The first ever Colorado Drone Airshow will be held Oct. 6 and 7 in Fort Collins at the Christman Airfield and on the Colorado State University Campus. The event is open to the campus community and Northern Colorado residents with several free activities planned.
The public portion of the event will start with a CSU-themed drone light show by sponsor Brightflight Drones at 9:30 p.m. on Friday at the campus Intramural Fields. Then, the fun continues from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday at Christman Airfield north of Fort Collins where visitors can catch drone races, eat at food trucks and explore exhibitor booths. Entry to both of those public events are free and registration is requested – but not required – for the Saturday airfield activities.
The event is hosted by the CSU Drone Center which is based in the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering and provides consultation on UAV systems, pilot training, logistical support and equipment rentals to anyone in the region. The center also manages the Christman Airfield flight training area where the Saturday event will be held.
The light show on Friday night will be oriented for best viewing from the east. The areas east of Meridian Ave or the west lawn of the Lory Student Center will be ideal. Free parking is available in the nearby parking lots of the Lory Student Center lot (310), Morgan Library lot (425) and Hartshorn lot (412). Visitors should bring chairs, blankets, bug spray and plan for the light show to last about 15 minutes. No services will be provided on campus but restrooms can be found in the Lory Student Center and the south side of the fields.
Parking is also free on Saturday for the airfield activities and attendees should bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and suitable footwear. Pets or animals are not allowed unless designated as service animals and no unauthorized use of drones is allowed during the event. Visitors can stroll through exhibitor booths from manufactures and see informational sessions on how university researchers and industry professionals are using drones in their work. There will also be static aircraft displays, demonstrations and an acrobatic RC airplane performance, among other attractions.
A full agenda and other details about both public events is available online.
