In recent years, drone shows have gained popularity and have been organised more frequently. However, there have been instances where drones have fallen or flown away, leading to concerns about their safety. So, the question arises – are drone shows safe, and how can we ensure their safety?
The answer is straightforward – if the drone shows are executed correctly, they are exceptionally safe.
So how do we ensure that?
Aviation Regulations
In the UK, we have one of the strictest aviation authorities in the world. As a result, obtaining permission to fly drone swarms is quite challenging, and a convincing case must be presented to ensure safe operation. FlightShows is pleased to have been granted permission by the CAA to fly anywhere in the UK, and we uphold these high standards wherever we go worldwide.
Crowd Cordon
We follow a strict crowd control procedure to guarantee that people are kept at a safe distance from the swarm at all times. This ensures that in case of an emergency, such as an air ambulance landing, there will be no risk of anyone being harmed. Additionally, if a drone malfunctions, it will descend to a designated safe area on the ground.
Geofences
We use available technology to place a virtual fence around our drone swarms. If a drone strays from its designated path, it will encounter the virtual fence and be immediately forced to land. This prevents drones from flying beyond their designated area and keeps them contained.
Redundancy
Our system is fully redundant, which means that if any technical issues arise, the system can be switched over to another part instantly. This won’t affect the show as our drones are preprogrammed and monitored in case of an emergency.
Regular Maintenance
Drone malfunctions often occur due to inadequate maintenance and preparation. At FlightShows, we ensure that our drones undergo cleaning, testing, and preparation before every performance. This process enables us to detect any damage or wear and tear on each drone before it poses a problem during the show.
Crew Training
Our entire crew goes through a comprehensive training course on our fleet of drones, software, and procedures. We also have a team of skilled pilots who have obtained the highest level of national drone qualifications, in addition to our own in-house training program. This guarantees that they are fully prepared for any situation that may arise in the field.
Sharing Information
The aviation industry has worked hard to achieve remarkable safety standards over the past few centuries, thanks to an open and honest sharing of information. As a drone show provider, we collaborate with other companies in the industry, including manufacturers and training providers, to exchange knowledge and learn from each other. Our goal is to ensure that drone light shows are safe for everyone involved.
NOTAM
Prior to conducting a drone show, we issue a Notice to Aviation (NOTAM) to notify other airspace users of our event. This ensures that planes, helicopters, and other drone pilots are aware of the show, and can take appropriate precautions to avoid it safely.
Site Plans
Before we arrive to perform a drone show, we conduct thorough site checks to ensure safety. This includes examining the takeoff and landing areas, crowd locations, air navigation charts, and in some cases, coordinating with air traffic control if the event is close to a runway. By taking these precautions and engaging in proper planning, we prioritise the safety of our crew, guests, and other air traffic.
Animation checks
To prevent drones from colliding during a show, we have several checkpoints in place. During the animation process, we ensure that the drones maintain a safe distance from each other. Additionally, we use a secondary software to double-check the safety of the drones. Finally, we test fly every show in a remote location before presenting it to the public. This ensures that we can identify and address any overlooked issues before the show goes live.
These are just some of the ways we guarantee every FlightShows display is as safe as it is spectacular. If you’re planning a drone light show and want total confidence in safety and professionalism, get in touch — we’d love to help bring your event to life.
