Learn from OpsNormal Airboss

Course Content
Course Overview
0/1
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.
0/5
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.
0/12
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

Special-use airspace is military or government-controlled airspace adjacent to or near your show site that operates under different rules than standard ATC. The main types an Air Boss needs to recognize: Restricted Areas, Military Operations Areas, Prohibited Areas, and Controlled Firing Areas.

What’s the practical difference for a BAB?

Each type has different access rules and activation schedules. A Restricted Area limits or prohibits flight without coordination with the using agency. An MOA indicates military training may be in progress — it can be active during your show without a NOTAM. Prohibited Areas are absolute: no flight, no exceptions. ControlledFiring Areas are activated by the using agency and don’t require a published NOTAM, so you won’t necessarily see them in your pre-flight planning unless you call and ask.

Why does this matter for performer routing?

Performers flying in from a distance may need to route around active special-use airspace to reach your site. If they file a route that takes them through an active MOA or into a Restricted Area, that’s a problem you want to catch in the briefing, not in the air. You coordinate with military authorities or ATC before you brief performers on their arrival routing.

Is detailed special-use airspace management a BAB requirement?

The full management piece is an SAB-level competency. The BAB requirement is narrower: identify anyspecial-use airspace adjacent to the ASDA, brief performers on it, and consult with your FSDO or ATC if an unresolved conflict exists. You don’t need to manage the MOA — you need to know it’s there and tell your performers.

Previous
Next