JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has canceled at least five drone shows nationwide following a significant mechanical failure at a Christmas event in Orlando, Florida, that injured spectators on the ground.
Last week, drones crashed during a Christmas celebration at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. One drone critically injured a 7-year-old boy named Alexander, striking him in the chest and requiring heart surgery.
An aviation expert, Ed Booth, told News4JAX that the incident highlights the risks posed by drones, describing the sharp propellers as “like a running Cuisinart.” He called this accident a potential turning point for industry safety standards.
Cities such as Dallas and Austin, as well as major events like the New York Marathon, have canceled their drone shows while the FAA investigates.
A show planned in Palatka, Florida, is still scheduled for New Year’s Eve, but organizers confirmed the drones would only fly over the St. Johns River and shoreline, avoiding crowds.
In 2016, FAA regulations banned night drone flights, operations over people, and large drone formations. However, in 2021, the FAA began granting waivers to companies that could demonstrate safety compliance. Booth suggested this approach is now under scrutiny. He expects tighter safety regulations and closer evaluation of waivers moving forward.
The Orlando incident involved Sky Elements Drone Shows, a North Texas company. The FAA has suspended the company’s drone license as investigations continue. Booth also emphasized that FAA staffing shortages might hinder oversight of the millions of drones now registered in the United States.