How to organise an Air display

Many people have never organised a flying display so here are a few guidelines:

The first thing to realise is that it is very easy to have a flying display at an event.

All experienced display pilots will have a display authorisation (often called a DA) from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). To gain this authorisation they have to pass an annual test on the rules and regulations, a bit like an MOT! Therefore they can provide you with advice. If a pilot does not have a DA or cannot provide you with advice then you should be very wary.

Perhaps the first thing to consider is where you would like the display. Displays cannot be performed over any built up area. Most often they are performed over the edge of a village or town so that the display is over open fields or similar area but easily visible from your venue.

For example if you are thinking or organising a display at a wedding then think about the church and the reception as possible locations. Timing can be critical though, as the pilot can time the display to within a minute or so, however sometimes functions run early or late. You don't want the ceremony to run late and have the display drowning out the service while everyone is still in the church!!

The best option is to schedule the display for a specific time and to make sure that guests etc will have arrived some time beforehand.

Many displays are single displays, that is a single aircraft will perform a routine that will last between 8 and 12 minutes. This is typical for a wedding, birthday or anniversary display. Very often these are organised as a surprise. Getting the guests together at a specific time on the pretext of a toast, speech etc can be a good way of making sure everyone is assembled without giving the game away.

For displays that are private events then organising is very simple. You just agree a time and a place with the pilot and keep your fingers crossed for good weather. The pilot will organise everything else. Most weddings, birthdays, anniversaries etc are organised like this. They can be arranged at very short notice, even down to hours beforehand, although I would normally advise a few weeks minimum.

For displays that are open to the public there are some additional requirements. Typically this would apply to events like village fetes and larger air shows where there are a number of different aircraft involved. For these there is a need to get permission from the Civil Aviation Authority. This involves defining exactly where the audience will be and where the display will take place. Generally this process can take a few months although there are ways to shorten this. Unfortunately the CAA charge a fee for approving a public display and this is currently £185 for up to 3 aircraft. Any pilot with a display authorisation will be able to advise you about this.

There are grey areas. For example, what if a golf/rugby club etc would like a display for an club event.

There are some guidelines: If the event is deliberately performed for the purpose of providing entertainment at an advertised event open to the public then Civil Aviation Authority permission must be obtained. Thus for a golf club event it does depend on whether it is advertised and open to the public. Again, if you are in doubt then your display pilot should be able to advise but its best to contact them before you advertise that a display will be taking place. Once you have advertised that it is open to the public then CAA permission is required.

So, don't be put off. Organising a display is very easy, most display pilots will do it many times each year.

Having your own display is is spectacular and makes any event memorable, especially if it is a surprise.

For your special day: Arrive in style

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