What Is an Air Show?
Foundational Definitions and Context
1.1 The Air Show Environment
AIR SHOW
Performers
Pilots and crews conducting aerial acts
Organizer / Director
Event management, logistics, compliance
Air Boss
Controls the waivered airspace
FAA / IIC
Regulatory oversight on site
ATC
Sterilizes the ASDA / TFR
Spectators
Protected behind the crowd line
1.2 ABRP Credential Levels
BAB
Basic Air Shows only (this course)
SAB
Standard Air Shows and below
RAB/SV
Specific single-venue authorization
RAB/MV
Multiple-venue authorization
Support roles: ABI (Air Boss Instructor) trains and mentors · ABE (Air Boss Evaluator) conducts evaluative conferences
1.3 Basic Air Show – Definition and Limitations
≤ 5 AERIAL ACTS
Per Show Day
DAYTIME ONLY
No performances after civil twilight
≤ 1 ACT AIRBORNE
One may hold outside the box if briefed
NO CIRCLE-THE-JUMPER
SAB-level operation
NO JET DEMO TEAMS
Blue Angels/Thunderbirds/Snowbirds; single military demos OK
NO VEHICLE-VS-AIRCRAFT
No ground/water races; no non-participating movement in ASDA
1.4 ICAS Safety Creed
- Single most important responsibility: safety of audiences, performers, public
- No objective, schedule, or business pressure outweighs ICAS safety standards
- Never promote or condone unsafe acts, air or ground
- Our actions reflect on the entire air show industry
- Hold ourselves to the highest safety standards at all times
When in doubt about any action: choose the safer course and, if needed, stop the show.
1.5 Air Boss Standards and Code of Ethics
PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS
- Pilot, participant, spectator safety is first — always
- Abide by the ICAS Safety Creed in every decision
- Abide by all ABRP terms of your LOA
- No safety call influenced by conflicts of interest
- Report unsafe acts — the obligation is active
- Conduct that reflects credit on the industry
WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE
- Calm, composed demeanor — your tone sets the show’s
- Decisions explained clearly and without hesitation
- Consistency between briefing and execution
- Visible, approachable, and in position
- Documentation of every significant decision