I think it is a great idea being a person who loves aerobatics and would like to get into the airshow business. But a few problems I see. One correct me if I'm wrong, but I dont think we have any actual airshow professionals on this website. Two the airshow business isn't like becoming a airline pilot where there are basic requirements that get you in the door. From talking to a few different aerobatic pilots the key to making it in the airshow business is having a very good paying job to start with because you will end up shelling out like 40k a year to start before you get sponsors. Plus in all seriousness do we want a bunch of guys who probably dont know how to do it right, telling others have to do very complicated and dangerous if done wrong, aerobatic maneuvers. Lots of people lurk this forum and the last thing you want is some idiot reading a post of here about how to do a snap roll and going out and trying it in his schools 172 and killing himself.
Well I am starting my training now with an airshow performer/IAC unlimited pilot, so I might could get him to come on here and help keep the information straight.
I also have a full association with the Iron Eagle Aerobatic Team (
www.ironeagle2.com) and Matt Younkin (
www.younkinair.com) through my virtual aerobatic team and might could get them to join the forum and help out with information.
Two the airshow business isn't like becoming a airline pilot where there are basic requirements that get you in the door.
For aerobatics, yes you're right. There are no requirements to go out and do aerobatics up at 2000. As far as airshows go though, this isn't true. Not just anybody can go to an airshow and perform, you have to be evaluated by an ACE (Aerobatic Competency Evaluator) and be signed off to perform at airshows. You recieve a minimum altitude you're allowed to fly at, called your floor, and from there you can make your routine. Most performers start at around 800 feet, and can get all the way down to ground which is where top level performers such as Skip Stewart, Sean D. Tucker, the Iron Eagle Aerobatic Team, etc. are rated. So yes, there are basic requirements to get yourself into airshows.
Not to send people away from here or advertise another forum but if you want to network or chat with the people involved with airshows, check out airshowbuzz.com. A lot of the performers and promoters are active on there.
As for getting involved with airshows. I have a few friends who work with promoters and I have worked 4 airshows myself at my home airport with line service. From what I have gathered the easiest way to become a performer is to:
1. Join ICAS.
2. have expendable $
3. buy your own aerobatic or unique plane
4. get good at flying said aerobatic or unique plane (win contests/meets, make waves in the community)
5. Network, network, network
6. Attempt to sell your act or uniqueness at the annual ICAS convention.
To be a crewmember on one of the warbirds, typically one has to put in some work with the group that owns it. For instance; washing, waxing, cleaning, etc. to hope to get to ride along to the airshows. After being a crewmember for a while answering questions and such you may be possibly invited to become a full share crewmember and may get a spot doing some flying.
My 2 cents...
Airshowbuzz does have some amazing information with performers on there helping people out. I personally am a part of that forum, and also my team is on their forum and are in the process of being featured on their videos/forums along with the Virutal Horsemen.
The six steps you layed out are all very good ideas, especially number 5 as in true in all forms of aviation, networking. Buying your own plane is for sure helpful, but if when you start out you are using somebody elses plane, as I will be, its a great way to be able to get into a few basic shows.
Great idea. Going with what I have interpreted as the goal of jetcareers, a section for aerobatics could be great in the ways of performers finding a way to get into the industry, and getting a piece of the airshow industry itself.
This is how I've interpreted it as well, and think this is just another form of aviation and it should be included as well!
