Disney Gets Waiver to Fly Drones over Theme Parks

Disneyland 60th

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has received federal permission to fly drones over its theme parks. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a waiver this week allowing Disney to use drones through November 2020.

Disney asked for permission last year to fly the drones at Disneyland and Disney World for entertainment purposes, including fireworks shows. The waiver will allow nighttime use of drones.

“You have established adequate mitigations for risks,” the waiver says.

Disney World and Disneyland have no-fly zones, which were obtained in 2003 as the U.S. prepared to go to war with Iraq. In fact, Disney cited those zones when making its request, saying the devices “will not interrupt national airspace activity.”

Disney’s request last year made reference to “Flixels,” machines that are “based on traditional UAS [unmanned aircraft systems] platforms.”

Disney at that time laid out safety precautions and planned operations for the drones, including keeping them 100 feet away from guest areas at all times. “Their flight paths will largely take place over water elements and restricted areas,” the company’s application read. The Flixels would max out at 150 feet above ground level, according to the application.

A Disney spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.

Source: Orlando Sentinel

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