How to start an outdoor drone light show business
Starting an outdoor drone light show company is an exciting venture that combines technology, creativity, and event management. To get started, it's essential to conduct thorough research on the drone light show industry.
Understanding the market demand, identifying your target audience, and analyzing your competition will provide a solid foundation for your business. Developing a detailed business plan that outlines your goals, target market, services offered, pricing strategy, and marketing approach is crucial. This plan will serve as your roadmap and is essential for securing funding if needed.
Legal and regulatory compliance is a significant aspect of starting a drone light show business. In the United States, operators need a Part 107 license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). For night operations without anti-collision lighting and multiple drone use, applying for Part 107.29 and 107.35 waivers is necessary.
These waivers usually take several months to process but are valid for four years once approved. It’s beneficial to decide on your drone provider beforehand, as they can assist in writing these waiver applications and you will need the operational manual and drone specs to fill out in the waiver.
Additionally, if your show is outside of Class G airspace, show-by-show permits or authorizations are required. For shows within Class G airspace, with the appropriate waivers, only a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) needs to be filed 24 hours before the event.
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Investing in technology is a critical component of your business. High-quality drones designed for light shows typically cost around $2,000 per drone, including taxes, fees, training, and other costs. Additionally, budget at least $100,000 annually for software, insurance, and support.
It's generally advisable to steer clear of any drone system that is exclusive with SPH Engineering, also known as Drone Show Software or UGCS. While the allure of cheaper providers from countries like China might be tempting due to lower prices, they often come with significant drawbacks. Many businesses have found these drones difficult to fly and have struggled with the lack of reliable customer support, even after investing hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Building your own drones might seem like a cost-effective alternative, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The main issue is that without extensive experience, you may not fully understand the necessary features and capabilities for a successful drone show. The development process is time-consuming and complex, likely taking at least a year of dedicated work to create a small, functional fleet. This can delay your business operations significantly and add unexpected costs.
For a smoother start and long-term reliability, investing in high-quality, well-supported drones from reputable providers is the best approach. This will ensure you have the technical support and reliability needed to perform consistently spectacular shows.
Overall, starting an outdoor drone light show company requires a combination of technological investment, regulatory compliance, skilled personnel, and effective marketing. By focusing on these key areas, you can build a successful business that captivates audiences and stands out in the entertainment industry.
Make sure to check out the rest of our articles in this series below. If you think this is the right business for you, reach out at [email protected].
Start In Light Show Industry
What should you know about the light show industry? Check out this article and get started in this amazing venture!
Start An Indoor Light Show
Our guide to getting started with an indoor drone light show company! Brand new industry with tons of potential!
Indoor Shows vs Outdoor Shows
Should I start an indoor drone light show company or an outdoor one? Click here to view the pros and cons of each.
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