With the approval of the Air Boss Recognition Program (ABRP) late in 2018, the FAA and ICAS agreed to a phased implementation of the program to ease its effects on the air show industry.
Due to complications from the 35-day partial government shutdown, the FAA was not able to immediately enact the acceptance and issuance of Air Boss LoAs. ICAS is working with the FAA to adjust the timeline to compensate, but it is still critical for all air bosses and air show organizers to familiarize themselves with the following:
- By March 31, 2019: All prospective applicants for a Standard Air Boss LoA, Recognized Air Boss/Single Venue LoA, or Recognized Air Boss/Multi Venue LoA must have applied online, achieved a satisfactory score on the written test and scheduled an evaluation for the 2019 air show season.
- All air shows issued a FAA Certificate of Waiver (CoW) after December 31, 2019 must use an air boss with an FAA-issued Basic Air Boss LoA, Standard Air Boss LoA, Recognized Air Boss/Single Venue LoA, or Recognized Air Boss/Multi Venue LoA.
This phased implementation was developed and approved to ensure that all applicants have sufficient time to read, understand and comply with the terms of this new program. ICAS urges all event organizers, air bosses and prospective air bosses to familiarize themselves with the details of this new program to ensure compliance by the December 31, 2019 deadline and avoid surprises and problems late in the implementation schedule.
As this deadline comes closer, it is critical that all air shows in 2019 and 2020 ensure that they have taken the appropriate steps to comply with FAA policy going forward. Please contact Dan Hollowell at hollowell@airshows.aero immediately if you have any questions.
