Civilian Performers Vital To The Air Show Industry

Aero-Opinion By M.A. "Sonny" Everett

A recent news release from the U.S. Air Force indicates that Congress has approved a shifting of some funds to allow the return of the USAF Thunderbirds to basic proficiency flying status. Their counterparts on the Navy side of the universe have all along been funded to maintain at least basic pilot proficiency in a minimum number of practice flights. When either team will return to full airshow status is unknown, but the celebrations, cocktail toasting and hand-shaking is bountiful!

The airshow business has hopefully learned a few lessons in this “season-of-sequestration”. One, how vital the civilian performers are to this small industry. While some shows (read military bases) canceled events, the majority forged ahead with creativity and a new energy. Of those, most were successful in every aspect. Yes, there were a few that were on the fence of existence (they could go either way) and used the Congress' cutbacks as an easy way out.  And, there's always adverse weather or extenuating factors that affect crowd attendance.  All-in-all though, across the broad spectrum, it hasn't been as bad as many folks predicted last March. Congratulations to everyone who are making airshows happen! BUT... Wait A Minute.

Consider this: “MILITARY AIR BASE-HOSTED AIRSHOWS ARE THE BIGGEST COMPETITIVE THREAT TO CIVILIAN AIRPORT HOSTED AIRSHOWS”.  Why?... Military bases (NAS, AFB, JRB, etc) by act of Congress, have Free Admission. However, the airshow hosted at, say a Municipal or Regional Airport, must charge $10 to $20 admission with hopes of breaking even and maybe donating a share of profits to local charities. Somehow, it just doesn't seem quite right. It's a glitch in the system... the people's federal tax dollars working against the people's local tax dollars. They are diametrically opposed to each other.

Solution? OK... how about this? While the anti-sequestration effort (led by I.C.A.S. Members and others) is “full-steam-ahead” on the lobbying and letter-writing to our representatives in Washington, it might be a good time to do a follow-up on “Special Event Offset” admission charges at the aforementioned AFB, NAS, JRB events.  Events such as Airshows, Concerts, Fireworks, Car shows, etc., could still be free for active base personnel and military retirees, and allow the base to implement a new SEO (Special Event Offset) admission for civilian attendees... maybe $5 or $10... to offset some costs to the base or distributed equally to local charities and veteran's causes.  It seems reasonable to me! If you think so too, let's write to Congress via your Senator or Congressional Representative. Hey, it's an airshow... Have Fun!

"Sonny" Everett Is A Well-Known Air Show Announcer.

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