When multiple qualified Air Bosses are present at an event, one isdesignated the Primary Air Boss — the Air Boss of record. All aerial safetydecisions flow through that individual. At a Basic Air Show with a singlequalified Air Boss, that person is automatically the Primary.

The position has to be covered at all times during active performance.That’s not optional.

If the Primary needs to step away for any reason, a qualified relief must bein the position before the handoff happens. You never leave the Air Bossposition unmanned while aircraft are airborne in the ASDA. And beforehanding off, you brief the relief on current show status — what’s airborne,what’s sequenced next, any open items.

What counts as a qualified relief?

Someone holding a current LOA appropriate to the show type. A BAB LOAholder can relieve at a Basic Air Show. A lower-credentialed individual — orno LOA at all — cannot fill the position. The credential requirement doesn’tpause because you need a bathroom break.

Talk about Shadow Day Credits — that connects to how Air Bosses buildtoward their first Primary role.

A Shadow Day Credit is earned by observing a qualified Air Bossperforming show duties — actively, not passively. You’re present,engaged, asking questions during quiet moments, tracking decisions,understanding why the Air Boss makes each call. Three Show Day Credits— Shadow or Boss — are required for the initial BAB LOA under the ABRPManual. Shadow days are where you build the situational awarenessframework that makes you effective when you’re the one in the chair.

Shadow days done right make the first Primary day feel like familiarground.

That’s the intent. You’re not learning the job on your first day as Primary.