The emergency drill comes up as something that can get skipped whenthe morning is running behind. What’s the actual regulatory standing?

FAA Order 8900.1 requires a pre-show emergency drill with key personnelbefore aerial operations begin. It is not optional. The drill verifies that ERProles are understood, communications channels function, and accessroutes are clear. An untested ERP is not a validated ERP — the drill existsto surface problems before the show starts, not to confirm everything isalready fine.

What does a complete drill actually cover?

Start with a communications check — confirm all parties can reach eachother on designated frequencies. Then walk through the incidentnotification sequence: Air Boss KIO call, IIC notification, aircraft recall ordivert, ARFF staging. Physically walk or drive the emergency accessroutes to confirm they are clear and passable. Confirm the EMS helicopterlanding zone is clear, marked, and accessible. And identify when mutualaid would be activated and who makes that call.

That’s not a five-minute exercise.

It’s not. Build time for it into the pre-show schedule. If you don’t, you willeither cut corners or skip it — and either of those leaves you running theshow with an untested emergency plan.

What happens after the drill?

Log it: date, time, participants, and any deficiencies found. Resolve everydeficiency before the airspace opens. Brief the performers at theParticipants Safety Briefing that a drill was conducted and summarize theoutcome — they need to know the emergency procedures work.

And if time genuinely runs out before the drill can be completed?

Delay show start. Do not waive the drill to stay on schedule. The drill is apre-condition for safe aerial operations, not an administrative item youcan defer. If the event director pushes back, that conversation is easier tohave on the ground than the one you’d have after an incident with novalidated emergency plan.