Model Processing and Team Photos
Our day started with model processing, where officials carefully checked each drone’s weight, propeller sizes, frame dimensions, and other technical specs. Thanks to our team’s hard work, every model passed with flying colours! Immediately afterward, we headed to a photography studio for official team photos, which will be displayed on the stadium’s video walls during pilot introductions.
Practice Session
With four pilots and only eight minutes of practice time, our team strategized how best to use our limited time on the track. The pilots agreed to fly together, switching to their next drone every two minutes to maximise time. Though we encountered some video reception issues—causing occasional crashes—we weren’t alone in facing these challenges. Many teams struggled with video quality, especially at the far end of the track, where signal interference created “digital snow” on our monitors.
Throughout the afternoon, the weather began to worsen, with light rain moving in due to Typhoon Kong-rey, which had recently made landfall south of us. We’ll be monitoring the weather closely to see how it might impact future sessions.
Team Managers’ Meeting and Track Walk
After practice, all teams were invited to a track walk, which we found helpful despite it taking place after our initial runs. Organisers shared possible solutions to address the video issues and briefed team managers on a few rule updates and procedural changes. With the typhoon approaching, they also advised that the opening ceremony would be moved indoors.
Opening Ceremony
As rain intensified, we donned our waterproofs and headed to a nearby hotel for the opening ceremony. The event began with a lively performance from a local street dance troupe, followed by pledges from a pilot representative, and messages from the FAI and the Aero Sports Federation of China. The ceremony ended with the FAI anthem, and though the weather dampened plans, it didn’t dampen our team’s spirits.
Looking Ahead
We’re heading back to the hotel to review our options for resolving the video issues and assessing how the changing weather may impact our qualifying rounds.
Thank you for your continued support—knowing you’re cheering us on means so much. We’ll be in touch with another update tomorrow!
Warm regards,
Karl Payne – Team Manager
