Amazon, in partnership with the U.K.’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is launching a competition inviting children in primary school across the U.K. to play their part in the future of science and technology through the “Design a Drone” competition.
According to an announcement from the CAA, the competition will help raise awareness of the CAA’s Drone Code, a set of rules and guidelines outlining how to fly drones safely and legally in the U.K.
All primary schools in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are eligible to enter the competition. Students will be asked to design their interpretation of a delivery drone to serve a humanitarian purpose or improve society. The competition is open to students in years two to five.
The national winner will have the opportunity to tour Amazon Prime Air’s Development Centre in Cambridge, where his or her design will be exhibited for a year. Winners will also be awarded Amazon Fire tablets, gift baskets and cash prizes for teaching resources for their class.
The competition runs until June 2. Judges will comprise representatives from Amazon Prime Air, the CAA and other drone stakeholders.
“Amazon is thrilled to partner with the U.K. CAA on the ‘Design a Drone’ competition,” says Lauren Kisser, operations director at Amazon Prime Air. “We share a belief that the safe use of drones can make a positive contribution to society. With this competition, we aim to help students, teachers and parents from across the U.K. think about how drone technology can benefit communities and learn how to fly their own drones safely. I can’t wait to see what they create.”
Jonathan Nicholson, assistant director of communications at the CAA, adds, “While we absolutely want everyone to have fun with their drones, safety must always be the top priority. This partnership with Amazon is part of a wider initiative looking at establishing a safe and responsible attitude toward drone flying. By educating schoolchildren now about the basic safe flying rules, we can help to protect both the safety of the public and aviation industry and the opportunities for drones in the future.”
