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Course Content
Course Overview
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Welcome to Air Boss 101
05:38
Module 1: What is an Airshow
Module 1 — What Is an Air Show. Before we get into authority, documents, or duties, we need a shared understanding of the environment we’re operating in. This is where a lot of candidates underestimate the complexity. An air show isn’t just a flying event — it’s a layered operational environment with multiple authorities operating simultaneously. Exactly. We’ll define the air show, establish who the stakeholders are, walk through the ABRP credential levels, and cover the foundational standards that govern Air Boss conduct. Including the Safety Creed — which is the professional foundation everything else builds on.
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The Air Show Environment
01:30
ABRP Credential Levels Overview
01:44
Basic Air Show Definition and Limitations
01:42
The ICAS Safety Creed
01:27
Air Boss Standards and Code of Ethics
01:44
Module 2: FAA Regulatory Framework
Module 2 — the FAA Regulatory Framework. This is the legal and procedural infrastructure that makes an air show a lawful event rather than a mass gathering with unauthorized low-altitude flying. I’ll be honest — when I was coming up, this was the module where candidates’ eyes glazed over. Documents, forms, acronyms. But the Air Boss who doesn’t understand this framework is the Air Boss who gets blindsided on show day. Exactly right. Authority, documents, and airspace — know where they come from, who holds them, and what they actually require of you. Let’s get into it.
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Governing Regulations and Orders
01:40
National Airspace System Overview
01:56
Certificate of Waiver and Certificate of Authorization
01:45
FAA Form 7711-2
01:48
Temporary Flight Restrictions
01:41
TFR Application
01:41
Air Show Demonstration Area and Flying Display Area
01:42
Crowd Line and Separation Distances
01:46
Non-Participating Aircraft and Airspace Conflicts
01:46
Special-Use Airspace Awareness
01:47
FAA Coordination and the FSDO Relationship
01:41
ATC Facility Types
01:51
Air Boss 101

The FSDO relationship starts well before show week. Introduce yourself to your FSDO early — your first contact should not be a week out from the event. The FSDO reviews your CoW/A application and designates the IIC, so a professional working relationship makes the review process smoother and problem-solving faster when issues come up.

What about law enforcement coordination?

Law enforcement owns crowd control and site security — that responsibility sits with the event director and the venue security coordinator, not the Air Boss. Your job is to know who the law enforcement liaison is and have a direct line to them. Emergency procedures have to account for their roles, because some scenarios require simultaneous action from both sides.

Like an unauthorized aircraft and a crowd incident happening at the same time.

Exactly. On show day, you greet the IIC when they arrive, confirm the CoW is in hand, and invite them to the morning briefing. They will often attend. Any deviation, delay, or incident during the show goes to the IIC immediately — not after the show, not when there’s a quiet moment.

Because the IIC has authority to suspend the CoW.

That’s their authority under FAA Order 8900.1. Surprising them with information they should have had in real time is not a strategy that ends well. After the show, debrief the IIC before they leave the site. Document incidents, deviations, and anything significant. Know your reporting obligations under 8900.1 and meet them.

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