The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has grounded some operations of a Texas-based drone company after a Florida boy was injured during last week's holiday air show and had to undergo heart surgery. .
The FAA confirmed to Fox News Digital that it has suspended the Part 107 exemption for Sky Elements drones. The exemption allows drone operators to fly at night, fly over people, and operate their drones out of visual line of sight. Therefore, with this waiver suspended, Sky Elements Drones can no longer legally perform shows.
It is unclear how long the hiatus will last. The move comes amid a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into a Dec. 21 incident in which a malfunction occurred during an aerial light show at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando.
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Seven-year-old Alexander underwent heart surgery after being hit by a falling drone during the Holiday Air Show in Orlando, his parents announced. The FAA has suspended some operations conducted by drone operator Sky Elements. (Fox Orlando)
Multiple drones with red and green lights struck the 7-year-old boy, knocking him unconscious, his parents said earlier. fox orlando. The boy, Alexander, reportedly underwent open heart surgery.
Hundreds of drones being used as part of a nighttime aerial light show appeared to be flying in place, with several beginning to fall from the sky before crashing to the ground, according to videos posted online. did.
Fox News Digital reached out to Sky Elements.
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Multiple drones malfunctioned during a drone show Saturday in Orlando, Florida, causing unmanned flying objects to crash into the ground. (Credit – X/MosquitoCoFL)
Forth Worth-based Sky Elements, known for its synchronized drone light shows and appearances on America's Got Talent, is now facing increased scrutiny as the investigation progresses, reports say. reported.
The NTSB told FOX News Digital that investigators are gathering information from drone operators and the Federal Aviation Administration about the number of aircraft that appeared on the show and how many ended up on the ground or in crowds. .
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The agency said the memory card from the drone will be sent to the NTSB Recorder Laboratory in Washington, D.C., for analysis. The NTSB said a preliminary report is expected to be submitted within 30 days of the incident.
Multiple drones malfunctioned during a drone show Saturday in Orlando, Florida, causing unmanned flying objects to crash into the ground. (Credit – X/MosquitoCoFL)
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However, the final report is expected to take one to two years.
