Frequently Asked Questions
Spectators, Logistics & Event Day
Can spectators come watch the race? Is there an entry fee or restriction?
Yes — spectators are very welcome! Drone racing is exciting to watch, and there’s no entry fee unless stated otherwise for a specific venue.
Please stay behind the safety barriers, follow the organizers' instructions, and remember: if a pilot’s goggles are down, they are flying. Don’t talk to them or approach them during that time — it’s distracting and potentially dangerous.
Feel free to ask questions or explore between heats, and enjoy the action!
Can friends or family join me in the pit area?
Yes, you can bring friends or family to the event, but access to the pit area is limited to pilots and crew members only.
The pit area is where gear gets prepped, batteries charged, and races are managed — so it needs to stay safe, calm, and focused. If someone is helping you with gear, spotting, or timing, that’s fine — just let the Race Director know and they’ll be treated as your crew.
Friends and family who are just watching should stay in the spectator zone. They're welcome to visit between heats, but not while races are running.
Is there food, water, or electricity available at the race venue?
Facilities vary depending on the venue, and we’ll always include details when each race is announced.
You can always count on power for charging — electricity is provided at every event, but you’ll need to bring your own extension cord. Tables are provided, but please bring your own chair and anything else you need for a full day outdoors.
Toilets are arranged whenever possible. If they’re not available at a specific venue, we’ll let you know in advance and give you time to make other plans.
Food is usually your responsibility. We recommend bringing your own water, snacks, and lunch. Occasionally, we may have access to nearby food options or organize a lunch break — this will be communicated in advance if it applies.
Are dogs or other pets allowed at the race field?
It depends on the venue, but in general: we ask that you don’t bring pets to the race field.
Drone racing environments can be loud, fast, and unpredictable, which can easily stress animals — and a loose dog running onto the track could be dangerous for both the animals and the drones.
If the venue allows pets and you choose to bring one, it must be kept on a leash at all times, well away from the flight and pit areas, and under control. You are fully responsible for your pet’s behavior and safety.
What happens if my drone goes down in a dangerous spot or outside the track area?
If your drone crashes outside the designated track area — like into trees, tall grass, water, or public space — don’t rush off to recover it immediately.
Please notify a marshal or the Race Director first. They’ll either pause racing or let you know when it’s safe to go. We need to make sure you’re not walking through active flight zones or interfering with other pilots.
In some cases, recovery may have to wait until the end of the round — or even the end of the day — if the spot is difficult or risky to reach.
We know some drones might be worth a twisted ankle, but let’s not add a head injury to that. We’ll always help you get your gear back as soon as it’s safely possible.
Will there be photos or videos from the event? How can I get them afterward?
Yes — we often take photos and videos during events, both for documentation and to share the excitement of the races afterward. If there's an official photographer or videographer, we'll let everyone know, and the content will be shared via our usual channels — such as social media, event pages, or group chats.
However, we also respect your privacy.
If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please inform the Race Director at the start of the day and we’ll make sure your wishes are respected by both organizers and the community.
Can we cheer, celebrate, or vent during the event? How loud is too loud?
Absolutely — this is a passionate sport, and we want you to feel things. Celebrate your wins, express your frustrations, high-five, shout into the grass if you need to. Better out than in.
But remember: someone else might still be flying.
Loud reactions, banter, or excited celebrations — especially in the pit area or near the start line — can break another pilot’s concentration. And in drone racing, one second of distraction can end a run.
So:
- Cheer after the heat, not during
- Celebrate mindfully
- Don’t comment on anyone’s flying while they’re flying
- If you need to talk, do it in a way that doesn’t disturb others
Let’s keep the energy high without knocking someone else out of the air.
What should I do if a drone crashes or lands near me during the race?
If a drone lands or crashes near you — don’t touch it. Don’t move it. Don’t go near it.
Even if the motors have stopped, there may still be power running through the system, and the props can spin up unexpectedly. Touching the drone could also interfere with timing or pilot recovery.
Just raise your hand or get the attention of a nearby marshal or organizer. They’ll pause the race if needed and handle the situation safely.
If you're not sure what to do — stay still and alert someone. We’ll take it from there.
Race Format & Participation
What happens if I participate in some events in People's League and others in Pro Class? How does this affect my season ranking?
All pilots, regardless of which drone class they race in, earn points toward the same general EDRL season ranking. So whether you fly in the Pro Class or People's League, your results count equally in the overall standings.
There is a separate classification and season title for the People's League, but no separate ranking or title for the Pro Class. Pro Class results simply contribute to the general EDRL ranking.
This means you can switch between classes during the season and still collect points in the general ranking. However, only races flown with a People's League-eligible drone will count toward the People's League standings and awards.
In theory, it’s possible to win the entire season with a People's League drone — although it’s unlikely due to the performance gap. Still, the system allows for it.
How exactly is the "three consecutive laps" qualification rule applied? Can they be laps from different qualifying heats?
No — the three laps must be consecutive and they must come from the same qualifying heat.
We use your best set of three consecutive laps from any one single qualification round. You can fly as many laps as you can during each 2-minute heat, and we’ll automatically select the best continuous three-lap segment from that round.
You cannot combine laps from different heats. This keeps the qualification system fair and consistent for everyone.
What happens if two or more pilots end the season with exactly the same number of points?
If there’s a tie in total season points, placements are determined by tie-breakers in this order:
1. The pilot with the most stage wins ranks higher.
2. If still tied, we compare the number of 2nd-place finishes.
3. Then 3rd-place finishes, and so on.
4. If everything is still equal (which is extremely rare), a final tie-breaker can be made based on the best qualification result across the season.
This system rewards consistency and top-level performance over the full season.
Can I race in multiple classifications simultaneously (e.g., Juniors, Defence League, Estonian Championships), and how are awards determined if I place highly in several categories?
Yes, you can race in multiple classifications at the same time, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each (such as age, license, or affiliation). You fly together with everyone else, but your result is automatically counted in every category you qualify for.
Awards are given separately in each classification, so if you perform well, you can earn multiple medals or even multiple season titles.
For example:
- Karma competes in the Pro Class, but because he is over 40, a member of the Estonian Defence League, and holds an Estonian FAI license, he is also included in the Masters, Defence League, and Estonian Championships categories — all at once, alongside the general EDRL classification. That’s five active classifications in one season.
- The theoretical maximum is six categories. A pilot could race in the People’s League, be under 16 (Juniors), female (Ladies), a Defence League member, hold an Estonian FAI license, and, of course, be part of the general EDRL ranking — all at once.
This system ensures that pilots are recognised for all their efforts, no matter which categories they belong to.
What happens if all pilots crash in a heat — how is the placement determined?
If all pilots crash during a heat, we determine the results manually by looking at who made it furthest into the race.
First, we compare how many full laps each pilot completed. If that doesn’t separate the placements, we look at how far into the next lap each pilot made it — based on how many gates they passed before crashing.
If needed, we’ll review DVR footage to determine who passed their final gate first. This helps break ties when multiple pilots reached the same distance.
There is no automatic tracking of partial laps, so this process relies on observation, honesty, and DVR review when necessary. It’s not ideal, but it’s fair — and it ensures everyone’s effort is respected, even in a heat full of crashes.
What happens if someone drops out during eliminations or finals? Do you reshuffle the bracket?
If a pilot withdraws after qualifications, we’ll adjust the elimination bracket accordingly.
- If it happens before the bracket is locked in, we’ll move pilots up to fill the empty slot.
- If it happens after the bracket is published, that heat may run with fewer pilots — or in some cases, a pilot may get a bye (automatic advance) to the next round.
During finals (especially in Chase the Ace), if a pilot drops out or can’t fly, the remaining pilots continue as normal. The missing pilot’s final position will reflect where they dropped out.
We always try to keep the racing fair and flowing — but we won’t delay the event for a missing pilot once the bracket is live. If you need to leave early, let the Race Director know as soon as possible.
Equipment & Technical Setup
Am I allowed to switch video systems during an event?
Yes, you can switch video systems — for example, from analog to HDZero, DJI, or Walksnail — but you must inform the Race Director. This is especially important if the change affects your compatibility with timing equipment.
Switching is allowed between heats, not during a heat. Keep in mind that not all systems work equally well with our timing equipment, so it's best to finalize your setup during practice and avoid changes unless absolutely necessary.
If I’m using DJI or Walksnail and timing data is unreliable, how is placement decided?
If you're using DJI or Walksnail and the timing system doesn’t register your laps correctly, your result will be based on your DVR recording. That’s why it’s mandatory for DJI and Walksnail pilots to record all their flights.
In such cases, the Race Director will review the DVR footage to verify your laps and determine your placement as fairly as possible. If no DVR is available, the result may not be counted.
Please note that DJI and Walksnail systems are not fully compatible with the race equipment we use — or that most other Race Directors use. It’s on you to work with the Race Director during practice to find what adjustments might help. If you sort it out early, you’ll likely have no issues later in eliminations or finals.
Are props, motors, or firmware restricted in any way in either class?
In the Pro Class, there are no restrictions on props, motors, firmware, or tuning — as long as your drone meets the basic limits: up to 6S battery and up to 5.1” props.
In the People’s League, the same size limits apply (up to 4S, up to 5.1” props), but there’s also an RPM limit. How you achieve that — through motor KV, firmware, throttle limiting, or other methods — is up to you.
We don’t require specific components or firmware versions, but if there is any suspicion that your gear doesn’t comply, the Race Director may ask to check your setup at any time. This is based on honor and trust within the community.
Can I fly freestyle or test my drone outside of heats?
No flying is allowed — of any kind — while a heat is active. Period.
That includes freestyle, LOS quads, tinywhoops, camera drones, or anything else with a video transmitter or spinning props. You also must not plug in your drone while a heat is in progress, as it can interfere with active pilots’ video feeds.
Outside of live racing, you may only fly or power up if the Race Director has explicitly given you permission. This applies to all drones, even non-FPV ones.
We’re happy to find time for warmups or tests — just ask. But unless it's your turn to race, your gear stays unplugged and grounded.
Are there any battery safety rules I need to follow?
Yes — while we don’t enforce a strict checklist, basic battery safety is expected from every pilot.
- Use a LiPo-safe charging bag or charge your batteries on a non-flammable surface
- Don’t leave charging batteries unattended
- Keep damaged packs away from the pits and track
- Dispose of swollen or puffed batteries properly — don’t throw them in the regular trash
Charging areas are usually shared, so please be respectful and safe — no spaghetti wiring, no leaving your charger maxed out under the sun, and no “it’ll be fine” behavior.
If you’re unsure about a battery, ask someone or just don’t use it. We’d rather see you race than smoke.
Safety, Behavior & Race Conduct
What if my drone fails during qualification due to technical issues?
If your drone fails due to your own technical issue (like a broken solder joint, dead VTX, or misconfigured firmware), it is not grounds for a re-run.
Only issues caused by outside interference — like timing errors or another pilot’s video affecting your flight — may qualify for a re-run, and even then, it is entirely up to the Race Director.
In short: your equipment is your responsibility. Test it during the practice round, and if something goes wrong, use the time between heats to fix it.
What if I have video interference during eliminations?
If you experience video interference, and it's clearly caused by another pilot or a known system fault, you may request a re-run. The Race Director will evaluate the situation and make the final decision.
If the interference was due to your own setup or antenna placement, the result will stand.
Re-runs are rare and only granted when there is clear evidence that something outside your control affected your flight.
What happens if I lose video or have a failsafe during a heat?
If you lose video or experience a failsafe during a heat, your run ends the moment your drone goes down.
This is considered a race incident, and no re-run will be granted — even if the crash happens early in the heat. It’s part of the risk of racing.
The only exception is if the interference or failsafe was caused by something outside your control, like another pilot’s video signal or a confirmed system fault. In that case, you may request a re-run, but it’s up to the Race Director to decide.
Do I need a spotter while I’m flying? Who can be one?
Spotters are not required, but they are highly recommended — especially in elimination rounds or finals.
A good spotter isn’t just a helper — they’re like a co-pilot. They can call out lap counts, gate positions, traffic, mid-air collisions, or help troubleshoot issues with your video or link mid-flight. They also keep an ear on the Race Director, so you don’t miss any critical announcements.
Anyone you trust can act as your spotter — a teammate, friend, or fellow pilot. If you don’t have someone with you, just ask around. Most of us are happy to support each other.
Having a solid spotter can be the difference between a clean run and a crash you didn’t see coming.
What happens if someone behaves badly or breaks the rules on purpose?
We want EDRL events to be fun, fair, and focused — and most of the time, they are. But if someone shows unsportsmanlike behavior, intentionally breaks rules, or makes the event unsafe or unpleasant for others, the Race Director has the authority to take action.
That could mean:
- A verbal warning
- A heat disqualification
- Removal from the event, in serious cases
Examples of unacceptable behavior include:
- Ignoring safety instructions
- Flying without permission
- Arguing aggressively with officials or other pilots
- Disrespecting volunteers or damaging equipment
- Repeatedly disrupting the atmosphere or other people’s focus
We’re all here to race hard and have a good time — so don’t be that person who ruins it. Bring good energy, solve problems like adults, and remember: it’s just drones, but it matters.
Are there any environmental rules? Who’s responsible for cleanup?
Yes — we all are. Everyone is expected to leave the venue as clean (or cleaner) than we found it.
That means:
- Pick up your broken props, zip ties, and packaging
- Take your trash with you unless there’s a bin on site
- If you see someone else’s debris, be the person who picks it up anyway
- Don’t dump LiPos or batteries anywhere — take them home or dispose of them safely
Drone racing often takes place in shared or borrowed spaces, and if we want to keep using them, we need to show respect.
Think of it this way: the better we treat the land, the more welcome we’ll be to return.
How dangerous are racing drones, really? What happens if one hits someone?
Racing drones are extremely fast, powerful machines with sharp, spinning propellers — often going over 150 km/h within seconds. In the event of a collision between a drone and a human, the drone will win — and you’ll likely lose skin, blood, or worse.
That’s why we take safety seriously:
- Spectators must stay behind barriers
- Pilots must use failsafes
- No one flies unless it’s their heat
- No one approaches pilots with goggles down
These aren’t suggestions — they’re in place because even a small lapse can lead to serious injury.
The good news is that when everyone respects the boundaries, incidents are extremely rare. So enjoy the show — just give the drones space to fly, and they’ll do the rest.
Youth and Volunteers
Do youth pilots need a parent or guardian present during the event?
If you're under 16, there will always be a designated coach pilot at every EDRL race who is responsible for supporting and looking after youth pilots during the event — especially when it comes to racing, safety, and communication with the Race Director.
Most of the time, that coach pilot is Ragequit — also known as Janno Siimar, a coach at HOBIzone. He’s the big, jolly, hairy guy wandering around giving advice and keeping things moving. Not exactly your classic role model, but he knows what he’s doing and genuinely wants you to succeed.
That said, if you’re not part of a club or don’t know Ragequit personally, it’s a very good idea to have a parent or another adult with you — not just for racing help, but for all the other things that come with a long day outdoors with gear, wires, and adrenaline.
The coach pilot is your backup — but someone who knows you is your best teammate.
What kind of insurance do I need, if any, to race?
EDRL events do not require you to have personal insurance, but you are flying entirely at your own risk.
By taking part, you accept full responsibility for your own safety, your equipment, and any damage or injury you may cause to others. The organizers do not provide insurance for individual pilots, and an Estonian FAI license does not include any kind of personal or liability insurance.
While insurance is not mandatory, we strongly recommend looking into personal liability coverage — especially if you fly regularly or with high-powered gear. It’s rare, but accidents can happen, and it’s always better to be protected.
Can I help organize or volunteer at an event if I’m not racing that day?
Absolutely — yes! We’re always happy to have extra hands, and there’s plenty to do: setting up the track, helping with timing, spotting for pilots, keeping the schedule on track, or just supporting the overall vibe of the day.
You don’t need to be a racer to contribute — if you care about drones, racing, or just want to help make the event better, we’d love to have you involved.
Just let the Race Director or one of the organizers know in advance or on race day. Volunteering is a great way to learn more about the sport, meet people, and become part of the crew — even before you race yourself.