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Course Content
Course Overview
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Welcome to Air Boss 101
05:38
Module 1: What is an Airshow
Module 1 — What Is an Air Show. Before we get into authority, documents, or duties, we need a shared understanding of the environment we’re operating in. This is where a lot of candidates underestimate the complexity. An air show isn’t just a flying event — it’s a layered operational environment with multiple authorities operating simultaneously. Exactly. We’ll define the air show, establish who the stakeholders are, walk through the ABRP credential levels, and cover the foundational standards that govern Air Boss conduct. Including the Safety Creed — which is the professional foundation everything else builds on.
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The Air Show Environment
01:30
ABRP Credential Levels Overview
01:44
Basic Air Show Definition and Limitations
01:42
The ICAS Safety Creed
01:27
Air Boss Standards and Code of Ethics
01:44
Module 2: FAA Regulatory Framework
Module 2 — the FAA Regulatory Framework. This is the legal and procedural infrastructure that makes an air show a lawful event rather than a mass gathering with unauthorized low-altitude flying. I’ll be honest — when I was coming up, this was the module where candidates’ eyes glazed over. Documents, forms, acronyms. But the Air Boss who doesn’t understand this framework is the Air Boss who gets blindsided on show day. Exactly right. Authority, documents, and airspace — know where they come from, who holds them, and what they actually require of you. Let’s get into it.
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Governing Regulations and Orders
01:40
National Airspace System Overview
01:56
Certificate of Waiver and Certificate of Authorization
01:45
FAA Form 7711-2
01:48
Temporary Flight Restrictions
01:41
TFR Application
01:41
Air Show Demonstration Area and Flying Display Area
01:42
Crowd Line and Separation Distances
01:46
Non-Participating Aircraft and Airspace Conflicts
01:46
Special-Use Airspace Awareness
01:47
FAA Coordination and the FSDO Relationship
01:41
ATC Facility Types
01:51
Air Boss 101

Aircraft categories define the performance envelope and crowd separation requirements for each act. Category I covers high-performance aerobatic aircraft — the most restrictive separation requirements because the risk profile is highest. Category II covers mid-performance aerobatics, formation teams, and warbirds performing aerobatics. Category III is fly-bys and non-aerobatic passes — lowest separation requirements.

And the key constraint for a Basic Air Show?

Cat I aerobatics are not permitted at a Basic Air Show. A Cat I aircraft can perform a limited, non-aerobatic fly-by, but the aerobatic sequence requires an SAB or higher. That’s outside BAB authority. If a performer shows up expecting to fly their full aerobatic Cat I routine at your Basic Air Show, the answer is no.

How does the crowd line connect to aircraft category?

The crowd line placement determines what acts you can authorize. Minimum separation distances are specified in the CoW and FAA Order 8900.1. Physical markers must be placed on the ground and verified against CoW specifications before the show opens. You cannot move the crowd line without a CoW amendment — so if the placement is wrong, you solve it before aerials begin, not by pushing the line a few feet and hoping.

Emergency vehicle access also factors in.

Critical detail. Emergency vehicle routes must remain clear. Crowd line markers and spectator positioning cannot block ARFF or EMS access to the flight line. That gets coordinated in advance with the Airport Manager and emergency services, and it gets confirmed on show day before you open the gates.

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