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2026 Fever Rider D1000 & D1200 (US & EU)

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.
The CC must:
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:
Length: 120 cm (47.2 in)
Width: 82 cm (32.3 in)
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

Standard Load-in Timing
Delivery on test day if applicable and otherwise show day (around noon)
Standard Load-out Timing
Pick-up typically occurs on the same night after the last show unless agreed otherwise
Special Equipment (if required)
These needs will be addressed in each show’s specific production plan
With current Fever Trucking, a forklift (offroad possibly needed) will need to be provided for the duration of load in and out with a qualified operator.
If the truck cannot reach the FOA, all special equipment (such as forklift, cranes, or similar)
must be arranged and provided by Fever (including personnel to operate equipment) to move carts/pallets between truck and FOA
There are no rows in this table

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.
Drone Count
Task
Crew Needed
Roles / Notes
Duration / Time
1.000
8
Unload/load truck, set up/teardown airfield, pack/move cases
1.000
6
2 Visual Observers, 4 Ground crew to reseat drones in launch pads
1.200
10
Unload/load truck, set up/teardown airfield, pack/move cases
1.200
6
2 Visual Observers, 4 Ground crew to reseat drones in launch pads
There are no rows in this table

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:
1 Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
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
EU: CEE outlets

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

Nova will bring:
6+1x 25m 32A cable
4+1x power turtle (32A => 6x powercon)
1x cable drum (32A => 3x Schuko/3x 16A)
180+24x powercon - powercon cables?
Fever needs to provide:
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

Nova will bring:
6+1x 25m 32A cable
4+1x power turtle (32A => 6x powercon)
1x cable drum (32A => 3x Schuko/3x 16A)
216+24x powercon - powercon cables?
Fever should provide:
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

unnamed.png

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
Nova will provide:
4x 50’ 5-banded camlock feeder cables
10x Cam Ts
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?
Fever will provide:
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
Nova will provide:
4x 50’ 5-banded camlock feeder cables
10x Cam Ts
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

Fever will provide:
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.?
Qty
Item
Size/Specs
1
Toilet Unit
Portable toilet or reliable access to a restroom located no more than a 5 minute walking distance from the airfield during load-in, rehearsals, show, and load-out
2
Fire Extinguisher
A-B-C multipurpose, charged & inspected
1
Light Tower
When house worklights are not available (ie stadium lights, parking lot lights, etc) an industrial light tower (approx 4000 W) should be positioned to cover the FOA. The light tower needs to be able to be turned off during the show.
There are no rows in this table

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.
unnamed.png

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.?
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