From the Desk of the ChairmanExcellence in AirshowsSustainabilityRegulatory UpdatesApplication Deadlines News 2024 From FranceNews Outside EuropeFurther Reading
From the Desk of the ChairmanDear EAC Members,It is hard to believe that nearly six months have passed since our last Convention. At that time, we at the European Airshow Council worked diligently to keep the momentum going. As part of our efforts to recapture everyone’s interest and keep our community well-informed, we are excited to introduce a monthly newsletter to ensure that we all stay connected and up-to-date on the latest developments, achievements, and challenges within our air show community.At this point, it is essential to acknowledge that all our Board Members are working tirelessly to prepare airshows across Europe, ensuring that they are conducted in a safe and professional manner.
Excellence in Airshows
World Record at Seenachtfest: The 80,000 spectators at the Seenachtfest in Switzerland witnessed an extraordinary event where “eForce” set a world record for the largest electric airplane formation (six Pipistrel Velic Electro). This accomplishment shows how electric aircraft are becoming more popular and sets a standard for future airshows worldwide.
Safety
Incidents and Lessons Learned:
A Turkish Stars F-5 aircraft crashed during a training flight in Konya, Turkey. The investigation is still underway.
In Finland, the final accident investigation report has been published, including several recommendations, especially related to emergency response procedures.
We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Squadron Leader Mark Long, an RAF pilot who died in a Spitfire crash while participating in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Mark has attended the Fast Jet Solo Display Safety Workshop as the RAF Typhoon Team pilot. The investigation is still underway.
Another devastating accident occurred at a Portuguese air show where two aircraft collided mid-air, resulting in the tragic death of a Spanish pilot, and another pilot was injured. The investigation is still underway.
A tragic accident occurred in Gdynia, Poland, where Major Robert Jeł. Nowak lost control during a rehearsal display, resulting in a fatal crash. The investigation is still underway.
The aviation community also lost Mark Petrie, a stalwart supporter of classic jet aviation and airshows. Mark’s aviation legacy and unwavering support to the airshow community will be remembered by all who knew him (Mark Petrie - British Air Display Association (bada-uk.com).
Sustainability
RAF Typhoon's Sustainable Fuel Display: The Royal Air Force has successfully completed its first public display using a 10% blend of sustainable fuel in a Typhoon jet. This achievement marks a significant step towards demonstrating how the environmental impact of aircraft at airshows can be reduced. This was also a great way to educate visitors about sustainability in aviation.
Regulatory Updates
Drone Safety Incident in Guernsey: A recent incident involving an illegal drone near an airshow in Guernsey nearly caused a catastrophe, a stark reminder of the importance of strict drone regulations and enforcement around airshow venues.
Application Deadlines
Belgian Air Force: Return of applications before the end of September 2024.
Royal Air Force: 2025 Display Applications forms for assets from the Royal Air Force and Joint Aviation Command should be received by 30 September 2024.
News 2024 From FranceDespite the Olympic Games, the 2024 Air Shows season will see many events organized. Only a few demonstrations had to be postponed.All major events planned have already taken place, with a number of others taking place in late August, September and early October.We will be able to count about 40 Air Shows this year, medium or large, and that fall within the scope of special regulation.At the beginning of the year, “France Spectacle Aérien” (FSA), organized a compulsory training course since 1 January 2024. 150 Demo Pilots and Flight Display Directors attended this course, led by 4 experts recognized for their expertise and reputation.Already in 2023, 150 other participants had already this training. But this poses a problem of volume, because it is environment more than 800 people who will have taken these courses, delivered by different structures, here to renew every 3 years on average.The FSA National Convention will be held in Lyon on 29-30 November 2024, with the main theme chosen being "How can we better support and promote the Air Shows?"
News Outside Europe
FAA Safety Alert (SAFO 24005): The FAA has issued a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 24005) highlighting the importance of thorough experience for those participating, including air bosses, a detailed written plan distributed to all pilots, including comprehensive deconfliction strategies, i.e., geographical, vertical, lateral, and time. Last but most importantly, the fact that such types of operations should use simple racetrack patterns to avoid complex maneuvering and potential loss of visual separation was highlighted. Also, the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Multi Aircraft Operations Best Practices document (https://airshows.aero/GetDoc/4577) provides an aid in drafting a performance plan, including a detailed plan construction, implementation instructions, and a briefing and debriefing guide.
Midair Collision: During the Fort Lauderdale Air Show, a performance was briefly interrupted when two jets touched wings mid-air, with no injuries. The investigation is still underway.
Low Altitude Roll: In a tragic event in Bangladesh, a fighter jet pilot involved in a low altitude triple-roll maneuver lost his life following an ejection failure. The investigation is still underway.
Rehearsal for a Military Parade: Reports from Asia detail two Malaysian navy helicopters collided in mid-air as they flew in formation during a rehearsal for a military parade, killing all 10 crew on board near a residential area. The investigation is still underway.
Further Reading:
An insightful article from our Board Member, Helen Webb, sheds light on how the outdoor events industry can benefit from the proven strategies of the airshow sector. Helen highlights how airshows consistently deliver high-energy, captivating experiences through meticulous planning, strategic scheduling, and innovative programming. By adopting these best practices, outdoor events can enhance their overall appeal, improve crowd management, and ensure a memorable experience for all attendees. Link: https://www.standoutmagazine.co.uk/what-outdoor-events-can-learn-from-the-airshow-industry/
We are pleased to announce that the 2025 EAC Convention will be held in the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague. We have selected the host hotel, the Vienna House Diplomat Prague by Wyndham, for an unforgettable experience in this beautiful city. We are also working to offer packages with the hotel for those wishing to make a short city break away with partners and offering a partners program for the Convention.
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