Featured Questions

What is a drone show

A drone show is a spatial light show performed by dozens or even hundreds of drones flying simultaneously. Each drone is equipped with an LED light, which can emit any color. This allows all kinds of three-dimensional figures, patterns and animations to be depicted in full color in the air. The drones are controlled by a central computer. The color patterns to be displayed are programmed in advance.

Just before the show starts the drones are lined up on the ground and switched on. As soon as our operators give the final ‘go’, the computer takes over and the show starts. Just the take-off and landing of dozens of luminous drones is something the spectators will not soon forget!

Can a drone show take place at any location?

Flying with drones is subject to strict rules. Therefore, it is not possible to perform a drone show everywhere. In most cases it is not possible to perform a show very close to an airport or above the built-up area. It is also not advisable to hold a drone show near transmission masts and high-voltage power lines. In addition, we must have enough space to be able to place our drones in a nice grid before taking off. In any case, an exemption from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) is always required for holding a drone show. We take care of the application and communication with the ILT.

Is a drone show safe?

Our drones never fly above the audience. For safety, there must be some distance between the show area and the spectators. We also take various other safety measures, such as setting up a geofence (an imaginary boundary that the drones cannot leave), a pre-flight check prior to each show, monitoring of the drones during the show, supervisors monitoring the show, etcetera. Prior to a show, we do a comprehensive risk analysis so that we can guarantee that the show will be safe.

What does a drone show cost?

The cost of a drone show depends on various factors. The most important question is how many drones need to fly simultaneously, how often the show needs to take place, and whether the show can be built from standard program components or needs to be (partially or completely) customized (think about displaying company logos or specific animations). Keep in mind a budget of at least 25,000 euros.

Can a drone show be combined with music?

A drone show is not very noisy, because the drones don’t make that much noise and they take off and fly around relatively far from the audience. It is therefore perfectly possible to have a drone show accompanied by music. It is even possible to tune the choreography exactly to the chosen pieces of music. The creative possibilities are endless!

What kind of figures can be portrayed?

You can think of a drone show as a giant three-dimensional screen where each drone represents one moving pixel. All kinds of moving figures can be depicted as a result, in various colors. Think of flags, logos, words and all kinds of geometric shapes, which flow into each other in an organic way. Our advice is not to make the figures too complex for optimal recognition.

General Questions

Algemene vragen

What is a drone show?

A drone show is a spatial light show performed by dozens or even hundreds of drones flying simultaneously. Each drone is equipped with an LED light, which can emit any color. This allows all kinds of three-dimensional figures, patterns and animations to be depicted in full color in the air. The drones are controlled by a central computer. The color patterns to be displayed are programmed in advance.

Just before the show starts the drones are lined up on the ground and switched on. As soon as our operators give the final ‘go’, the computer takes over and the show starts. Just the take-off and landing of dozens of luminous drones is something the spectators will not soon forget!

What information do we need to prepare a proposal?

In order to prepare a proposal for providing a drone show, we need some information from you:

  • Desired number of drones
  • Desired duration of the show (maximum approx. 15 minutes)
  • Frequency: one-off show or repeating show
  • Choreography: combination of standard patterns or customization
  • Date of the show
  • Location of the show
  • Size of show area (surface: length x width)
What does a drone show cost?

The cost of a drone show depends on various factors. The most important question is how many drones need to fly simultaneously, how often the show needs to take place, and whether the show can be built from standard program elements or needs to be (partially or completely) customized (think about displaying company logos or specific animations). Keep in mind a budget of at least €25,000,- euros.

Is a drone show environmentally friendly and sustainable?

The drones we fly have a lifespan of a few years. The batteries last at least a hundred shows and we leave no materials and/or waste in the air or on the ground. We therefore dare to say that a drone show is many times more environmentally friendly and sustainable than a fireworks show. In addition, there is less inconvenience to people and animals, because there is no smoke or loud bangs (unless you decide to combine the drone show with decorative fireworks).

Is a drone show safe?

Our drones never fly above the audience. For safety, there must be some distance between the show area and the spectators. We also take various other safety measures, such as setting up a geofence (an imaginary boundary that the drones cannot leave), a pre-flight check prior to each show, monitoring of the drones during the show, supervisors monitoring the show, etcetera. Prior to a show, we do a comprehensive risk analysis so that we can guarantee that the show will be safe.

Can a drone show also be performed indoors?

In principle, our drone shows only take place outdoors. It is technically possible to perform indoor drone shows, but this requires very different drones and a different technique for control. Please contact us to discuss the possibilities for an indoor drone show.

Is a drone show a good alternative to a traditional fireworks show on New Year's Eve?

In principle, a drone show is a good – if not better – alternative to a fireworks show. However, specifically at the turn of the year, the weather can throw a spanner in the works: if it is too cold or in case of winter precipitation, a drone show may not be able to take place. Furthermore, you should realize that a drone show will only make sufficient impact on a large audience if it is sufficiently extensive, with hundreds of drones taking to the air simultaneously.

Of course, our drone shows can also be combined well with a traditional fireworks show!

Creatieve mogelijkheden

Creative Opportunities

How long does a drone show last?

The length of a drone show is partly determined by the maximum flight time of the drones we fly. This is about 20-25 minutes, but because of the take-off and landing of the drones, the show can last up to 15 minutes. By allowing new drones to take off during the show, a show can also last longer, but this reduces the number of drones that can be seen in the air at the same time.

What kind of figures can be portrayed?

You can think of a drone show as a giant three-dimensional screen where each drone represents one moving pixel. All kinds of moving figures can be depicted as a result, in various colors. Think of flags, logos, words and all kinds of geometric shapes, which flow into each other in an organic way. Our advice is not to make the figures too complex for optimal recognition.

Can a drone show be previewed in advance?

Every show can be simulated in advance on our computer systems. It is therefore possible to preview a show without any drone actually taking off. That way you know exactly what to expect.

Can a drone show also take place during the day?

The LED lights on our drones emit a lot of light. The light intensity is about 1,000 lumens, which is comparable to a light bulb of about 75 to 100W. Nevertheless, it must be sufficiently dark for the show to be seen properly. Therefore, a drone show can only take place after the sun has disappeared for a while. Keep half an hour after sunset as the earliest time when a drone show can be performed.

Can a drone show be combined with fireworks?

A drone show is always performed according to a tight schedule. It is certainly possible to combine it with a fireworks show. However, it is true that the drones cannot fly directly above the fireworks. Furthermore, integration with fireworks requires integration with pyro controllers and the use of time codes.

Can a drone show be combined with music?

A drone show is not very noisy, because the drones don’t make that much noise and they take off and fly around relatively far from the audience. It is therefore perfectly possible to have a drone show accompanied by music. It is even possible to tune the choreography exactly to the chosen pieces of music. The creative possibilities are endless!

To what distance can a drone show be viewed?

The figures depicted by the show drones are easily tens of meters wide, deep and high. As a result, a show can be viewed from a considerable distance, from a minimum of a few dozen meters (for safety reasons) to a kilometer or more.

Organisatie en uitvoering van een droneshow

Organization and execution of a drone show

How long in advance does a drone show need to be requested?

The lead time between application and execution depends on a number of things. In any case, we need to apply for an exemption from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). This takes a number of weeks. In the case of a custom show, there is also the necessary programming involved, which usually takes several weeks. Take into account a minimum lead time of two months; it is better to keep to three months.

Can a drone show take place at any location?

Flying with drones is subject to strict rules. Therefore, it is not possible to perform a drone show everywhere. In most cases it is not possible to perform a show very close to an airport or above the built-up area. It is also not advisable to hold a drone show near transmission masts and high-voltage power lines. In addition, we must have enough space to be able to place our drones in a nice grid before taking off. In any case, an exemption from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) is always required for holding a drone show. We take care of the application and communication with the ILT.

Can a drone show go on in all weather conditions?

Our drones can withstand a splash of rain and can fly at wind speeds up to 5 Bft. The weather certainly does not have to be perfect for a drone show to take place.

At temperatures below zero and in case of snow or hail there are more limitations. This has to do with the decreasing battery capacity at low temperatures and the freezing up of a layer of ice on the propellers, which prevents the drones from flying properly and safely.

Ultimately, our operators on site will decide at the last minute whether a show can go ahead. This is in connection with the safety of the spectators and the operational requirements from the laws and regulations.