Code Fly: Aerial Drone Competition 2026

Team Logbook

Meet the Team

Team Member 1

Aya Khattab

Coach

Team Member 2

Lin Khattab

Pilot

Team Member 3

Yaqoub Alshatti

Pilot

Team Member 4

Hessah Alaskar

Programmer

Team Member 5

Loulwah Alshatti

Programmer

Project Overview

We are a team that is passionate about drone technology and innovation. We enjoy working together and believe this experience and continuous learning help us grow in the field of technology. Our interests include programming, piloting, and problem-solving. We participated in the REC Aerial Drone Competition because it allows us to apply what we learn in a real-world setting, improve our skills, and work better as a team under pressure. Our goal is to gain more practical experience with drones, strengthen our technical and programming skills, and build a strong foundation for our future in technology and innovation.

Logs

October 29th

Scrimmage

On Saturday, 29 October, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the team participated in a Scrimmage at Kuwait Technical College. This experience allowed us to practice in a competition-like environment and test our skills under pressure. The team achieved second place, which was a strong motivation and showed our early potential.





November 15th

Start of Training

On 15 November, the team held its first official meeting at the College of Science at Kuwait University. During this session, we learned about the competition, understood its rules and objectives, chose the team name, began basic drone flight training, and distributed roles among team members.





November 22nd

Logo Selection

On 22 November, one week after the first training session, the team worked on designing the team logo. Multiple logo concepts were created and discussed. After comparing the designs, the team selected a final logo that best represented our identity and goals.





November 26th

Teamwork Training

On 26 November, the team trained on the Teamwork course. This session focused on improving coordination and communication between team members. We practiced working together efficiently and learned how to synchronize flying and control tasks.





November 29th

Jacket Design

On 29 November, the team designed several jacket concepts for the competition. Different styles and color combinations were proposed and reviewed. After discussion, one final design was chosen and approved based on its appearance and suitability for the team.





December 1st

Drone Issue

On 1 December, the team discovered that the drone was damaged. The issue was reported to the supervisor, and the drone was replaced with a new one. After the replacement, we continued flight training and learned how to adapt to unexpected technical problems.





December 5th

Programming Practice

On 5 December, the team learned a new programming command and tested a simple Python code to control the drone.





December 8th

Programming Practice

On 8 December, the team successfully ran basic flight commands using Python. Through trial and error, we improved our understanding and performance.





December 9th

Social Media

On 9 December, the team created an Instagram account to document our journey, share training sessions, and showcase our achievements throughout the competition.





January 10th

Scrimmage

On 10 January, the team participated in a scrimmage as part of preparation for the REC Aerial Drone Competition. The purpose of this scrimmage was to test the drone, practice teamwork, and experience a competition environment. During the event, the team focused on improving control, communication, and time management. The team achieved second place, which increased confidence and motivation.





January 12th

Programming Session

On 12 January, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the team held a programming session at the College of Science – South. The session focused on applying programming concepts to drone control. Basic movement commands were written and tested, common logic and timing errors were identified, and adjustments were made through testing. This session improved code accuracy, understanding of drone response, and coordination between programming and piloting.





January 14th

Training Session

On 14 January, the team decided to transition from Python to block-based coding after facing repeated challenges with Python. Frequent errors, difficulties in debugging, and limited training time led to this decision. Block coding helped the team visualize logic more clearly, reduce errors, and better understand the relationship between commands and drone behavior. During the same session, flight training continued with a focus on control, accuracy, and coordination.





January 19th

Programming

On 19 January, the team focused on improving programming using block-based coding. Command sequences were organized, logic flow was improved, and movements were tested step by step, resulting in smoother execution and fewer errors. The pilot team continued flight practice, focusing on stability, smooth movements, and coordination with the programming team.





January 21st

Programming

On 21 January, the team continued working on programming with a focus on sensors. Sensor readings were tested, and values were adjusted to improve accuracy, stability, and control. By the end of the session, the drone showed improved responsiveness, especially during short movements.





January 26th

Improving Performance

On 26 January, training focused on improving previous work. The team reviewed the code, fixed small errors, and optimized certain sections to improve efficiency. Programming was combined with short flight tests to observe real-time performance.





January 28th

Testing

On 28 January, the session was dedicated to testing and fine-tuning. Different scenarios were tested, sensor sensitivity was adjusted, and final programming changes were made. This resulted in smoother and more controlled drone movement.





January 31st

Pre-Competition Training

On 31 January, the team attended the final training session before the competition. The session began with a review of competition instructions, rules, and safety guidelines. The team then practiced together through coordination drills and mission simulations, improving communication, teamwork, and readiness for the competition.

Reflection & Conclusion

Challenges Faced

One of the main challenges we faced was inconsistent lighting in the testing arena, which affected the accuracy of our color sensor. We eventually solved the problem by using the trial & error strategy.



What We Learned

We learned that we shouldn't waste time trying python instead of using Blockly. It was much easier, and thankfully we made substantial progress.