The Walt Disney Co. is seeking an exemption from the Federal Aviation Administration so it can possibly use drones for its nightly fireworks show at Disneyland and at Walt Disney World.
It’s unclear exactly how Disney would incorporate the special drones, called Flixels, in the nightly shows.
But in its 42-page application, Disney said it plans to use a fleet of 50 that would fly from a pyrotechnic area backstage to Sleeping Beauty Castle. The drones would light up and carry objects.
The Flixels, made by Berkeley-based 3D Robotics, would weigh less than 10 pounds each and fly about 6 mph, for no longer than 10 minutes, the document states. The drones would fly no higher than 150 feet and within a pre-determined path.
“Disney combines rich storytelling with the latest technology to breathe life into beloved Disney stories and characters in Disney Parks and Resorts experiences around the world,” the application states.
A Disneyland spokeswoman had no further comment about the application or how the drones would be used.
By law, anyone planning to use drones for non-recreational purposes has to get authorization from the FAA.
Safety to the public and drone operators, who have to be certified and licensed, and whether the drone poses a threat to national security are the FAA’s usual factors when deciding.
The application, filed in October to the FAA, furthers what Disney has already done to seek ways to incorporate the latest technology and drones into its theme parks.
As previously reported by the Register, three Disney Imagineers filed patents in August 2014 that outline plans to use unmanned aircraft systems capable of carrying large puppet-like characters and projection screens during nighttime shows.
Photo: Fireworks and projected images on Sleeping Beauty Castle are part of the special show to celebrate Disneyland’s 60th birthday – Jeff Gritchen, The Orange County Register
Source: The Orange County Register
Ah, too bad there is a semi-permanent “security” Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over Disney World, so to be consistent, FAA should deny this application.
Of course, the real reason for this TFR is for Disney’s commercial benefit, and limiting advertising flights over the park.
Does anyone have the Regulatory Docket #? I can’t find one that contains “Disney”. Maybe this is one to file a comment citing the Disney TFR. Disney wanted a TFR to prevent banner tows over their properties, so they have to follow the law, too.