Expand / Collapse search
☰

FAA announces suspension restricting drone company after holiday show mishap in downtown Orlando

By
Published  December 27, 2024 5:09pm EST
Orlando
FOX 35 Orlando

7-year-old recovering from surgery after drone show malfunction

FOX 35's Marie Edinger provides the latest information as a 7-year-old recovers from open heart surgery due to being hit by a drone that malfunctioned during a holiday show in downtown Orlando.

The Brief

    • The FAA is putting some of Sky Elements’ operations on hold following a drone show mishap at Lake Eola over the weekend that left a young boy seriously injured.
    • The FAA announced it is suspending the drone company’s "Part 107 Waiver," which allows operations beyond standard restrictions, such as assigning one pilot to control multiple drones, flying at night, or operating in populated areas. 
    • Meanwhile, the FAA continues its inquiry into the event.

ORLANDO, Fla. - The FAA is putting some of Sky Elements’ operations on hold following a drone show mishap at Lake Eola over the weekend that left a young boy seriously injured.

The FAA announced it is suspending the drone company’s "Part 107 Waiver," which allows operations beyond standard restrictions, such as assigning one pilot to control multiple drones, flying at night, or operating in populated areas. 

Related article: Boy undergoes heart surgery after drones crash in Florida holiday show mishap, parents say

This suspension will remain in place while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigates the incident.

The NTSB told FOX 35 this week that their investigation could take up to two years before a full report is released. 

Related article: Universal Studios Orlando cancels drone component of their nightly show

Meanwhile, the FAA continues its inquiry into the event, during which several drones collided and fell into the crowd, one striking a 7-year-old boy and causing severe chest injuries that required emergency heart surgery.

Sky Elements, known for its synchronized drone light shows and appearances on America’s Got Talent, is now facing scrutiny as the investigation unfolds.

The Source: The information in this article comes from the FAA.

OrlandoNewsCrime and Public SafetyOrange County