Aircraft emergency immediate actions: transmit KIO on the Air Bossfrequency, all aircraft exit the FDA, notify the IIC and activate the ERPcommunications net. Those three things happen simultaneously — there’sno sequential checklist that delays any one of them.

Clearing the approach and departure path of the emergency aircraft —that’s the part that requires fast thinking.

You need to know your airspace and your aircraft positions well enough toclear a corridor immediately. That’s why you track every ParticipatingAircraft throughout the show — you know where they are when you needto move them. Coordinate with ATC for runway priority and airspaceclearance, and maintain communications with the emergency aircraftthroughout. Don’t drop that communication channel to handle othercoordination.

Alternate runway or divert field — when does that decision get made?

If the incident is on the primary runway and it’s unavailable, you identifythe alternate runway or divert field that was briefed pre-show. Consultwith the performer before directing them to a potentially contaminatedarea. And while you’re managing that, you’re also tracking fuel state ofevery other airborne aircraft — an extended emergency sequence affectseveryone in a hold.

The Air Boss role during the ground phase — I want to make sure this isclear because people sometimes want to run to the scene.

Air Boss coordinates airspace. IIC manages the ground. You do not enterthe incident area. You remain in the Air Boss position. Your job during theground phase is to keep unneeded personnel and props out of the sterilearea, stay in communication with the IIC as the situation develops, andcontinue to manage all airborne aircraft. They still need instructions —they’re still flying.