Having just got back from the Portrush displays in Northern Ireland this thread was a salutary reminder of our UK airshow regulations as set down in CAP403 and, for civil airshows, the need to have a Permission under Article 80 of our Air Navigation Order subject to compliance with CAP403.

I am proud to have been responsible for drafting the UK regulatory scenario in the late 1980’s which is still used today; with some amendments over the years. Our system of approving display pilots is the envy of regulatory authorities right round the world.

A wise old airshow pilot once said “Airshow flying is the art of diving at the ground and just missing it…..!!!”. How very true. There is risk and those who engage in the activity evaluate the level and compensate for it. Not always successfully as the record shows. I have been to far too many funerals of my fellow airshow pilots over the last 52 years during which I have been flying at such events. Good friends and fine pilots whose risk evaluation was, for once, faulty. My own failed on a couple of occasions in 1972 and 1979. I fully accept that I am a very lucky b***ard….!!! as well as being a fairly impoverished one.

We have however kept safe those who come in their thousands, indeed millions, to watch us enjoying ourselves. 55 unblemished years in terms of a spectator fatality is quite an achievement. Regulations have played a part and so has the professionalism of display pilots, flying display safety committees and show organisers. The CAA airshow inspectors do a grand job along with the DA evaluators who are mainly practising airshow pilots themselves.

I must however stress that we have been lucky since no aviation activity can ever be devoid of risk. Ultimate safety is no aviation and certainly no airshows.

I am not prepared to contemplate that situation despite the worst efforts of the “nanny” state. At the age of 69 it is just too much fun, whether as a participant or a spectator.

Cheers,

Reaper 69
:dev2: