Drone News
DFW drone company Sky Elements adds cutting-edge twist: drones with fire
Sky Elements drone and fireworks
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.
