PSD Drone Performance Program
Where Innovation Lights the Way to Students' Futures
Who we are
What started as a handful of students learning to fly has grown into the Peninsula School District Drone Performance Team, a program where students design, animate, and pilot full scale drone light shows from the ground up. Every show you see is built by students: they write the flight code, animate the choreography in Cinema 4D, manage the client relationship, and fly the mission on show night. Housed within PSD's Technology Department, this is a student internship program that gives students real world aviation, design, and project management experience, while also offering students in our CTE pathways a direct opportunity to explore the drone and technology industry.
We take safety and professionalism as seriously as any commercial operator. Our student pilots train toward FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification, our shows follow the same FAA airspace and safety protocols used industry wide, and every event is staffed by certified adult supervisors alongside the student team. The result is a program that gives Peninsula students a genuine launchpad into aviation, robotics, and entertainment technology careers, while giving your event a show built with the same care we would want for our own community.
The Work We Do
A drone show is a live, choreographed performance in which dozens to hundreds of drones fly in synchronized formations, often set to music, to create moving images, text, and designs in the night sky. Every show is custom built: our student animators design the choreography frame by frame in Cinema 4D, and our certified pilots fly the finished program using FAA compliant flight software.
Meet the Roles
Our internship program offers two career pathways: a Pilot Pathway focused on safety, FAA compliance, and flight operations, and a Project Manager and Creative Pathway focused on client engagement, animation, and show management. Students may cross-train across both. These are pathways with room to grow, but many students find their best fit as a Crew Member or Visual Observer, and thrive in that entry level role for a long stretch of the program, not just as a quick stepping stone.
- Pilot Pathway: Crew Member/Visual Observer, Co-Pilot, and Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC)/Site Supervisor.
- Project Manager and Creative Pathway: Crew Member/Visual Observer, Drone Show Design Animator or Content Creator, and Project Manager.
Across both pathways, students build core competencies in safety, professional communication, continuous learning, collaboration, and strong work ethic
How Booking Works
Booking a drone show with us is a guided, step by step process from your first inquiry to the night of your show. The graphic below walks you through what to expect at each stage, from submitting your event details to watching your custom show light up the sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Costs vary based on show size, animation complexity, and location. Reach out for a custom quote to get pricing for your vision.
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We typically fly in sets of 100, so a show can be 100, 200, or 300 drones. Custom amounts can be requested, with animation costs adjusted accordingly.
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Your venue needs a separate audience area and a launch area, plus a fully cleared area beneath our airspace for the duration of the show. Our team can work with you to vet your locations and will confirm airspace clearance for any show location determined.
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Anyone can book a show, including community members, local organizations, and national groups. We support most requests.
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A show typically takes 12 to 18 weeks from inquiry to flying, and we require a signed contract at least 6 weeks before your event. Your exact timeline is determined during our intake meeting based on your specific requests.
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If a show has to be cancelled for weather, we offer a partial refund or a reschedule within a specified timeframe. If rescheduling requires a different show build or animations, additional costs may apply.
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Yes. With enough lead time, our students can create custom animations ranging from stationary logos to fully animated 3D designs. Reach out to discuss your vision, timeline, and pricing. All custom content must align with public school district policy on appropriate materials.
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Students will develop a range of technical and professional skills including:
- 3D animation using Cinema 4D and other animation software
- Drone flight operations and maintenance
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and safety protocols
- Project management and teamwork
- Event planning and execution
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
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The FAA Part 107 Certification, also known as the Remote Pilot License, is a credential issued by the Federal Aviation Administration that allows individuals to legally operate drones for commercial purposes. The program encourages high school students to obtain this industry-recognized certification via a variety of avenues such as our CTE Drone Pilot Course. The Certification is not required for all PSD Intern roles, however it is required for students who wish to take on the pilot role on the Performance Show Team.
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Absolutely. The program provides students with industry-recognized certifications, technical skills in growing fields, and real-world work experience that will enhance both college applications and job prospects. The drone industry is rapidly expanding, and students with these specialized skills will be well-positioned for future opportunities in aviation, robotics, computer science, and entertainment technology.
Check Back for More Information!
The Performance Drone Team program encourages you to sign up for our notification list to stay informed about important dates and program developments. Or follow us on social media to explore our past shows and learn about upcoming events!