Aircraft categories at air shows map to performance capability and crowdseparation requirements. Category I is high-performance aerobaticaircraft — unlimited aerobatic capability, widest required crowdseparation, and not authorized for aerobatics at a Basic Air Show.Category II covers mid-performance aerobatics, formation teams, andwarbirds performing aerobatics — the primary category at most Basic AirShows. Category III is fly-bys and non-aerobatic demonstrations,including military fly-bys and static-performance aircraft, with the lowestseparation requirements.

What does an Air Boss actually need to know about the performanceenvelope of each aircraft type?

Four things: roll and pull rates, energy management state, minimumcontrol speed, and for jump operations — altitude, exit speed, canopyopening altitude, and landing zone alignment. Roll and pull rates tell youhow fast an aircraft can deviate from its briefed track. Energy state tellsyou how much escape room the performer has. An aircraft configuredwith gear down, flaps extended, and smoke oil running has significantlyreduced escape options — you need to know that before you authorizethe act.

Let’s run through the common types quickly.

Warbirds — T-6, P-51, B-25 — are typically Category II, formationcapability varies, and they need extended ground start time built into yoursequence. Aerobatic monoplanes like the Extra, Pitts, and Edge areCategory II or I, high roll and pull rates, significant smoke capacity thatcan affect crowd visibility. Jets — L-39, Aero L-159 — are Category II,higher approach and minimum speeds, and older avionics may have radiolimitations worth briefing around.

Military fly-bys are Category III, but timing is precise.

Single-ship, non-aerobatic military fly-bys require coordination with thesquadron ops officer well in advance. Their timing windows are tight andtheir flexibility is limited. Use everything you know about each aircraft typeto predict behavior, anticipate sequencing problems, and manage theshow before issues develop — not after they’re already in progress.

Aircraft type knowledge is what separates reactive Air Bossing fromproactive Air Bossing.

Exactly. You cannot manage what you don’t understand.