New Year’s Eve drone swarm grounded for safety

A swarm of hundreds of drones that was set to fly in formation for Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations failed to launch because of safety fears.

Safety concerns forced the abandonment of the New Year’s Eve drone display at Melbourne’s Docklands, it can be revealed.

The national aviation regulator confirmed with the Herald Sun that the proposed “drone swarm” did not meet safety standards so no approval was given.

The revelation follows the council’s announcement that Covid-related issues had forced the show’s cancellation.

An artist’s impression image of the drone display planned for Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The show was to feature 350 drones flying in formation over Victoria Harbour and was part of the entertainment for the Docklands celebration zone, one of four live sites open to ticketed revellers on New Year’s Eve.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp had announced on December 29 the cancellation of the drone display because of “COVID-19 impacting the freight, logistics and training exercises of our event partner, Celestial’’.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority confirmed it had received an application from a holder of a “remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate” for the December 31 show.

“For large displays such as this, we conduct a number of checks to ensure the display complies with our safety regulations, including assessing the applicant’s risk assessments,’’ a CASA spokeswoman said.

“Unfortunately, this year’s New Year’s Eve drone light display in Melbourne did not meet the required standards.’’

The show was to feature 350 drones flying in formation over Victoria Harbour

Lord Mayor Sally Capp says Melbourne Council hopes to get approval for the drone show to start soon. Picture: David Crosling

Cr Capp said on Wednesday that Covid caused freight and logistic delays that affected Celestial’s ability to complete pilot training and get regulatory approvals in time.

“We’re pleased that Celestial now has all the equipment they need here in Melbourne, and they’re working around the clock to deliver the spectacular mass drone swarm above Docklands – and we hope to make an announcement soon.”

The council hopes to get approval for the drone show to start soon, possibly as early as next week. It was originally scheduled to start on January 3 for shows twice a night.

The cancellation caused concern for Docklands businesses who were hoping to recover some of the pandemic lockdown losses.

The revelation is another blow to the council after its New Year’s Eve fireworks show, which excluded rooftop displays, was labelled a fizzer by visitors and business operators.

In an online Herald Sun poll, 90 per cent of respondents said “no” when asked if Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve fireworks were good enough.

Many expressed their anger and disappointment on social media, with the show described as “a kick in the guts” to lockdown-weary Melburnians.

Originally published as New Year’s Eve drone swarm grounded for safety