The guys from Watervliet who are putting lighted drone shows on the map all over the world are especially pumped to be in the thick of things later this month when they are slated to perform for thousands of pilots at the massive Experimental Aircraft Association’s major fly-in adventure in Oshkosh, Wisconsin with a lighted drones in flight show.
In fact, it will be a first in all of North America when the cast and crew from Great Lakes Drone Company, based in Watervliet, deliver a drone light show as part of an air show when EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 presents up to 100 lighted drones in flight during night air shows on July 25th and 28th, creating another only-in-Oshkosh type of experience.
The night air shows at AirVenture have become a favorite of Oshkosh attendees, featuring a new perspective on the precise flying skills displayed by aerobatic pilots.
Great Lakes Drone Company will be flying the drones and is one of just two U.S. companies authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration for such displays.
Dave Chaimson is the EAA Vice President of Marketing & Business Development. He says, “EAA and Great Lakes Drone Company worked closely with the FAA to make this pioneering and innovative event possible.” Chaimson adds, “What makes this event especially memorable are the intricate maneuvers that are capable by up to 100 synchronized drones, highlighting the possibilities of safe and responsible drone flying. People come to AirVenture to see aerial excitement not seen anywhere else, and these performances certainly continue that tradition.”
Great Lakes Drone Company has done numerous shows as stand-alone highlights at events, but this is the first as part of an air show performance. During AirVenture, the LED-equipped drones will perform a 10-minute “The History of Flight” show complete with musical accompaniment.
Watervliet’s Matt Quinn is President of Great Lakes Drone. He says, “When one thinks of the place where flying innovation and excitement occur, Oshkosh instantly comes to mind.” He quickly adds, “That’s why we are so excited about this opportunity to be part of the famed night air shows and perform in front of the tens of thousands of aviation enthusiasts on the flightline — a real first for the air show community.”
The EAA AirVenture Oshkosh night air shows begin at 8 pm on July 25th and July 28th, and are included with AirVenture admission. Schedules are subject to change based on weather or operational conditions.
Organizers say that action, education, entertainment, and everything in between makes EAA AirVenture Oshkosh the perfect, affordable summer destination, noting that for seven days from sunrise to well past sunset, the Oshkosh day is filled with dazzling displays of aerobatics, informative programs and hands-on workshops, diverse aircraft spanning all eras of flight, concerts to keep folks rockin’ into the night, and much more.
From humble beginnings more than 60 years ago, EAA AirVenture has evolved from a small gathering of aircraft and aviators into a grand, week-long celebration known as The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration.
The photo of lighted drones over Niagara Falls accompanying this story on Moody on the Market is courtesy of Great Lakes Drone Company in Watervliet.
