Drone Light Show Safety
Safety is a critical element of every drone show. While incidents are uncommon, careful planning and strict protocols help ensure each show runs smoothly and securely. Click the button below to receive a detailed safety checklist for drone show operations.
Key Safety Topics
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Regulatory Compliance:
Adhering to FAA regulations (like Part 107 waivers) to operate safely and legally.
Drone show companies will communicate with the FAA. If your show is in a restricted airspace they will be required to submit for airspace approval. Their pilots will need 107 waivers. You should request proof of license for the pilot that will fly your show.
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Pre-Show Planning:
Site safety surveys and airspace clearances help prepare for safe show execution. The FAA expects drone show companies to submit these forms. For this topic I would advise to ask to be updated when the airspace is approved.
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Weather Monitoring:
Conditions like wind and rain are assessed to protect performance integrity. Most companies are equipped with drones that can fly in conditions you wouldn't expect. Their drones likely fly in the rain or cold weather conditions. Cold weather will decrease battery life and may prevent a full length show. Typically they will fly in wind speeds less than 25 mph
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Insurance Coverage:
Drone operators carry insurance for liability in case of an incident. This is mandatory for all drone light show businesses. Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) prior to signing a contract or sending payment. The drone show company should hold a $5,000,000+ policy
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Safety Zones:
Establishing designated takeoff, landing, and audience viewing areas keeps everyone safe. A perimeter of 200' is required around the flight path of the show. The standard altitude for a show is 400'. Designated team members will monitor the perimeter and air to identify a perimeter breach or potential issue in the sky before an incident occurs. Requesting a flight plan would be wise.
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Trained Operators:
All pilots are FAA-certified and trained for live event scenarios. Not all members of the drone light show company will have a 107 waiver. Pilots must have the waiver. The ground crew may be temp workers and do not require any certifications.
Onboard Drone Safety
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Automatic Return-to-Home (RTH):
If a drone within the drone swarm loses signal or malfunctions and can no longer communicate with the base station, it will safely return to the launch pad. This is a preventative measure.
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Geofencing:
Invisible boundaries are set up in the drone software to prevent drones from flying into unsafe, occupied or restricted areas. If a drone breaks off from the drone swarm, they will reach the invisible line (Geofence) and go down. The geofence is within the safety perimeter preventing a drone from reaching spectators. This prevents a drone from falling from the sky and causing injury.
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Failsafe Procedures:
If something goes wrong, drones are set to land safely or hover in place depending on the situation. These settings are customized prior to the drone light show before your event.
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Emergency Stop Option:
Pilots can instantly abort and land all drones if risk is identified. For example if lightning strikes and bad weather is rolling in or a crowd has encroached on the safety peremiter. Long story short, this is our "OH SH*T HANDLE".
