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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

FAA Order 8900.1 is the document Air Bosses most need to internalize. It governs how Aviation Safety Inspectors manage air shows — which means it defines what must happen at every show: safety briefings, waiver requirements, and Air Boss authority and responsibilities.

Candidates often know 8900.1 exists, but haven’t actually read the relevant sections. That’s a problem in the Evaluative Conference.

And on show day. The Federal Aviation Regulations are the underlying legal authority — 8900.1 implements them operationally. The Certificate of Waiver specifies exactly which FARs are waived for the event. Everything not on that waiver list remains fully in force.

Talk about the FSDO relationship. I think that’s undervalued by newer candidates.

The Flight Standards District Office is the local FAA field office that issues COWs and LOAs, reviews show plans, and designates the IIC. Build a professional relationship with your FSDO before you need something from them in a time crunch. They are your primary regulatory point of contact.

And the IIC on site?

The Inspector in Charge is the on-site FAA representative with authority to modify or suspend the COW. The IIC is the final authority on COW compliance and whether the event continues. Introduce yourself to the IIC at every show. Keep communication open. If you’re ever uncertain whether a situation requires IIC notification, err toward notifying.

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