New tech will protect AOPA drone shows

Great Lakes Drone Company announced a partnership with Fortem Technologies on March 1 that will bring a new level of airspace awareness to 2019 drone performances in the form of SkyDome, a portable electronic surveillance tool designed for law enforcement and event security. The system tracks objects of all kinds, including aircraft (manned and unmanned), people, and ground vehicles.

“The Fortem SkyDome solution provides an added layer of safety and security to our performances,” said Great Lakes Drone Company CEO Matt Quinn, in a news release, noting that the system will be up and running during his company’s drone light show performances at the Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, Florida; EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin; and all three AOPA Fly-Ins, where the custom light display will help celebrate AOPA’s eightieth anniversary with a formation of at least 80 drones.

AOPA’s 2019 Fly-Ins include two days packed with things to do, see, and learn. Learn more about each event and register here to let us know you’re coming.

AOPA Senior Director of UAS Programs Kat Swain said the addition of Fortem Technologies to the drone show crew adds a new layer of safety for everyone.

“We are excited to see the innovative airspace awareness technology at work and admire the desire to collaborate and provide not only an entertaining drone show, but also a safe environment for the surrounding airspace,” Swain said.