Seeing a drone show should be an incredible experience. At Verge Aero, we believe show spectators should be just as safe as when using a commercial airline.

This is why we’ve led the charge in spearheading practical technologies that enhance system safety for drone shows.

Verge Aero has identified and implemented system standards for improved safety.

We believe a safe system must incorporate these five major elements:

Navigation Redundancy

• Avoid a single point of navigation failure.

• Multiple estimators (EKF) and sensors protects against sensor failures and positional inaccuracies.

Appropriate Software

• A unified design and control software automates flight path calculation and validation.

• Autopilot software must remain up-to-date.

Multiple, Independent Geofence Systems

• Traditional geofencing methods aren’t sufficient.

• Verge Aero's advanced "dynamic bubble" and predictive trajectory geofencing systems provide more effective failsafes.

Reliable, Long-Range Communication

• Multiple communication links are necessary for redundancy and the ability to control drones at long distances.

• WiFi has its limitations.

Training & Safety Management

• Rigorous pilot training, safety management systems, and decision-making guidelines help ensure pilot, drone, and system readiness.

All players in the drone show industry must adopt best practices to maximize and prioritize safety.

Here are some questions to ask your provider:

• Does the system have true navigation redundancy by using multiple estimators?
• Is the control software up to date?
• How does the geofencing system work?
• How many long-range emergency communication links are used? Are they dual- or single-band? Is WiFi the primary link?
• What software is used to create and fly the show? Is it fully integrated?
• What is the safety record of the company and pilots operating the show? How about the drone technology?

Our Essential Guide to Drone Show Safety provides insights for further evaluation.

By leveraging best practices from mainstream aviation, Verge Aero develops systems from the core with redundancy and safety in mind while continuously updating them to take full advantage of new technologies.

For in-depth explanations of the above safety standards, please read our publication: The Essential Guide to Drone Show Safety.

Verge Aero is recognized globally by airspace authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

DVR Approved