The Emergency Response Plan is a written document — a formalregulatory document required as a signed attachment to the CoWapplication under FAA Order 8900.1. It establishes lines of authority, roles,and responsibilities for key personnel before an incident occurs. The AirBoss must read and understand the entire ERP, not just the aviationsections.

What’s the distinction between the ERP and the Incident Action Plan?

The ERP is the framework — it covers the entire event at all times anddescribes what happens, why, and who is responsible. The Incident ActionPlan is the operational complement, activated only when an incidentoccurs. The IAP gets specific: named personnel, specific assignments,designated locations, communications net. The example I use issomething like — Tom Jones reports to the incident command post,communicates to Bob Smith, who proceeds to the east ramp. That level ofspecificity.

So the ERP describes the structure, and the IAP describes the execution.

Exactly. Both need to be reviewed and reconciled before show day.

What are the key resource coordination items for emergency planning?

Standby aircraft is one — that aircraft cannot be one of your performingaircraft. It has to be genuinely available. Life flight and EMS need a 10-minute call-ahead standard established, and their approach and departurecorridor needs to be worked into the show schedule so there’s no conflict.ARFF gets briefed on every act — they need to know each performer byaircraft type and act number.

The pre-show emergency drill is also a required element.

Rehearse the ERP with key personnel before the first Show Day. Anuntested plan is not a validated plan. The drill confirms that roles areunderstood, communications work, and access routes are actually clear —not just assumed to be.