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For a few hours next month, David White will control the skies over YSJ.
From an elevated platform overlooking Saint John Airport, David will put on his headset, key his radio and take control of the airfield and surrounding airspace.
Every takeoff, landing and aerobatic performance at Air Show Atlantic will move through him.
“I don’t know how to do anything part way,” David says.
That quality suits his role as the show’s air boss – part air traffic co-ordinator, part safety officer and, when necessary, enforcer.
By the time he steps into show control Aug. 29 and 30, David will have spent about six months preparing. He helps design the site, determines where spectators and aircraft will go and establishes the sterile air display area. For the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, that protected space must measure 7,000 by 3,000 feet.
He submits the show plan to Transport Canada, studies each civilian performer’s proposed manoeuvres and confirms that every pilot and aircraft is properly licensed, certified and insured. Air Show Atlantic, he says, makes a point of going beyond the minimum requirements.
On show weekend, David leads a detailed safety briefing for pilots, emergency responders, police, security, air traffic specialists and organizers. Together, they review the schedule, emergency response locations, obstacles and other important details before anyone takes to the air.
Once the show begins, David directs aircraft, monitors each performance and serves as the link to emergency crews. He must also keep the program flexible enough to accommodate scheduled commercial arrivals or an unexpected medevac flight.
David entered what he calls the “air show vortex” as a Toronto air show volunteer in 1999. Within a few years, he was serving as an air boss. He has since worked hundreds of shows across Canada and the United States and now trains and mentors others.
After more than 25 years, the work continues to hold his attention.
“It’s challenging and different,” David says. “I never stop learning.”
Air Show Atlantic takes flight at YSJ Aug. 29 and 30. Get your tickets and event information at AirShowAtlantic.ca.
Behind the scenes
Air Show Atlantic may fill the skies above YSJ, but it does not shut down the airport.
Scheduled commercial flights continue throughout the weekend. The flying display is carefully organized around airline arrivals and departures, with breaks built into the show to allow passenger aircraft to operate safely and on schedule.
Making that happen requires close co-ordination among the air boss, NAV CANADA, airlines and Saint John Airport staff. As a commercial flight approaches or prepares to depart, the Air Boss pauses the display and ensures participating aircraft remain clear.
For passengers, the result is a working airport and a major air show sharing the same airspace – safely and smoothly.