Global law firm K&L Gates LLP received US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for pyrotechnics company Pyro Spectaculars by Souza to put on a world-class drone light and pyrotechnic show. On 16 August, the FAA granted an exemption allowing the company to use pyrotechnics on their drones as part of the Getty-PST Art initiative by Cai Guo-Qiang, which took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on 15 September. The event, titled WE ARE: Explosion Event for PST Art, marked “the first expansive daytime firework event featuring drone formation equipped with pyrotechnic products in US history.”

The FAA’s decision, based on a thorough and diligent review of the company’s safety record and approach, allowed Pyro Spectaculars to showcase its capabilities, replacing a traditional firework show and resulting in environmental benefits like reduced noise pollution and carbon emissions.

K&L Gates Washington, D.C., government affairs advisor Finch Fulton led the cross-practice, multi-office team, which included Pittsburgh government affairs counselor Mike Doyle, Harrisburg partners Tom DeCesar and Maureen O’Dea Brill, and Washington, D.C., government affairs advisor Scott Gelbman.

Fulton, who previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the US Department of Transportation, noted: “It is so wonderful to engage with the FAA from this point of view and to see them move so thoroughly yet quickly in reviewing and granting this application. The years of investment and process improvements are unlocking new and fascinating opportunities in our skies.”

“We are incredibly grateful to K&L Gates in assisting our efforts with the Federal Aviation Administration and Congressman Pete Aguilar to get our request approved and allowing us to play a vital role in the Getty-PST Art Initiative,” said Pyro Spectaculars’ President and CEO Jim Souza.