In an exciting step toward future-ready STEM education, a U.S. middle school has launched a groundbreaking UAV Autonomous Programming Challenge, powered by the Flying Loops Kit A from Oriental Navigation. This immersive initiative blends drone piloting, coding, and AI vision into one dynamic classroom competition—preparing students to lead in tomorrow’s tech-driven world.
Turning Drones Into Code: Why Flying Loops Kit A Was Chosen
Educators were searching for more than just a fun activity—they needed a programmable drone obstacle system that:
- Introduces autonomous flight with Scratch and Python
- Supports STEAM learning across physics, math, and computer science
- Works safely in indoor classrooms and tight gym spaces
- Aligns with international UAV competition standards
Flying Loops Kit A checked every box, offering a modular, color-coded training course built for coding-based flight tasks and visual tag navigation.
What’s Inside the Flying Loops Kit A?
This programmable obstacle course includes 11 core components designed to simulate real-world aerial navigation, while remaining fully portable and educator-friendly:
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Landing Pad | 1 |
| Single Loops | 2 |
| Tunnel | 1 |
| Flags | 4 |
| Arch | 1 |
| Stacked Loops | 1 |
All parts are constructed with high-visibility, lightweight materials, optimized for repeated use in both classroom instruction and competitive drone challenges.
Challenge Format: Coding Drones for Autonomous Missions
Each team of students programs a drone to complete a timed flight mission without any manual control. Using a 6m × 4m × 2.7m arena, students write scripts to navigate through obstacles, detect visual markers, and execute precise landings—all autonomously.
Key Challenge Specs:
- Flight Zones: Start area, mid-course obstacles, and landing zone
- Obstacle Count: 6–8 programmable checkpoints
- Programming Platforms: Scratch (block coding) or Python
- Drone Requirements:
- Weight ≤ 100g
- Propeller ≤ 3 inches
- Downward-facing vision sensor
- Compatible with tablets or laptops for wireless programming
Obstacle Scoring Breakdown
| Obstacle | Score |
|---|---|
| Low Loop | 10 |
| High Loop | 10 |
| Tunnel | 20 |
| Flag | 10 |
| Crossed Loop | 25 |
| Multi-Flag Detour | 25 |
| Arch | 10 |
| Precision Landing | 5–10 |
Each team completes two timed runs, with the higher score used in final rankings. Points are awarded based on obstacle completion, flight path accuracy, and precise landings.
Results That Matter: Engagement and Growth in STEM
Since introducing Flying Loops Kit A, the school has reported:
- 80%+ increase in student interest in robotics and coding
- Teachers creating new interdisciplinary lesson plans linking AI, physics, and aerodynamics
- STEM class participation surging across science, tech, and math subjects
- Neighboring schools showing interest in replicating the model
What started as a classroom tool has now evolved into a district-wide learning initiative.
Oriental Navigation: Building the Future of Drone Education
As a trusted China-based STEM manufacturer, Oriental Navigation delivers not just products—but complete educational ecosystems:
- Soccer drones, DIY drone kits, inflatable arenas, LED scoring rings
- Custom branding options for kits, drones, and accessories
- Free curriculum aligned with NGSS and international UAV standards
- Lifetime tech support and bulk discounts for schools and organizations
We support educators, event organizers, and tech clubs with all-in-one systems ready for action.
Ready to Host Your Own UAV Programming Challenge?
Bring the excitement of autonomous drone missions into your school or program. With Flying Loops Kit A and our expert support, you can launch a full competition or build a classroom series that teaches real-world coding and engineering.
Get in touch to receive:
- Custom pricing
- Arena layout & scoring guides
- Online setup tutorials
- Full event planning and kit configuration
Let Oriental Navigation help you shape the next generation of drone engineers—starting with Flying Loops Kit A.
