EVENT SCHEDULE

Three Days of Aviation, Drones, Education & Family Fun

The inaugural Appalachian Drone & Aviation Expo takes over Boggs Field in Spencer, West Virginia, September 11–13, 2026, bringing together drone technology, traditional aviation, education, workforce opportunities, and hands-on experiences.

From a dedicated student education day to Young Eagles flights, live drone demonstrations, aircraft displays, competitions, simulators, and interactive exhibits, each day offers something different.

September 11–13, 2026
Rain Dates: September 18–20, 2026

Boggs Field – KUSW
217 Airfield Road
Spencer, WV 25276

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Student Education Day

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday is dedicated to introducing the next generation to the future of flight.

Approximately 2,000 students from Roane County Schools, Faith Christian Academy, and area homeschool programs are expected to participate in a full day of aviation, drone technology, STEM education, and career exploration.

Friday Highlights

★ Live drone flight demonstrations throughout the day

★ Drone technology exhibits and interactive demonstrations

★ Traditional aircraft on static display

★ Hands-on educational exhibits

★ Drone simulators and technology experiences

★ Opportunities to meet drone operators, aviation professionals, educators, public agencies, and industry representatives

★ Exploration of careers in aviation, unmanned aircraft systems, Advanced Air Mobility, public safety, agriculture, infrastructure, and emerging technologies

The Drone Exhibitor area is designed to show students how drones are already being used in real-world fields including agriculture, emergency response, law enforcement, search and rescue, infrastructure inspection, aerial photography, education, and workforce development.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Young Eagles Flights + Public Expo

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

EAA Chapter 1336 Young Eagles Flights

Young people will have an opportunity to experience aviation firsthand through the EAA Chapter 1336 Young Eagles program.

Young Eagles flights are scheduled from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM and require advance registration.

Registration Opens: August 24, 2026

Eligible counties currently include:

★ Roane
★ Clay
★ Calhoun
★ Wirt
★ Gilmer
★ Braxton
★ Lewis

[REGISTER FOR YOUNG EAGLES]

12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Public Expo

Beginning at noon, the Appalachian Drone & Aviation Expo opens for an afternoon of aviation, drones, technology, exhibits, demonstrations, and family activities.

Saturday Highlights

★ Drone Exhibitor displays

★ Live and simulated drone demonstrations

★ Aviation and aircraft displays

★ Drone technology and equipment

★ Interactive exhibits

★ Drone simulators

★ Aviation and drone career information

★ Public safety and emergency-response technology

★ Agriculture and infrastructure applications

★ Advanced Air Mobility exhibits and information

★ Food trucks and vendors

The public expo runs from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Public Expo & Drone Competition Day

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Sunday brings another full day of drone technology, aviation, exhibits, interactive experiences, and competition as ADAE welcomes the general public back to Boggs Field.

Sunday Highlights

★ Drone competitions

★ Drone obstacle course activities

★ Drone scavenger hunt activities

★ Drone simulators

★ Drone Exhibitor tables

★ Interactive technology exhibits

★ Aviation displays

★ Real-world drone demonstrations and applications

★ Food vendors

★ Family-friendly activities

The Sunday public expo is scheduled from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.

EXPLORE DRONE TECHNOLOGY IN ACTION

Throughout the Appalachian Drone & Aviation Expo, visitors will have opportunities to discover how unmanned aircraft technology is being used—or developed for use—in industries and services that directly affect Appalachian communities.

Exhibits and demonstrations may include applications in wildlife and land management, precision agriculture, fire and emergency response, law enforcement, search and rescue, medical response, aerial photography, infrastructure inspection, pilot training, Advanced Air Mobility, higher education, FAA safety and certification, and workforce development.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

September 11–13, 2026

Boggs Field – KUSW
217 Airfield Road
Spencer, West Virginia 25276

Rain Dates: September 18–20, 2026

Admission to the Appalachian Drone & Aviation Expo is FREE. The event is presented by the Roane County Economic Development Authority.

Where the Future of Flight Meets Appalachia

Come experience aviation history, today's drone technology, and a look at where flight is headed next—right here in the heart of West Virginia.

SCHEDULE NOTICE

Event activities, demonstrations, participating aircraft, exhibitors, and individual activity times are subject to change. Additional schedule details will be posted as they are confirmed.