Wants To Use 'Flixels' In Theme Parks For 'Entertainment Purposes'

Anyone who has flown in central Florida, particularly using any kind of glass panel, knows there is a permanent TFR in place over Walt Disney World just outside Orlando. But now the entertainment giant hopes to be able to fly UAVs within that TFR, and one over its California property, for its own purposes.

The company on October 30 filed for a Section 333 exemption to fly what it calls "Flixels" ... aircraft that are "based on traditional UAS [unmanned aircraft systems] platforms and include advanced control and positioning technology, onboard sensors (gyroscopes, accelerometers, GPS, barometers, magnetometers), and advanced wireless communication solutions."

The Orlando Sentinel reports that the company said in its application that it would not fly the aircraft over guest areas and not above 150 feet agl. The flights would take place mostly over water features in the park and in restricted areas. They would be used for park entertainment productions, including fireworks.

Disney even mentions the TFRs in its application. It said that the aircraft would "not interrupt national airspace activity because the Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts airspaces are registered no-fly zones."

Disney even blows its own horn a bit in the application. As a way to bolster its case, the company said that "in December 2012, Disney made several flights of an Imagineers-designed "fire breathing dragon," which was actually an elaborate glider and parachute obscured by the night sky, over The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World to celebrate the grand opening of Fantasyland."

Disney usually gets what it wants ... so it would not be a surprise to read that the exemption has been granted.

FMI: www.faa.gov/uas/legislative_programs/section_333