The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has suspended the operations of a Texas-based drone company, Sky Elements Drones, after a Florida boy was injured during a holiday airshow in Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. The boy, Alexander, was struck by multiple red and green-lit drones and had to undergo open-heart surgery as a result. The FAA confirmed that it suspended the Part 107 Waiver for Sky Elements Drones, which allows drone operators to fly at night, over people, and outside the line of sight. This suspension means that Sky Elements Drones cannot legally perform its shows until further notice.
The incident occurred during an aerial light show in which hundreds of drones were used. Videos posted online showed several drones falling from the sky and crashing to the ground. The NTSB is currently investigating the incident, gathering information from the drone operator and the FAA about the number of aircraft in the show and the ones that fell to the ground. Memory cards from the drones will be sent to the NTSB recorders laboratory in Washington, D.C., for analysis. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days of the incident, with a final report expected in one to two years.
Sky Elements Drones, based in Fort Worth, is known for its synchronized drone light shows and has previously appeared on “America’s Got Talent.” The company is now facing scrutiny as the investigation unfolds. The NTSB is working to determine what caused the malfunction that led to the drones falling from the sky and injuring the young boy. The suspension of the Part 107 Waiver has put a halt on the company’s operations, leaving its future uncertain until the investigation is complete.
The temporary suspension of Sky Elements Drones’ operations comes as the FAA and NTSB work to ensure the safety of drone shows and protect the public from similar incidents in the future. The investigation into the incident at Lake Eola Park will provide valuable information about what went wrong and how to prevent similar accidents going forward. The safety of drone operations, especially during public events, is critical to prevent injuries and damage caused by malfunctioning drones.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the NTSB is working to determine the cause of the malfunction that led to the drones falling from the sky. By analyzing data from the memory cards of the drones, investigators hope to gain insight into what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future. The suspension of Sky Elements Drones’ operations is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the public and prevent further accidents until the cause of the incident is identified.
In the wake of the incident in Orlando, the FAA has announced temporary restrictions on drone flights in New Jersey following an influx of sightings. These restrictions are part of the agency’s efforts to ensure the safe operation of drones and prevent accidents similar to the one that occurred in Lake Eola Park from happening elsewhere. The investigation into the incident will provide valuable information that can be used to improve safety measures for drone operations and protect the public from potential harm.
