Before the show, you need a complete picture of every act — aircraft typeand performance category, required frequencies and call signs, specialequipment like smoke systems or pyrotechnics, and whether each act is aground start or air start. Any performer-specific CoW provisions orlimitations also go on that list.

The pyrotechnics piece is worth flagging. That requires an ACEendorsement.

Correct. If a performer is using pyrotechnics, their Statement of AerobaticCompetency must carry the ACE endorsement that covers it. Verify thatbefore the show — not at the briefing, not when the aircraft is on therunway.

And the performer handout — what is that exactly?

A kneeboard-format document that every performer carries in thecockpit. It contains the airspace diagram, airport layout, all frequencies,FBO location, fuel procedures, and smoke equipment location. Includeaerial photography of the site — Google Earth works. Note all alternates,NOTAMs, and special local procedures. If there are emergency landingareas or divert fields, those go in the handout too.

Why does the Air Boss need to produce that? Shouldn’t performers knowhow to research a venue?

Performers arrive from elsewhere. They know their aircraft and theirroutine. They do not know your airport, your local NOTAMs, your FBOtaxiway layout, or your site-specific procedures. The handout is theirreference if radio contact is lost or they need to navigate without Air Bossguidance. It’s a safety document.

And timing matters — it needs to be distributed before the morningbriefing.

At or before the briefing, not during it. If performers are reading thehandout for the first time while you’re trying to cover the schedule, you’velost their attention. Get it to them early enough that they can review it,mark it up, and ask questions before you’re standing in front of the room.