Nova Sky Stories 2026 Fever Rider
D1000 & D1200 DroneArt Show (US & EU)
1.0 Flight Operations Area (FOA)
The Flight Operations Area (FOA) is the primary airfield where drones are stored, staged, launched, and recovered. This area must be treated as a restricted operational zone for the duration of the engagement.
1.1 Airfield
For each show, Nova requires space for a designated airfield, also known as the Flight Operations Area (FOA). Drones are operated from launch pads which are placed within this area.
Each launch pad supports 6 drones Drones take off and land from these pads Launch pads are linked and powered via PowerCON cables Space requirements:
1,000 drones: approx. 94 ft × 168 ft (29 m × 51 m) 1,200 drones: approx. 80 ft × 213 ft (27 m × 65 m) The FOA must be flat, stable, dry, and free of obstacles (no major ruts, holes, or significant slopes). Acceptable FOA surfaces include compacted earth, asphalt, concrete, or similarly firm, stable ground. The FOA cannot be located on loose sand, deep gravel, standing water, mud, or significantly sloped terrain.
Depending on ground conditions, additional equipment like plywood, tarps, or leveling blocks may be required to position the launch pads.
The piloting control station will be set up at the edge of the FOA, with clear sightlines to the airfield. This position must remain clear of public access and allow safe ingress/egress for Nova crew during live operations.
A safety buffer around the FOA will be defined by Nova and must remain clear of guests, vehicles, and non-essential personnel at all times. No public access is permitted within this buffer during active operations.
1.2 Pilot Control Center
The Control Center (CC) is where the Pilot in Command (PIC) and Person(s) Manipulating the Controls (PMTC) are stationed.
The CC contains the computers, electronics, and other systems that operate the drones. Be covered by a tent or enclosed structure which allows visual sight of airfield to protect equipment from weather and direct sun Be located on level, dry ground Provide sufficient space for at least three pilots, tables, and equipment If the ground is uneven, soft, or wet, Fever will provide flooring (e.g. decking or raised platforms) to ensure a safe and stable work environment 1.3 FOA Security
Nova requires that the FOA be under continuous security coverage from the time the drones land on site, until they are loaded back in the truck at the end of the engagement. This includes:
A Security Person throughout the day dedicated solely to watching the FOA whenever Nova personnel are not present. Overnight Security, as the launch pads, drones, and CC will typically remain installed and left on site between show days. In cases where the FOA is fully secured behind permanent fencing, a combination of roaming security and CCTV monitoring may be acceptable. Any such arrangements will be agreed between Nova and Fever as part of the show-specific production plan.
2.0 Logistics & Team
2.1 Packaging & Fleet Logistics
Fever 2026 Drone Fleet Sizes
1,000 drones → with backups: 1,080 drones 1,200 drones → with backups: 1,296 drones
Storage & Transport
For ground shipping, drones are transported without hard sided cases, allowing 9 launch pads per wheeled case, with the following specifications:
Height: 207.1 cm (81.6 in) Weight: ~204 kg (450 lbs)
Fleet Logistics
1,080 drones = 180 launch pads?20 pallets (excluding pilot/gear) when being ground shipped
1,296 drones = 216 launch pads ?24 pallets (excluding pilot/gear) when being ground shipped
2.2 Delivery & pick-up information
2.3 Stagehands & Support Crew
All local crew provided must be able to:
Lift 23 kg (50 lbs) and push/pull 27 kg (60 lbs) Work in uneven terrain and in all weather conditions Come in appropriate outdoor work clothing and closed-toed shoes In order to facilitate the proper people are being recruited, please include the following job description with all postings:
Seeking reliable event crew to help set up and tear down an outdoor drone light show. Duties include loading and unloading gear, moving flight cases, and assisting the production team with site setup and strike. Must be able to lift 23 kg/50 lbs, push or pull up to 27 kg/60 lbs, and work outdoors on uneven terrain in various weather conditions. Wear appropriate outdoor work clothing and closed-toed shoes.
Exact call times for local crew to be confirmed per city in the show's specific production plan.
2.4 Nova Team
Fever shows are confirmed by the Fever Program Manager at Nova (Rebecca). Once confirmed, Nova Production Management will oversee all production and logistics.
On site, the Nova Team will consist of:
2 Persons Manipulating the Controls (PMTCs) supporting the PIC 2.5 Access
All Nova personnel require unrestricted access to the event area, Front of House (FoH), Backstage, and the FOA whenever equipment is on site Appropriate credentials must be provided for the entire Nova crew for all operational days (load-in, rehearsals, show days, and load-out) The FOA must be vehicle-accessible while equipment is on site to allow truck or support-vehicle access for load-in and load-out The FOA must be closed from public access throughout the event; where appropriate, fencing with a securable access gate should be used Parking for at least one Nova vehicle must be provided before, during, and after the event in a location that allows practical access to the FOA 3.0 Power
Power can be supplied either via shore power or a dedicated three-phase generator with no minimum load requirement and continent appropriate hookups coming out of it.
The launch pads operate on alternating current (AC) and are compatible with voltages ranging from 120 V to 240 V.
The system maintains a power factor between 0.9 and 1. Maximum distance from power tie-in to FOA to be agreed in advance to avoid excessive voltage drop.
3.1 Preferred Power Options
The preferred and most sustainable power source is shore power at the site. This also avoids generator rental costs and reduces noise and emissions.
If shore power is unavailable, a dedicated three-phase generator with no minimum load requirement. Generator placement will be confirmed by Nova prior to load-in.
Required generator feeder cable outlets by region:
US: Camlock pigtails or direct hookups
Power should be delivered to the FOA. Nova will handle all downstream power distribution from this connection to the drones, generally using their own distribution equipment. All circuits feeding the drone system must be dedicated (no other show or site loads connected).
3.2 EU Power Setup
For EU Shows, the following equipment is needed to set up a show:
Important note: This is a general “always provide” list for each party. Site-specific needs will be addressed in each show’s individual production plan, where Fever and Nova will confirm any unique requirements.
1000 drones / 180 LPs
4+1x power turtle (32A => 6x powercon) 1x cable drum (32A => 3x Schuko/3x 16A) 180+24x powercon - powercon cables? Generator 65 kW (±65 kVA assuming a power factor of 1) Extension to distribution box (125A / 63A) => length depending on airfield location Distribution box 125A / 63A => 4x 32A?
1200 drones / 216 LPs
4+1x power turtle (32A => 6x powercon) 1x cable drum (32A => 3x Schuko/3x 16A) 216+24x powercon - powercon cables? Generator 75 kW (±75 kVA assuming a power factor of 1) Extension to distribution box (125A / 63A) => length depending on airfield location Distribution box 125A / 64A => 4x 32A
Please note that the image above shows an example airfield layout. For each location, the exact setup of launchpads rows and columns will be adjusted to accommodate for any specific needs. The power distribution needs will stay the same however.
3.2.1 UK Standards for Power Distribution
Main Standards EU
IEC/CENELEC (varies by country) Equipment must comply with CE regulations Equipment used for power distribution at Light Shows produced by Nova Sky Stories in Europe and UK follows German Safety Standards which are defined and implemented by the DKE (”Deutsche Kommission Elektrotechnik Elektronik Informationstechnik in DIN und VDE”). The DKE follows main IEC (World Wide)/CENELEC (European Union) standards.
Main Standard UK
BS 7909 (Code of Practice for temporary electrical systems for entertainment and related purpose) BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) Equipment must comply with UKCA regulations The UK has extended recognition of the CE mark for many products until 31 December 2027. For Light Shows in the UK the power distribution needs to be installed following the more restrictive UK standard BS 7909 (Code of Practice for temporary electrical systems for entertainment and related purposes) alongside BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations).
One major hallmark of the BS 7909 standard is that all temporary electrical systems need to be signed off by a local, certified "Senior Person Responsible" (SPR). This is necessary for all technical/electric circuits at the show, not just drones.
SPR at DroneArt Show in London in August 2025:
Rhys Baratt (Show Works UK) 3.2 US Power Setup
For US shows, the equipment below is needed to set up a show.
Important note: This is a general “always provide” list for each party. Site-specific needs will be addressed in each show’s individual production plan, where Fever and Nova will confirm any unique requirements.
1000 drones / 180 LPs
4x 50’ 5-banded camlock feeder cables 3x power distribution boxes each with 15x 20A circuits (45x 20A circuits in total) Enough Powercon - Powercon & Powercon - Edison cables to daisy chain launchpads together and plug into distribution boxes? A generator capable of at least 65 kW (±65 kVA assuming a power factor of 1) Should have no minimum load requirement Must have camlock pigtails/hookups coming out of it 1200 drones / 216 pads
4x 50’ 5-banded camlock feeder cables 3x power distribution boxes each with 15x 20A circuits (45 20A circuits in total) Enough Powercon - Powercon & Powercon - Edison cables to daisy chain launchpads together and plug into distribution boxes
A generator capable of at least 75 kW (±75 kVA assuming a power factor of 1) Should have no minimum load requirement Must have camlock pigtails/hookups coming out of it 4.0 Production Materials
4.1 FOA / Pilot Setup Materials
Fever will provide the below equipment and/or materials to support the construction of the FOA.
This gear is critical for maintaining a safe and functional environment for drone operations. Nova may supplement the below with additional equipment as needed based on specific show conditions and will address these with Fever in the show’s production plan.?
4.1 Radios
To ensure clear and reliable communication between Nova and Fever while on site, Fever will provide Nova radios, fully charged and configured to the correct channel(s), including Fever production channel and security channel, with a minimum range of 2 km (1.5 miles).
For US & EU shows: 2 radios
5.0 Drone Flights
5.1 Clear Safety Buffer
Safety buffer clearance: The area surrounding the airfield and showbox (the safety buffer) must be cleared of all uninvolved personnel starting 15 minutes before takeoff and remain clear for the entire duration of the show. Show start and abort: The show may only begin when the safety buffer is empty. The show will be aborted if the buffer is breached by people or vehicles.
Responsibility: Fever is responsible for maintaining and enforcing the safety buffer using security, barriers, signage, and/or staff as appropriate. Specific details will be discussed between the Fever and Nova site leads when creating the show’s specific production plan. Final flight decision: The PIC has the final authority to determine if it is safe to fly, regardless of schedule or ticketing considerations. 5.2 Safety Buffer Explanation
The standard layout of the drone performance area is as follows:
Blue / Dark Green = Showbox
The drone performance takes place within these boundaries
Yellow & Orange = Inner & Outer Geofence
If a drone leaves the showbox and reaches the yellow inner geofence, it automatically is programmed to return to a launch pad. If a drone reaches the orange outer geofence, it will land vertically with its battery staying on). Red = Safety Buffer
This area must be kept clear of all unauthorized personnel during the show in accordance with Nova’s safety procedures as well as FAA and other aviation authority regulations. If a drone reaches this geofence, the drone's battery turns off and the drone will drop to the ground.
Mint Green = Viewing Distance
Proper visibility of the show for the audience is only achieved outside this boundary. This zone is also treated as a secondary safety buffer, meaning there can be no crowds and all people or vehicles in it during the show must remain moving. 5.3 Show Calling / Timecode
The show animations and other production elements (audio, lights, etc) remains in sync by running on timecode coordinated between FOH and the FOA
Coordination of timecode sync can also occur by the Nova Production Manager (or the Fever Music/Stage Manager as a backup) providing a countdown (10-to-0) over radio, with both the Fever side and Nova side starting pre-roll on “GO” at the end of the countdown.
Fever and Nova show leads should address specifics for this process in each show’s production plan.?