The ABRP Manual defines Air Boss professional obligations explicitly. The first is not unique or surprising: pilot,participant, and spectator safety is always the first priority. But the obligations that follow are more specific.

The one that catches candidates off guard is the conflict-of-interest provision. No safety recommendation canbe influenced by a personal relationship or financial interest. That’s a strong standard.

And it applies in practice more often than people expect. If a performer is your friend and you’re inclined to allow a maneuver you’d stop for anyone else — that’s a violation of this obligation. Abide by all ABRP terms and conditions of your LOA is equally direct. The LOA is a specific authorization with defined parameters. Operating outside them isn’t initiative — it’s non-compliance.

The reporting obligation is one I want to make sure people understand. It says report unsafe acts — not observe them, not document them after the fact.

Active, not passive. If you see an unsafe act and say nothing, you’ve failed the obligation. That applies to unsafe acts by performers, ground crew, spectators, or anyone else on the field.

What does this look like in terms of personal conduct?

Calm, composed demeanor at all times — your tone sets the tone for the entire event. Clear, unambiguous instructions every time. Professional conduct on-site and off-site. And the willingness to make a safety call that a performer or organizer won’t like, and stand behind it. The LOA is earned through demonstrated competency. That competency includes the professional judgment to say no when no is the right answer.