Walk me through what it actually takes to earn a Basic Air Boss LOA underthe current ABRP Manual.

The initial BAB requirements are in ABRP Manual Section 3. Minimum ageis 18, English language proficiency, Air Boss 101 completed within 24months of application, three Show Day Credits — Shadow Days or BossDays — within that same 24-month window, and an Evaluative Conferencewith an ABI or ABE.

And Show Day Credits: Shadow Days count toward the initial credential?

They do. For the initial BAB, Shadow Days and Boss Days are bothcounted. As you advance, the mix and quantity requirements change. TheABRP Manual specifies what counts for each LOA level.

What about renewal?

BAB renewal requires Air Boss 102, nine Show Day Credits, and anEvaluative Conference. The credit count goes up significantly because theprogram expects that a credential holder is actively working shows.

And the LOA validity period?

The BAB LOA is valid through December 31 of the third full calendar yearafter the issuance year. If your LOA is issued in 2026, it is valid throughDecember 31, 2029. The LOA must be current and physically in handduring show duties — not expired, not pending renewal.

And BAB privileges are limited to Basic Air Shows.

All 11 Basic Air Show limitations apply. No aerobatic acts, no formationsbeyond specified limits, no night ops unless specifically waivered — theBAB credential is scoped to match the complexity of a Basic Air Show.Anything beyond that requires the SAB or RAB pathway.