Drone News

DFW drone company Sky Elements adds cutting-edge twist: drones with fire

Sky Elements drone and fireworks

Photo courtesy of Sky Elements

A Dallas-Fort Worth business known internationally for its award-winning drones has logged an achievement: Sky Elements, the North Richland Hills company that produces hundreds of drone light shows throughout the U.S. and internationally, made history in May by flying the first-ever pyro drone show in the U.S.

According to a release, the North Richland Hills-based drone company flew 300 drones in the pattern of a bald eagle, as 12 drones rigged with pyrotechnics-fired firework waterfalls on the tips of the wings. There's a cool video here.

They're the first drone light show company in the U.S. to earn FAA approval to fire pyrotechnics from drones.

Pyro drone shows combine a traditional drone light show, but with some drones outfitted with pyro devices. These drones can be triggered to fire at any point in the show, creating trails of waterfalls, shooting stars, and additional effects.

"The technology has been in use in the Middle East and Asia for quite some time, but it's the first time in the U.S.," says Sky Elements production manager Tyler Kubicz.

The company petitioned the FAA more than two years ago and after a 26-month wait, the FAA finally granted them a waiver to fly pyrotechnics on drones.

Drones have been an increasingly popular alternative to fireworks, whose loud booms can cause discomfort for some people and terrify pets and wildlife. The July 4th holiday represents an annual recurring nightmare for animal shelters who become overrun with fearful loose pets, and some cities have foregone old-school firworks entirely.

Sky Elements, which has broken six Guinness World Records including putting on the largest drone show in Texas by flying 1,001 drones, performed 40 shows in 2023 for the holiday weekend, and is set to execute double the number this year. A Sky Elements holiday drone show at a Keller home won ABC's Great Christmas Light Fight last December.

But many cities still cling on to the old-fashioned fireworks display.

"Unfortunately, many municipalities must choose between them for their annual celebrations," Kubicz says.

Blending fireworks with drone shows is a way to incorporate both old and new technologies, and the fireworks that are part of a drone display do not make noise.

Since the technology only just became available, Kubicz says they don't know when it will first appear in public — but Sky Elements will definitely be putting on a number of drone shows in Dallas-Fort Worth this year.

RIP Joe

Texas country music singer-songwriter Joe Ely dies at 78

Joe Ely/Facebook

Joe Ely was a major figure in Texas' progressive country scene.

Joe Ely, the legendary songwriter, singer, and storyteller whose career spanned more than five decades, has died from complications related to Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and pneumonia. He was 78.

According to a statement posted to his Facebook page, Ely died at his home in Taos, New Mexico, with his wife Sharon, and daughter Marie, at his side.

Born February 9, 1947, in Amarillo, Texas, Ely was raised in Lubbock and became a central figure among a generation of influential West Texas musicians. He later settled in Austin, helping shape the city’s reputation as a hub for live music.

"Joe Ely performed American roots music with the fervor of a true believer who knew music could transport souls," said Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

In the 1970s, Ely signed with MCA Records, launching a career that included decades of recording and touring around the world. His work and performances left a lasting impact on the music scene and influenced a wide range of artists, including the Clash and Bruce Springsteen, according to Rolling Stone.

"His distinctive musical style could only have emerged from Texas, with its southwestern blend of honky-tonk, rock & roll, roadhouse blues, western swing, and conjunto. He began his career in the Flatlanders, with fellow Lubbock natives Jimmie Dale Gilmore and Butch Hancock, and he would mix their songs with his through 50 years of critically acclaimed recordings."

Read the full story at KVUE.com.

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