Starting a drone light show business can be a highly rewarding venture! Demand for drone show services is increasing every year, especially in the United States. Saturation in this market remains low as of 2025; new drone show providers have the opportunity to turn major profits alongside the established players. With a strong business plan, access to the right system and support, and a desire to bring magic to the skies, you too can develop a successful drone show business that’s just as profitable as it is exciting.

Much like the fireworks industry, drone show providers will vary in size and focus. Some will target large marque events, flying thousands of drones and tightly integrating into broader sophisticated productions, while others will focus on servicing a particular region; building close relationships with cities and businesses to provide cost-effective alternatives to fireworks.

Weddings, advertisements, sporting events, music festivals, the list goes on…

With a strong business plan, access to the right system and support, and a desire to bring magic to the skies, you too can develop a successful drone show business that’s just as profitable as it is exciting.

Building a Drone Show Business: Where To Begin

Drone light shows are an increasingly lucrative service. Here are the main considerations you can expect to determine early on in your business journey.

Launching a drone show business starts with establishing a solid foundation of some key components.

• You’ll need to do extensive market research to understand your target audience and identify potential opportunities.
• Drone shows require (you guessed it) drones and animation tools! Sourcing reliable hardware and software for your fleet is crucial.
• Identify who will be on your team. Your staff will include at minimum a pilot, executive producer, and drone show designer.
• Navigate the licenses required to perform drone shows, and the permits you’ll need to fly in each location.
• Be prepared for your initial investments, which will depend on a variety of factors.

Seems like a lot? We won’t lie; it certainly can be! This is why Verge Aero offers all-in-one drone show solutions that include comprehensive support, training, and logistical guidance as well as world-leading drone software and hardware, so you don’t have to figure it all out yourself.

Verge Aero's X1 Pyro Drone during launchpad grid setup

Choosing the Right System: Hardware & Software for Drone Light Shows

We cannot stress enough the importance of choosing the right drone show system! Unreliable components and complicated workflows are likely to foster technical difficulties that can quickly eat up your time, energy, and resources.

A seamless system can save you hundreds of headaches in the short and long term, letting you focus on performing stellar shows and reaping the rewards.

Consider these factors:

• How fast can I make a show?
• How quickly can I update a show on site to accommodate surprises?
• Will the tools allow me to achieve creative objectives?
• Can I do everything in one software package?
• How confident can I be that the system will still be up-to-date in five years?

Together, all of these will impact your total cost of ownership. Fully research your drone and software options to pick a solution that’s right for you and your team.

Comparing Drone Show Systems

Other drone show companies typically offer exclusively software or hardware, not both, forcing you to piece together a patchwork of systems. Verge, on the other hand, is a one stop shop for all of your drone show system needs.

Staffing Your Drone Show Team

The number of people required to execute a drone light show can vary based on the complexity and scale of the performance. However, there are some key roles that are legally required:

• Pilot in Command (PIC): This is the individual who holds overall responsibility for the operation and safety of the drones during the show. They may not directly control each drone but oversee the automated flight paths and ensure compliance with regulations. At least one PIC is required for every operation.
• Visual Observers (VOs): VOs are strategically positioned to maintain visual contact with the drones throughout the performance. They act as a safety backup, monitoring for any unexpected issues or deviations from the planned flight paths. The number of VOs required depends on the number of drones and the performance area. Verge Aero recommends at least one VO per 250 drones that will be flying. More VOs should be added for complex operations.

In addition to these core roles above, there may also be other personnel involved, such as:

• Show Designer/Choreographer: This person is responsible for creating the visual spectacle, and designing the drone formations and movements that bring the show to life.
• Ground Crew: This team handles the physical setup and preparation of the drones, launch site, and related equipment. The ideal number of ground crew is one person for every 50 drones. However, as long as you meet the PIC and VO requirements, additional ground crew is not a necessity.
• Security Personnel: Depending on the event's size and location, security may be necessary to control access to the performance area and ensure the safety of the equipment and audience. The use of barricades, fences, and other security measures can reduce the number of required security personnel.

While the exact number of individuals required can vary, a typical drone light show might involve a team of anywhere from 2 to 20 or more people, depending on its scale and complexity.

Licenses, Permits, and Regulations

Part 107 License: In the United States, anyone flying drones for commercial purposes, including light shows, must hold a Remote Pilot Certificate with a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) rating, commonly known as a Part 107 license. This license is valid for two years before requiring a recurrent test certificate.

Part 107 Waivers: Drone light shows often require flying at night, without anti-collision lighting, all of which require specific waivers from the FAA's standard Part 107 rules, specifically 107.29 (a)(2) and (b) (Anti-Collision Light) and 107.35 (Operation of Multiple Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems). Obtaining these waivers involves a detailed application process demonstrating how the operation will be conducted safely and mitigating any potential risks. This is where Verge Aero excels. We will guide you through the process, helping prepare the required documentation and safety protocols to increase the chances of waiver approval.

Aviation Insurance: Verge Aero can provide guidance on appropriate insurance coverage for your specific needs.

Additional Considerations

The Verge Aero difference:

• Permanent and comprehensive support (including on-site) that guarantees successful project execution.
• Intensive onboarding with both online and offline training sessions.
• 100% in-house development.
• Extensive interfaces facilitate collaboration with leading system manufacturers in other trades.
• A strong network of drone show providers that enables the scaling of larger individual projects.
• Continuous monitoring and updates keep the system at the cutting edge of technology.
• Efficient workflows from concept to flight.
• X7 system, the only swarm drone in the world with EASA certification (DVR).
• Enhanced containment approved by EASA
• Fastest business launch in the industry (right after contract signing)
• Extensive marketing assistance
• Small footprint on location
• Fast and efficient base station setup

Case Studies: Drone Light Show Success Stories