Getting Started
Welcome to Arrow! We're a global community building open source aircraft. Here's how to get involved.
Join the Community
Discord is home base. It's where we coordinate, hold meetings, and hang out. Introduce yourself in #general and we'll help you get oriented.
Arrow has an open culture — you don't need formal approval to start contributing. Just communicate with the community to stay aligned on priorities.
Community Calls
We hold regular community calls to sync up on progress, discuss priorities, and hang out. Times are announced in Discord and posted in the events tab there. These are the fastest way to get up to speed and meet the team.
Ways to Contribute
Grants & Bounties
We fund contributor work through grants and bounties coordinated on the DAO Forum. If you have an idea that would benefit Arrow — or want to take on existing work — pitch it there.
Current priorities:
- Attachments for Project Quiver (cameras, sensors, delivery mechanisms)
- Documentation and guides
- Flight testing and validation
- Manufacturing tooling and processes
- Software (companion computer, ground control, web)
Dev-Kit Loans
Building hardware? We loan out Quiver dev-kits to contributors developing attachments or integrations. Check the Project Quiver page for details on the platform and how to apply.
Skills We Need
You don't have to be an aerospace engineer. We need help across many areas:
- Mechanical / CAD — Airframe, attachments, manufacturing fixtures
- Electronics — PCB design, wiring, sensors
- Software — Embedded, web, companion computer, ground control
- Flight Testing — Pilots, test planning, data analysis
- Documentation — Guides, tutorials, technical writing
- Video / Media — Demos, tutorials, promotional content
Quick Wins for New Contributors
Not sure where to start? Some easy first contributions:
- Fix typos or improve clarity in the docs
- Test and give feedback on existing documentation
- Help answer questions in Discord
- Review and comment on open PRs or forum proposals
Before You Contribute Code
- Sign the CLA — Required before we can merge your PRs
- Read the Development Guide — Git workflow, commit conventions, and tooling
Collaboration Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Discord | Chat, meetings, coordination |
| GitHub | Code, hardware designs, issues |
| DAO Forum | Governance, grants, proposals |
| HammerTime | Timezone-friendly time sharing |
| Arrow Drive | Presentations, brand assets |
Working Async
Arrow contributors are spread across the globe. Most communication is asynchronous — don't expect instant responses, but do expect thoughtful ones. Document your work, over-communicate context, and be patient with timezone differences.
Contributor Pages
Want to add your profile to the site?
- Copy the contributor template
- Go to the contributors directory
- Click Add file → Create new file
- Fill out the template and submit a PR
Questions? Just ask in Discord — we're happy to help!