting events later in the year.  They are in the process of scheduling outdoor races at a local farm for slightly larger drones.  They are also expanding their educational programs with a partnership with Hunterdon Polytech, a nearby technical high school, to teach two drone courses in the spring of 2020.  As drone popularity continues to grow, places like Drone Zone are a welcome novelty.