Drone light shows are transforming the entertainment industry—replacing fireworks with synchronized fleets of drones creating dazzling aerial displays. These shows are increasingly popular at festivals, corporate events, sporting arenas, and public celebrations, but they come with a unique set of regulatory and legal challenges.
Because drone light shows often involvehundreds of drones flown at night and over large gatherings, operators must secureFAA waivers, local permits, and insurance protections. Legal advisers play a crucial role in helping businesses navigate the overlap ofaviation law, event management, and public safety regulation.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Operating drone light shows without proper approvals can expose organizers and clients to:
FAA enforcement actions, including fines or event shutdowns.
Civil liability for injuries, property damage, or airspace intrusions.
Insurance exclusions if policies do not cover nighttime or mass-audience operations.
Local permit violations, as cities often regulate public aerial events.
Intellectual property disputes, relating to choreography, software, or creative content.
How We Support You
We help production companies, event organizers, and operators bring drone light shows to life legally and safely by:
Securing FAA Part 107 waivers for night flying, multiple drones per operator, and flights over people.
Advising on airspace authorizations near airports or sensitive locations.
Drafting contracts and liability frameworks for event organizers, venues, and clients.
Protecting intellectual property rights for show designs, software, and footage.
Ensuring compliance with state and local event permits, including fire marshal and venue approvals.
Coordinating insurance coverage tailored to mass-audience drone operations.
Services
- Waivers Learn more…
- Exceptions Learn more…
- Demonstrations Learn more…
Guides
- Drone Light Shows: Companies, Costs, Laws, Problems, Benefits, 107.35 Waiver. Learnmore…
- Ultimate Guide to U.S. Drone Regulations. Learn more…
- Free Part 107 Test Study Guide For FAA Remote Pilot Airmen Certificate. Learn more…
- Ultimate Guide to FAA’s Part 107 (14 CFR Part 107). Learn more…
- Drone Insurance Guide from Attorney/Flight Instructor. Learn more...
FAQS
Do drone light shows require FAA approval?
Yes. Drone light shows typically involve multiple drones flown simultaneously at night and often over people or near events. Operators generally need:
Part 107 waivers for night operations, flights over people, or flying multiple drones per pilot.
Airspace authorizations if operating near controlled airspace.
Can one pilot operate multiple drones during a light show?
Not under standard Part 107 rules. Each pilot may control only one drone at a time. To operate multiple drones per pilot (common in shows with 50–1,000 drones), operators must obtain a waiver from the FAA.
How long does FAA approval for a light show take?
Waiver requests (night flying, multiple drones, over people): ~90–180 days.
Airspace authorizations (LAANC or manual request): 1–90 days depending on location.
Do clients need special local permits for drone light shows?
Yes. In addition to FAA waivers, organizers often need:
City or state event permits.
Fire marshal approval (for public gatherings).
Venue permissions for takeoff/landing areas.