64 Pilots Return to U.S. Air Force Museum for Micro Drone Race

Inside the Korean War Gallery at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 64 FPV pilots flew micro drones at top speeds of roughly 40-45 mph, weaving through lighted gates, tight turns, and the shadow of the C-124 Globemaster II "Old Shakey" and an F-82 Twin Mustang during the 7th annual Micro Drone Race, held Feb. 20–22. Organized by Cincinnati Quad Racers in partnership with the museum, the weekend featured qualifying rounds and head-to-head heats running 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

Pro Series Racer Peter Rudman of Colorado underscored the rare venue as a competitive draw, saying, "It’s incredible, getting to fly around the plane and inside the hangar is such an incredible experience." WHIO reported the event drew pilots from around the world, reinforcing that international and pro-level competitors came to Dayton for the precision and spectacle of indoor hangar racing.

Spectators watched from several designated viewing areas and on large screens that displayed live pilot-eye feeds from FPV goggles and onboard cameras. Dayton Daily News noted admission and parking were free, and a museum photo caption referenced a 2024 course section that featured lighted gates and tight turns designed to test precision flying. The combination of free access and close-up pilot views made the event an accessible public showcase of micro drone speed and control.

Education and industry outreach accompanied the competition. The Engineers’ Club of Dayton presented an exhibit on the evolution of flight and drone technology, including a radio-control flight simulator and displays of early guidance systems and mechanical components. Sinclair Community College ran hands-on Unmanned Aerial Systems activities and interactive drone simulators to teach fundamentals of flight and drone technology, providing a direct link between competitive FPV and workforce development.

Youth participation was visible on the roster: 11-year-old Eislee Quelette of Grand Rapids, Michigan, competed among the 64 pilots and described the personal thrill of FPV racing, saying, "I kind of just like to feel like I’m flying like a bird" and "It’s just something fun for me to do whenever I can do it because I have school work, so just like a break from everything else." The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force posted a photo of the event on Instagram on Feb. 20, documenting the return of the micro drone race to the Dayton museum.

As the seventh annual edition, the event highlighted a growing intersection of aviation history and next-generation drone sport: historic aircraft provided dramatic course obstacles while organizers staged a modern, televised-style spectator experience. With 64 pilots, international competitors, STEM exhibits from local institutions, and free public access, the Micro Drone Race reinforced Dayton’s role as an arena where competitive FPV racing, education, and museum interpretation converge.