Drone show organizer and tech creator Verge Aero has made history by performing the first public drone display featuring pyrotechnics in the Americas. The event took place in central Austin near Ladybird Lake, marking a spectacular celebration for the Texas Longhorns as they commenced their first day of Southeastern Conference (SEC) membership.
The University of Texas collaborated closely with Verge Aero to bring this innovative spectacle to life. The show featured an impressive fleet of 90 pyro drones and 400 light show drones, creating a dazzling display of lights and pyrotechnics against the Austin skyline.
But as Verge Aero CEO Nils Thorjussen tells DroneDJ, the journey to this historic event was not without its challenges. The company faced rigorous regulatory hurdles, needing approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch fireworks from drones. Nonetheless, it successfully secured the necessary waivers after demonstrating its commitment to safety and innovation.
Verge Aero’s prior experience with international pyro drone shows proved invaluable in this process, says Thorjussen. The company had previously executed large-scale displays outside the United States, including the notable Soundstorm 2023 event in Riyadh. This experience enabled the team to streamline their workflow and technology, ensuring a seamless and spectacular show once the FAA granted approval.
It’s worth mentioning that Sky Elements, another Texas-based drone light show company, has also received FAA approval to conduct pyro drone shows and carried out a stunning demonstration flight with 300 drones.
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