В Батавии пройдет первый в регионе авиашоу с футболом на дронах и пилотажными акробатами

If witches and wizards flying around on broomsticks trying to throw the quaffle through a hoop seemed like fun for Harry Potter fans, there’s a real-life opportunity coming this weekend with drone soccer, Rob Nichols says. There won’t be the wizards or broomsticks as there are in the popular fictional sport Quidditch, but there will be flying soccer balls and teams attempting to fly them through a designated hoop target. The game is not only an exciting addition to this year’s Discovery Zone at Wings Over Batavia, but likely putting Batavia on the map as one of the first to offer it in the region, said Nichols, who has worked with at least a dozen air shows. “It’s kind of an emerging new competition, so that's exciting. Among the shows that I've been involved in, this is a first. So I think Batavia is getting something kind of new, you know, fairly cutting edge and fun for the kids,” he said to The Batavian. “By nature, an air show should be a family-friendly event, and we try to make it that for this show, particularly given the fact that kids 12 and under are getting in free. But beyond that, we want to have a place for kids to sort of learn more about the science behind the aviation, and so that's what the theory behind what the Discovery Zone is. “It's beyond just a couple bounce houses as in other shows, and trying to sort of pique kids' imaginations and curiosity about aviation and the science behind aviation,” he said. “And so there are some exhibits there that, in addition to being a good break for the kids from the flying going on around, it’s a chance for them to to learn more about aviation and the science behind it.” The air show is on Saturday and Sunday at Batavia Airport on Saile Drive. Gates open at 2 p.m., and the air show is to begin at 5 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Discovery Zone is an “immersive educational tent,” organizers say, open to kids of all ages with hands-on activities, including an Ask the Pilot segment, and opportunities to learn about aviation from top companies and organizations, including Delta Air Lines, Women in Aviation International, Air Line Pilots Association, and Experimental Aircraft Association. Drone Soccer was co-founded by David Roberts, who describes it in a company video as more than a drone with the protective cage soccer ball: it’s the education that’s underneath it, he said. Coach Tom Neff of Wings Over the Rockies further elaborated about all that students are learning with this flying sport. “There’s basic understanding of flight controllers and motors and speed controls,” Neff said. “And prop directions, and algorithms for controlling them.” The nonprofit CNY Drones states on its website that drone soccer gives students hands-on experience understanding the mechanics while learning basic coding and engineering principles of the aircraft. The organization also highlights teamwork and collaboration, plus problem-solving skills and opportunities for career exploration, since it's a team sport. But don’t be surprised if you find that anyone who plays it might also find it fun. The protective cages that serve as the soccer ball are made to crash into one another as players work to control them toward and through the hoop. Another new offering is the Bataviator Photo Mission, a scavenger hunt for kids that involves searching for specific items and taking selfies along the way to prove they found each item. Kids will come to the Discovery Zone to collect their Mission Booklet and take as many selfies as they can before the show starts at 5 p.m. Participants can initial or stamp each square as they collect that particular picture. Items include an American flag, a helicopter, someone in uniform, a pilot, drones, and an airplane tattoo. Selfies must be taken on the air show site. Each returned book will get a prize and can be entered into a drawing for tickets for a family of four to attend the Wings Over Batavia Show next year. As for the rest of the air show, Nichols said there will be plenty of entertainment. - The Air Force F-16C Viper will be a “highlight of the show,” with its team based in South Carolina demonstrating the Fighting Falcon — a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in more than 30 years of operations, including air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. - Nathan Hammond as GhostWriter Airshows, with the 1956 deHavilland Chipmunk specially modified for Airshow aerobatics and skywriting. Make sure to look up by the end of this week for a smiley face or some other silly, cute message from above. - Kevin Coleman as Red Bull Air Force, an aerobatic pilot. Coleman began at the age of 10 in his family’s decathlon aircraft from aerobatic Hall of Fame legend Marion Cole. He was the first American to fly in the Challenger Class of the Red Bull Air Race, and earned a spot on the prestigious U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team. Want to see him rolling his Extra 300 aircraft at 400 degrees per second and performing daring maneuvers at +/- 10 G’s? He’s in the lineup. There are 17 performers each day, with a finale that is almost too good for words, Nichols said. “For your readers who have not been before, the pyro-musical is extremely cool. That is the nighttime show. That is something that, hyperbole aside, must be seen to truly be appreciated,” Nichols said. “And my description can't do it justice, how unique that is, how different that is. Batavia’s fortunate to have it because that is a lot of fun.” Before the weekend gets going, Eli Fish Brewing Co. is hosting a Meet and Greet with Wings Over Batavia performers, aka, “our air show superheroes,” from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Jackson Square next to Eli Fish, 109 Main St., Batavia. The Ohms Band is to play from 6 to 9 p.m., and performer introductions are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. For more information or tickets, go to Wings Over Batavia.