BOEING B17Commemorative Air Force

TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Work with the International Council of Air Shows Inc. (ICAS) and the warbird community to establish standard operating procedures for air show event organizers and air bosses that include: 1) applying administrative controls to ensure that multiple, dissimilar aircraft not operated as part of an approved maneuvers package remain deconflicted; 2) performing a safety risk assessment for each performance to determine hazards and apply effective mitigations, including consideration for any revenue ride flights conducted during air show operations; and 3) completing a daily debriefing that includes continuous feedback to the Federal Aviation Administration and the ICAS to address any identified deficiencies.

TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Require recurrent air boss evaluations as part of the letter of authorization renewal process.

TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Work with the International Council of Air Shows Inc. and other air show industry stakeholders to develop standardized, unambiguous terms to help ensure that the directives that air bosses provide performers, such as those related to show lines, are clear and brief.

TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Revise Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order 8900.1 to provide guidance and a job aid for FAA inspectors who evaluate an air boss’s performance and require the FAA inspector-in-charge of an air show to observe an air boss’s performance visually and on the air boss radio frequency and provide appropriate feedback during the air show debriefing.

TO THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF AIR SHOWS, INC.: In collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration and other air show industry stakeholders develop standardized, unambiguous terms to help ensure that the directives that air bosses provide performers, such as those related to show lines, are clear and brief.

TO THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF AIR SHOWS, INC.: In collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the warbird community establish standard operating procedures for air show event organizers and air bosses that include: 1) applying administrative controls to ensure that multiple, dissimilar aircraft not operated as part of an approved maneuvers package remain deconflicted; 2) performing a safety risk assessment for each performance to determine hazards and apply effective mitigations, including consideration for any revenue ride flights conducted during air show operations; and 3) completing a daily debriefing that includes continuous feedback to the FAA and the International Council of Air Shows to address any identified deficiencies.

TO COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE: Using the guidance provided in Advisory Circular 120-92D, “Safety Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers,” revise your safety risk assessment process for identifying and mitigating risks, tracking safety hazards, and routinely assessing trend data to include policies and procedures that specifically address the unique aspects of air show operations, such as considerations for serving as event organizer; participating in air boss–directed performances involving multiple, dissimilar aircraft; and ensuring the safety of revenue passenger rides.