News Summary
Sky Elements, a Texas-based drone show company, will resume its performances in Florida this Fourth of July weekend after overcoming operational disruptions caused by a December incident. CEO Rick Boss confirmed that safety improvements are in place following a collision that injured a boy. The company will showcase multiple shows across the state and is emphasizing eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fireworks.
Orlando, Florida – Sky Elements, a Texas-based drone show company, is set to resume its drone shows across Florida over the Fourth of July weekend after experiencing operational disruptions following a December incident at Lake Eola. The company will host two shows in South Florida and two near Tampa, along with nightly flyovers at Universal Orlando Resort.
Sky Elements’ CEO Rick Boss announced that business operations have returned to normal since the Lake Eola incident, which marked the only mishap among over 2,000 shows the company has conducted. Approximately 23 seconds into the Lake Eola Christmas show on December 21, 2022, an unfortunate collision occurred when $75,000 worth of drones crashed into one another, resulting in injuries to a 7-year-old boy.
Following this incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) promptly suspended Sky Elements’ ability to conduct drone shows. However, after a legal appeal, the company successfully received a waiver, enabling them to reinstate their operations. Universal Orlando allowed Sky Elements to continue with scheduled shows despite the recent incident, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety and effective operational practices.
The injured boy’s parents reported on social media that he underwent open-heart surgery after being struck by one of the drones during the December show. The incident not only affected the Lake Eola performance but also led to a nationwide cancellation of New Year’s Eve drone shows, including those planned for Central Park in New York City and in Austin and Dallas, Texas.
As part of its efforts to enhance safety measures, Sky Elements terminated the pilot responsible for the Lake Eola show, citing failure to complete essential safety checklists and procedures. The company’s legal counsel later outlined the operational failures that led to the crash in a letter to the FAA dated December 30. Following the incident, significant safety changes were implemented, including requiring two pilots per show and extending the setup time necessary for each performance. Furthermore, the buffer zone for future shows will increase to 155 feet, offering 50 additional feet of space compared to the Lake Eola event.
On June 16, drones returned to the Universal CineSational show after the FAA approved safety improvements made by Sky Elements. Looking ahead, the company will also provide a special drone show in Cocoa Beach on July 5, coinciding with the city’s Centennial Celebration, ensuring safety protocols remain in focus.
In South Florida, communities are embracing drone shows as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fireworks, with plans for synchronized displays. Deerfield Beach is set to showcase its inaugural drone show during the Fourth of July Celebration, attracting attention for its innovative approach to holiday festivities.
Many of the Fourth of July events in the area will feature live music, food trucks, and a variety of additional festive activities. However, Pembroke Pines has chosen to cancel its Independence Day event due to concerns regarding potential weather conditions.
As Sky Elements moves forward with its operations, its commitment to safety and innovation in drone technology remains a priority, thus promising engaging and safe aerial displays for audiences across Florida.
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Additional Resources
- WESH: Cocoa Beach Centennial Drone Show
- WDWNT: Universal Studios Great Britain
- Sun Sentinel: Fourth of July in South Florida
- Miami New Times: Miami Trump Drone Show
- Travel and Tour World: Southwest Florida Fourth Festivities
- Wikipedia: Drone Show
- Google Search: Fourth of July Drone Shows
- Google Scholar: Drone Displays
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drone Technology
- Google News: Drone Shows Florida
