Sport Aerobatics
President's Page - November 2000
by Doug McConnell
Air Shows and the IAC
|
Some say that air show flying is a whole different world
from performing in IAC aerobatic contests. In many respects that is quite true, but there are similarities. One thing is for sure; many IAC members are closely tied to the air show industry. Almost every air show includes participants that are also IAC members, and every year more are drawn to the excitement (and the "little" compensation) that air show flying can provide.
It certainly can be said, though, that IAC aerobatic contests are simply not air shows. For one thing, the IAC has accomplished its outstanding safety record by keeping competition high off the ground. As an example, some competitors must start their sequences at 3,500 to 4,000 feet above the ground to finish at or above regulation height at the end (1,500 feet above the ground for Basic and Sportsman categories).
|
Can you imagine an air show where performers are operating several thousand feet above the ground? Of course, there are some air show acts that use lots of altitude such as skywriters, military teams, sky divers, multi-turn spin acts, and jet solos, but for the most part, air show performers stay close to the crowd! The nice thing about sport acrobatic com-petition is that a few demerits is the only price you pay for finishing a loop too low, but in air shows, it could mean a whole new paint job!
Another difference is that much of our flying is repetitive, where each pilot must fly exactly the same sequence as the pilot before. As a result, there has seldom been a crowd on hand to watch an acrobatic contest and, usually, even very few bystanders. In contrast, the thrill of air shows is partly due to the close proximity of the performers (even to ground level for ribbon cuts, handkerchief pickups, high-speed passes, helicopter suspensions, etc.) and the excitement of not knowing what is coming next.
Prior experience in IAC aerobatic competition is not a prerequisite for becoming an air show performer, but it can be a benefit. Going through the ranks from Basic to Unlimited can help develop those important airmanship skills in an orderly and safe progression. For example, with seasoning in IAC Unlimited competition, a pilot will have mastered most of the advanced maneuvers, learned how to carefully measure the altitude requirement of each maneuver and of each linked sequence, and developed the habit of practicing until there is absolute repeatability. In addition, this pilot will have formed the safe habits of practicing at high altitudes before bringing the sequences lower to the ground and of accepting absolutely no deviations or spontaneous modifications.
In recent years the IAC has been longing for some way to appeal to air show audiences. It would be extremely helpful if some aspect of our sport were popular with large air show audiences since that could increase the potential for TV coverage and sponsors. Sponsor support could help fund our grassroots activities and help our U.S. teams prepare for world competition. It has been interesting to watch CASPA and a few others who have, for several years, been staging pseudo-com-petition between high-profile personalities during air shows. The audiences have been asked to help judge, and the battle of the unique air show routines has sparked audience interest.
In a similar fashion, the IAC and U.S. Aerobatic Foundation are currently studying how we might reshape our top contests in a way to make them more TV and/or air show friendly.
For example, if we could stage our compulsories (the Knowns) before the air show and then present our finalists in three- to four-minute freestyles (for score), we would be able to capture the crowd with legitimate FAT competition while crowning true champions and earning sponsorship opportunities.
The potential for large audience interest in our sport is growing, and the two worlds of air shows and aerobatic contests are coming closer together with time. As we think about these trends, the future promises to be exciting!
