As the sun sets on the 2013 air show season, ICAS members throughout the air show industry are finding themselves gearing up for the 2013 ICAS Convention in Las Vegas. For many, the off-season is an opportunity to do some of those things that there just wasn’t time for during the spring, summer and early fall. One thing we recommend is using this time to familiarize/refamiliarize yourself with some of the most important documents in our business:
The ICAS ACE Manual Revision 7.1. This is the rulebook by which all ICAS-recommended Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) cards are issued. The manual is a fantastic resource for prospective air show pilots and current air show pilots alike. Contents include what to expect from an evaluation, how to prepare an application, and the ACE Code of Ethics and Practical Evaluation Standards. It’s a document with which all air show pilots should be comfortable and familiar.
CAR Part VI Standard 623. This section of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) is a one stop shop for all information for flying or running an air show in Canada. Special Flight Operations Certificates provide a clear picture for the rules and requirements for hosts and participants.
FAA Order 8900.1 Volume 3, Chapter 6 Section 1. This section of the FAA Flight Standards Information Management System (FSIMS) provides the FAA’s guidance for the issuance of Certificates of Waiver for Aviation Events. This is a must-read for air show performers, air bosses, event organizers and anyone that is remotely impacted by the rules and special provisions in place during an air show. Veteran performers and event organizers often have a hard copy of this document readily available on air show weekends to help clarify misunderstandings and disagreements.
FAA ORDER 8900.1 Volume 5, Chapter 9, Section 1. This section of the FSIMS deals directly with issuing, renewing and rescinding Statements of Aerobatic Competency. Anyone who would ever like to hold a SAC card should read and review this entire document.
FAA Order 8900.1 Volume 6, Chapter 11, Section 10. This is another section of the FAA’s FSIMS that deals specifically with the surveillance of an aviation event from the IIC’s perspective. As Sun Tzu said, “know your enemy and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles.” While no one would ever contend that our regulators are our enemies, knowing the expectations of the IIC will eliminate any surprises on the date of the show. It will also provide a clear resource for resolving any questions that could arise.
FAA Order 8900.1 Volume 6, Chapter 11, Section 11. Similar to section 10, this section is the guidance for airworthiness inspectors on site at an air show. This is a great read for any performer or crew member to be aware of the required documentation that an IIC will request at the show. If you have ever been unsure of the requirements or if you would like to avoid any last minute scrambles, become familiar with this document.
ICAS Safety and Operations Manual. In the early 90’s, ICAS developed this document as a resource for performers preparing for upcoming evaluations. This is an outstanding document that ICAS will be updating in the winter of 2014, but the vast majority of the information is as good and accurate now as it was when it was first written. Truly a must read.
