Drone pilots gather on NYC island for racing championship

A pilot flies a small racing drone through an obstacle course on Governors Island, a former military installation in New York Harbor, Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. Drone pilots are gathering in New York City to compete in the National Drone Racing Championship. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (The Associated Press)

prev next

Pilots fly their small racing drones through an obstacle course on Governors Island, a former military installation in New York Harbor, Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. Drone pilots are gathering in New York City to compete in the National Drone Racing Championship. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (The Associated Press)

Competitor Tyler Brennan, a 22-year-old Air Force lieutenant from Colorado Springs, Colo., works on a quad copter before flying his racing drone through the obstacle course on Governors Island, a former military installation in New York Harbor, Friday, Aug. 5, 2016. Drone pilots are gathering in New York City to compete in the National Drone Racing Championship. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) (The Associated Press)

Drone pilots are gathering in New York City to compete in the National Drone Racing Championship.

A practice event was held Friday, ahead of the weekend tournament.

The pilots flew their small racing drones through an obstacle course on Governors Island, a former military installation in New York Harbor.

Competitor Tyler Brennan is one of more than 100 pilots expected to compete. They are vying for a $50,000 prize.

The 22-year-old Air Force lieutenant from Colorado Springs, Colorado began flying drones earlier this year.

He says he was "hooked" the first time he flew a drone.

Brennan says he hopes the competition reminds people that drones can be used for more than photography and that people shouldn't be afraid of them.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/drone-pilots-gather-on-nyc-island-for-racing-championship