#USA #Dallas #Sky Elements #Drone Light Show #DLSA

The Rising Standards of Drone Light Shows

In a groundbreaking move, the Drone Light Show Alliance (DLSA) has announced its official launch, introducing the first-ever comprehensive standards designed to ensure safety and compliance in the rapidly growing drone light show sector. With backing from Sky Elements Drones, this initiative aims to unify operators and promote industry best practices, ultimately transforming the way drone light displays are conducted.

Addressing Critical Challenges

The DLSA comes at a critical time when commercial drone light shows are growing rapidly. However, along with this expansion, the industry has faced significant safety challenges. One of the pressing issues identified has been the tendency of some operators to treat safety protocols as proprietary information rather than an industry-wide commitment. This creates an environment where safety becomes a competitive advantage, rather than a shared goal.
Preston Ward, Sky Elements' general counsel and chief pilot, emphasized the need for a cultural change within the industry. He stated, “The drone show industry stands at a crossroads. Safety should not be treated as a trade secret; it’s vital for everyone's benefit.”

Establishing Open Standards

The DLSA has established uniform safety protocols, operational requirements, and classifications for drone light show systems, modeled after the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. This framework provides operators with actionable guidance for applying for FAA waivers and conducting their operations safely. Notably, the DLSA has also introduced the Drone Show Design Safety Hierarchy, which outlines specific system requirements for different tiers, offering operators a clear roadmap for equipment procurement and safe operational management.

Transparency and Accountability

The foundation of DLSA's approach is transparency. To foster trust and accountability, the organization is making public the complete fault testing documentation for the Sky Command Ground Control System (GCS), which is updated regularly. By encouraging all manufacturers and drone show operators to share their own fault testing results, the DLSA is setting a new standard of accountability within the industry. Ward underscored this point, stating that sharing these results publicly signifies a commitment to safety not just to regulators, but also to the communities that host these exhilarating displays.

FDA Approval and Compliance

In alignment with its newly established standards, Sky Elements has successfully obtained FAA approval for an updated waiver that incorporates the DLSA Tier 1 System standard. This development allows certified operators to conduct verification checks remotely while adhering to strict safety requirements, thereby streamlining operations without compromising safety.

Encouraging Industry-Wide Adoption

The DLSA invites all operators to review its newly published standards and integrate them into their own FAA waiver applications. However, it is important to note that while these standards set a foundation for safety and consistency, compliance with specific FAA terms and regulatory obligations remains the responsibility of each individual operator. The DLSA provides these tools to enhance safety, but does not guarantee FAA approval in itself.

Membership and Future Vision

Initially, the DLSA will be fully funded by Sky Elements to ensure that financial barriers do not inhibit participation. In the subsequent year, it will implement a tiered membership dues system based on organizational size, inspired by the membership model of the American Pyrotechnics Association. The DLSA promises to serve as a neutral forum for all operators and manufacturers dedicated to aligning on safety standardization and regulatory compliance.

Looking Ahead

Founding members will have the unique opportunity to engage in discussions regarding governance structures, the published standards, and organizational priorities. The DLSA has made four essential foundational documents available for review at their website, including:

• - DLSA Standards for Conducting Drone Light Shows
• - Drone Show Design Safety Hierarchy
• - DLSA Membership Application
• - Sky Elements Fault Testing Documentation

As innovative developments in the drone show sector continue to emerge, the DLSA is poised to lead the charge in ensuring that safety, compliance, and accountability are at the forefront of this mesmerizing industry. To learn more about their initiatives, visit dronelightshowalliance.org.