07 Oct 2023

A dazzling ceremony opens the FAI World Drone Racing Championships

Report from Antonis Papadopoulos, FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) President and Jury Member

The 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championships have officially commenced with a spectacular light show involving 600 drones at the stadium of the Namwon Sports Town complex, Jeollabuk-do, Korea on 6 October.

Light show WDRC 2023
Image: Yong-chan NAM for KAMA

The FAI World Drone Racing Championships (known as the WDRC) are part of the International Drone Festa, and there are plenty of activities to entertain and interest drone enthusiasts.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony took place during the afternoon and was absolutely spectacular. The teams paraded in front of the spectators with their national flags, and then the Namwon Mayor welcomed all the participants who have travelled from all over the world. On behalf of FAI, President David Monks made a speech in which he thanked the Korean authorities and welcomed the pilots and their teams. Bruno Delor, Jury President declared the competition officially open and a drone light show with 600 drones, plus dazzling fireworks added a magical touch to the event.

Video: Antonis Papadopoulos, FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) President

FAI E-Drone Racing Cup

The first FAI e-Drone Racing Cup is also taking place in Namwon as part of the World Drone Festa. As the first FAI recognised e-Drone competition, it represents the start of new era in drone sport and aeromodelling. The track the pilots are racing around is a simulation of the 2023 FAI WDRC track. Saturday 7 October is the final race.

FAI eDrone Racing Cup 2023
Image: Antonis Papadopoulos, FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) President

Drone Conference

In parallel with the 2023 FAI WDRC, a conference related to drones was organised and FAI was represented by CIAM President Antonis Papadopoulos and CIAM Vice President and F9 Subcommittee Chairman Bruno Delor, who spoke to the delegates.

WDRC2023
Image: Antonis Papadopoulos, FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) President

WDRC Model Processing and Team managers meeting

All the teams brought the models for specifications inspection in front of the judges. The judges checked every model which can be used during the event and checked if the specs are compliant with the rule. Then the model was “stamped” with approval. The Team Managers meeting took place before the Opening Ceremony.

WDRC2023
Image: Antonis Papadopoulos, FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) President

WDRC Official practice

Once they have completed their registration and model processing, the competitors have the opportunity to participate in a training session for flying “quads”. The official practice will conclude on Saturday 7 October.

Practice at the WDRC 2023
Image: Antonis Papadopoulos, FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) President