Guests Fly Real Drones in Permanent Addition to MOSI Presented by Suncoast Credit Union

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, FLA. (November 20, 2024) — Fun and hands-on learning will take to the sky as Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union opens today as a new, permanent addition to MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry.

Guests will take control of real drones—completing challenges, racing each other, and getting up-close with the technology that’s transforming countless aspects of our world.

Regulations and training requirements are increasing for drone operators across the United States, but in MOSI’s dedicated indoor drone space, trying out a drone is both approved and encouraged! The new experience will be included with MOSI admission for guests of all ages, with guidance from a MOSI educator always close by.

“At MOSI, this is what we do. We take science and technology that may be new, confusing, or overwhelming and we make it real for you. We get you hands-on with it. And we show you how it fits into your future—looking at how it may change our community and how you can be prepared for the new careers the technology is creating,” said MOSI CEO John Graydon Smith.

See How Drones Deliver Brand New Careers

In addition to controlling drones that are about the size of a paper plate, guests will see drones on display in a range of sizes, designed for a range of jobs. Videos showcase the careers that are emerging from this growing technology and show drones in action around the world.

The number of drone-related job postings more than doubled between 2021 and 2023, according to drone training company DARTdrones.

“Drones are changing the way we live our lives, from enhancing agricultural efficiency to enabling innovative search and rescue operations. They’re not just streamlining deliveries or entertaining us with spectacular aerial displays—drones are paving the way for new learning and career paths,” said Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union. “We’re excited to partner with MOSI to make drones more accessible to the Tampa Bay community, as they continue to create new opportunities and experiences that we can all benefit from and enjoy.”

As part of Suncoast Credit Union’s partnership with MOSI, Suncoast members can buy one MOSI ticket with their Suncoast debit or credit card and get a second ticket free.  

Created with the Scientific Method (and a Few Crashes)

MOSI’s team used one of their favorite concepts, the scientific method, to develop Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union. Starting in 2023 with the hypothesis that drone flying would be a great guest experience, they tested a small drone flying area in their IdeaZone makerspace.

“The area was a big hit, but we ran into some snags. Literally,” Smith said. Drones got caught in the netting used to enclose the drone space. The first fragile drones they tried couldn’t hold up to constant use. And long lines formed, since the area only had room for one guest at a time.

After analyzing their experiment, the MOSI team tested different types of netting and drones and rearranged a section of the museum to more than triple the area available for flying. The ultimate conclusion is Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union —complete with mesh walls that won’t snag, durable drones, and enough room for three guests to take to the skies at once, allowing for skills challenges and head-to-head races.

Drones (more formally called “unmanned aerial vehicles” or UAVs) have also been added to several MOSI programs and Summer Science Camps. The additional drone programs were designed with input from experts and licensed drone pilots.

Commitment to MOSI’s Current Home in North Tampa

The new Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union is one of many recent and near-future improvements to MOSI’s campus.

MOSI has no plans to relocate in the future. These investments show the commitment to MOSI’s permanent location next to the University of South Florida in North Tampa’s Uptown district, where it has led the way in hands-on learning for more than 40 years.

Learn more about Flight Club Drone Zone presented by Suncoast Credit Union or get tickets now at mosi.org.

About MOSI, Tampa’s Museum of Science & Industry

MOSI is Tampa Bay's center of science and innovation, located in North Tampa at 4801 E. Fowler Ave.
Welcome to the Museum of Science and Industry, where the wonders of science come to life. We are a hands-on science center dedicated to interactive learning and playful exploration. With engaging permanent and rotating exhibits and out of this world programming, MOSI makes science and technology accessible to all. Come join us on a journey of discovery and unlock the mysteries of the world around us.