Regulators Are Cracking Down Hard

After the chaos at Orlando’s Lake Eola Park, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has pulled Sky Elements’ Part 107 waiver. So no more large-scale drone shows for the Texas-based company – at least for the time being. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has joined the FAA to investigate the incident.

A Part 107 waiver allows drone companies and pilots to bypass strict regulations. With it, you can fly multiple drones over people and beyond the pilot’s line of sight. Losing the waiver puts a wrench in the plans of any drone operator and event organizer.

Related Reading: Key FAA Drone Regulations Every U.S. Pilot Should Know

A Light Show Gone Wrong: What Really Happened That Night?

On December 21, hundreds of spectators gathered at Lake Eola Park to watch Sky Elements light up the Orlando night. But what began as a stunning display of red and green lights quickly descended into chaos.

Footage shows drones colliding mid-air. Some plunged into the park’s lake, while others crashed near horrified spectators. The most heart-wrenching incident was a 7-year-old boy named Alexander being struck in the chest. The impact from the falling drone was so severe that it damaged a heart valve, requiring emergency surgery according to the family’s GoFundMe campaign. They ended up spending Christmas in the hospitals’s ICU instead of at home.

The show by Sky Elements was supposed to be a two-part event. Instead, it ended 15 minutes into its first act, with the second show canceled outright. Officials cited “technical difficulties,” but the consequences are already being felt.

Sky Elements, known for its stellar reputation—including an impressive performance on America’s Got Talent in 2022—now finds itself at the center of a deep investigation. The company claims it’s working diligently with regulators to uncover the root cause, but the damage is done.

The Domino Effect: Drone Shows Cancelled Nationwide

Events from coast to coast are hitting pause on drone shows. Here’s the fallout so far:

  • Dallas: Reunion Tower’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebration scrapped its drone show entirely. Instead, organizers will rely solely on fireworks.
  • New York City: Central Park’s New Year’s Eve drone display, which was set to replace fireworks canceled due to drought restrictions, is now off the table.
  • Orlando: Universal Orlando and the Orlando World Center Marriott have both nixed the drone components from their holiday events.

At least five shows have been canceled, leaving organizers scrambling to fill the void.  Sky Elements insists they’re taking an “abundance of caution” while reviewing their processes. But will audiences trust them again? Only time will tell.

Related Reading: Top Drone Shows For New Years 2025 Celebrations

What This Means for You

Event Organizers

If you’re planning a big event, you have more to prove. The FAA is expected to impose stricter guidelines, meaning higher costs and longer lead times for approval.

You’ll need to vet drone companies thoroughly—and not just their showreels. Check their safety records, compliance history, and backup plans. Remember, one mishap can derail your entire event and damage your reputation.

Drone Pilots

For you, the stakes just got higher. This incident highlights the importance of rigorous training and cutting-edge technology. Expect more scrutiny from regulators and tougher barriers to entry. If you’re already in the industry, now’s the time to double down on safety and innovation.

Stay updated on FAA regulations and invest in state-of-the-art hardware and software.

Spectators

So, you love attending drone shows? Don’t panic, but be prepared for changes. Drones are still a safer and more sustainable option than fireworks, but incidents like Orlando’s remind us that no technology is foolproof.

Keep an eye out for updates from event organizers. When at the show, pay attention to safety announcements. And hey, if you feel uneasy standing too close, trust your gut and take a step back.

The Bigger Picture

The entire drone light show industry is under a microscope. Advocates tout drones as the future of live entertainment, but incidents like this underline the risks.

Drone shows are marvels of engineering. Hundreds of synchronized drones fly in formation, creating stunning visuals. But they’re also complex systems that require precise coordination. When one component fails, the whole system can collapse—literally.

Orlando’s drone disaster isn’t just an industry story; it’s a human one. Alexander’s family won’t forget this Christmas, and neither should we. For the event organizers scrambling to replan, and for the drone industry facing more scrutiny, this is a key moment.

Regulators, operators, and event organizers must work together to rebuild trust. Enhanced safety protocols, better training, and more stringent oversight are the way forward. 

Related Reading: Relief for DJI Drone Users as U.S. Ban Delayed—For Now