ICAS Convention Unofficially Launches 2009 Air Show Season
2008-12-18
Although the results won't be apparent for several more weeks, the 2009 North American air show season got off to a spectacularly successful start last week as nearly 1,500 air show professionals gathered in Las Vegas for the annual convention of the International Council of Air Shows.
Widely recognized to be both the end of one air show season and the beginning of the next, the ICAS Convention has served as an industry planning and business meeting for 42 years. Event organizers, performers and support service providers gather each year during the first full week of December to make plans, sign contracts, learn from one another, and begin the process of piecing together more than 300 air shows throughout the United States and Canada.
Despite a struggling economy, the tone of this year's convention was upbeat with most shows reporting that their attendance figures did not suffer during the 2008 season and that they expect strong crowds for their 2009 events, as well.
"Air shows are always an inexpensive, family-oriented entertainment opportunity," says ICAS President John Cudahy. "And history has demonstrated that they are particularly popular during economic hard times. Many air shows set attendance records in 2008 and we expect similar trends for 2009."
The 2009 ICAS Convention got off to a particularly successful start on Tuesday, December 9, when the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Canadian Forces Snowbirds released details on their 2009 performance schedules. Collectively, the three North American military jet teams will perform nearly 300 times in 100 different locations between March and November of 2009.
Royce Named 2008 Recipient of ICAS Sword of Excellence
2008-12-17
Ralph Royce was presented with the 2008 Sword of Excellence by the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) at an awards ceremony in Las Vegas on December 11, 2008.
Presented each year to recognize outstanding service, individual achievement and personal contributions to the air show industry, the ICAS Sword of Excellence is the air show industry’s single most prestigious award.
During the presentation ceremony, Royce was recognized for a variety of important work done during his 25-year career in the air show industry, including his role as an air show operations instructor, his many contributions as a passionate air show safety advocate, and his organizational and administrative accomplishments as an active member of different air show organizations and committees.
In particular, Royce was cited for his role as an effective liaison between the air show industry and the Federal Aviation Administration. As one of the industry’s first contract air bosses, Royce has helped to establish the standard by which air bosses are measured. Along with a warbird colleague, he helped establish the National Warbird Operators Conference in 1993 as a tool to allow warbird operators to gather once a year and discuss issues of common interest. And, most recently, he has helped lead an ambitious ICAS effort to change the culture of air show safety.
Soucy Takes Home Scholl Award
2008-12-16
Air show performer Gene Soucy was named 2008 recipient of the Art Scholl Showmanship Award during the Chairman’s Banquet held in conjunction with the 42nd annual International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Convention, December 11 in Las Vegas.
Soucy was recognized for an air show career that has spanned 40 years, including more than 3,000 individual air show performances in more than a dozen different types of aircraft. A member of the legendary Eagles Aerobatic Team that flew three-ship formation aerobatics for a quarter century, Soucy has also enjoyed a long and distinguished solo career. He is a three-time national aerobatic champion and enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of the greatest innovators in air show history.
Each year, ICAS presents the Art Scholl Showmanship Award to the air show performer who best exemplifies the qualities of showmanship demonstrated by Art Scholl. A long-time and active ICAS member, Scholl was a renowned aerobatic pilot and consummate air show performer. Although Scholl was killed in an aircraft accident in 1985, his wife Judy was on hand for the award presentation this year in Las Vegas.
RING is 2008 Schram Award Recipient
2008-12-14
The Rhode Island National Guard (RING) Air Show was recognized as the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award during an awards ceremony at the annual convention of the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) on December 11 in Las Vegas.
Held each June in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, the RING Air Show was recognized for the close partnership that they have formed with several local philanthropic organizations, including the Hasbro Children’s Hospital in nearby Providence.
“The Rhode Island National Guard Air Show has helped generate more than $1 million for the Hasbro Children’s Hospital,” said ICAS President John Cudahy. “But more than that, they have created an event that is embraced by the local community…a community event in the most literal sense that has helped RING forge a close and unique relationship with local residents, government and other organizations. Frankly, ICAS had exactly this kind of military air show in mind when they established the Schram Award more than 20 years ago.”
A former Blue Angel and Department of Defense Aviation Support Liaison Officer, Schram personified all that was good about the military's involvement in air shows. Since 1988, the International Council of Air Shows has presented the Dick Schram Memorial Community Relations Award to the one military air show, open house or flying event that best represents the spirit of community for which Dick Schram stood throughout his naval career.
RING becomes only the third two-time recipient of the award. They were also the 1995 recipients of the Schram Award.
ICAS Board Presents Poe with Special Achievement Award
2008-12-12
To recognize his invaluable contributions to the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) and the entire air show industry during a three-year term as chairman of the Aerobatic Competency Evaluation (ACE) Committee, the ICAS Board of Directors presented air show performer Greg Poe with the ICAS Special Achievement Award during an awards ceremony at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino on Thursday, December 11.
“Greg agreed to become chairman of the ACE Committee at a particularly critical time,” said outgoing Board Chairman Jim Peitz. “He did an excellent job and stayed on for a full year longer than planned. He really did more for the ACE program and ICAS than anybody could have reasonably expected.”
Poe recently stepped down as chairman of the ICAS ACE Committee and was replaced by air show performer Bud Granley, a long-time member of the ACE Committee.
Bishop, Bowen, Coleman Inducted into Air Show Hall of Fame
2008-12-10
Air show legends Bobby Bishop, Paul Bowen and Bessie Coleman were inducted into the ICAS Foundation Air Show Hall of Fame during the ICAS Chairman’s Banquet on December 11 at the Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Bobby Bishop was recognized for many different contributions to the air show community during a career that spanned more than 35 years. An innovative aircraft designer, air show sponsorship trailblazer, impassioned aviation safety advocate and world-class air show pilot, Bishop focused on the entertainment aspects of air shows throughout his time in the business. He is best known for his pioneering sponsorship with Coors Light in the 1980s and 1990s. He served several years on the ICAS Board of Directors and is a past recipient of the ICAS Sword of Excellence.
In 1971, Paul Bowen helped start the Royal International Air Tattoo, the largest and most successful air show in all of Europe. In addition, he was involved in the founding of several other air shows and air show organizations, including the European Airshow Council, the European sister organization of ICAS. Along the way, air show event organizers from throughout Europe depended on Bowen for his expertise, experience and professional support. Bowen passed away in May, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer. His wife Janet was in attendance and accepted the award on her husband’s behalf.
An air show barnstormer in the 1920s, Bessie Coleman was an African-American, female pilot at a time when the business of air shows was dominated by white males. Persevering in difficult circumstances, she toured the country as an aerobatic plot, parachute jumper and occasional motivational speaker. Gigi Coleman Brooms, Coleman’s grand niece, was present at the award ceremony to accept the award on her great aunt’s behalf.
Marketing Competition Winners Announced
2008-12-10
The winners of the 2008 ICAS Marketing Competition were announced on Wednesday, December 10 during an awards presentation luncheon held in conjunction with the 2008 ICAS Convention in Las Vegas.
Four ICAS members – the Vectren Dayton Air Show, Blue Ash Airport Days, Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival, and Franklin’s Flying Circus -- each took home two first place awards in this year’s competition.
First place winners included…
Best Newspaper Advertisement (Large Show): Vectren Dayton (OH) Air Show
Best Newspaper Advertisement (Small Show): Cape Girardeau (MO) Regional Air Festival
Best Radio Commercial (Large Show): Naval Air Station Jacksonville (FL) Air Show
Best Radio Commercial (Small Show): Dawson Creek (BC) Air Show
Best Television Commercial (Large Show): Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (AZ)
Best Television Commercial (Small Show): Blue Ash (OH) Airport Days
Best Event Brochure (Large Show): Royal International Air Tattoo (UK)
Best Event Brochure (Small Show): Faribault (MN) Airfest
Best Event Poster (Large Show): Vectren Dayton Air Show
Best Event Poster (Small Show): Thunder in the Valley (GA) Air Show
Best Event Program (Large Show): Canadian International (ON) Air Show
Best Event Program (Small Show): Chico (CA) Airfest
Best Sponsorship Package (Large Show): Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (CA) Air Show
Best Sponsorship Package (Small Show): Cape Girardeau Regional (MO) Air Festival
Best Website (Large Show): Fort Worth (TX) Alliance Air Show
Best Website (Small Show): Blue Ash (OH) Airport Days
Best Performer Magazine Ad: Franklin's Flying Circus
Best Performer Marketing Video: US Army Golden Knight Parachute Team
Best Performer Poster: Tora Tora Tora
Best Performer Press Kit: Rob Harrison, the Tumbling Bear
Best Performer Website: Paul Lopez Air Shows
Best Air Show Photograph: Marc St. Pierre
Best Exhibit, Support Service Provider, Single Booth: Lee Production Services/Live Air Show TV
Best Exhibit, Support Service Provider, Multiple Booths: FedEx Express
Best Exhibit, Performer, Single Booth: U.S. Navy Leap Frogs
Best Exhibit, Performer, Multiple Booths: Franklin’s Flying Circus
Best of Show Exhibit: Franklin’s Flying Circus
New ICAS Website
2008-11-18
It's not just a new look, it's a new experience. With the new ICAS website, your membership now provides you with access to all the information, ideas, and documents you need to operate a successful air show or perform at one. Need ideas on acquiring new sponsors? They're here. Want access to high-resolution photos of a performer? Download them from this site. Looking for sample job descriptions or budgets or air show shedules? Your search is over.
Check out the new Member Forum to pose questions of your fellow members. Peruse the priceless content available in the "For Air Shows" or "For Performers" sections of the site. Locate back articles from Air Shows Magazine. Overall, we designed this new site around your needs and what you told us you were looking for -- the content, the function, and the look and feel are built entirely through the eyes of members.
Have a look around. We think you'll like what you see.
ICAS Holds Successful ICAS Academy Program at Wings over Houston
2008-11-03
Wings over Houston acted as both host and teacher for a group of 25 ICAS members during the ICAS Academy held on October 23, 24 and 25. Representatives from air shows throughout North America participated in this hands-on training session that provided an up-close look at how Wings over Houston organizes and conducts one of the most successful air shows in the country.
Now in its ninth year, the ICAS Academy program has given hundreds of ICAS members a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-curtain look at a well-run air show. They are given access to the staff and volunteers who organize and conduct the show.
This year, Wings over Houston provided Academy participants with more than 250 pages of budgets, timelines, contracts, schedules, and other working documents. On-site, Academy participants grilled staff and volunteers from Wings over Houston with detailed and specific questions about how they run their air show business.
The next ICAS Academy program has been tentatively scheduled for mid-July of 2009 in conjunction with the Vectren Dayton Air Show in Dayton, Ohio.
Rocket Racer makes first public flight at AirVenture
2008-10-30
There’s always something new and exciting in the skies over Oshkosh, and with the first public exhibition of the Rocket Racing League’s Rocket Racer at AirVenture 2008, this year was certainly no exception. With former Space Shuttle Commander Rick Searfoss at the controls, the DKNY Bridenstine Rocket Racer, which is based on the Velocity brand of kitplanes, wowed the crowd with three ten-minute flights throughout the week.
This was a major milestone for the Rocket Racing League, which is slated to hold its first race in late 2009 or early 2010, according to league founder Granger Whitelaw. The multiple-heat race will pit up to ten racers against each other on a virtual racetrack in the sky, visible on pilot’s heads up displays and to fans watching on TV and jumbotrons.
“This is the future of racing,” said Whitelaw. “It’s been a really big challenge trying to build a racing series with aircraft that is dynamic, technologically driven, captivating, and has a tremendous amount of growth opportunities in different directions,” Whitelaw added.
Whitelaw says that the new format will retain its roots in air shows. “We look forward to being a part of the air show industry in a very meaningful way.”
Gathering of Mustangs and Legends, one year later
2008-10-30
It’s rare that people are still talking about an air show one year after it ended, but the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends was the kind of awe-inspiring event that justifies that kind of buzz. With over 80 P-51 Mustangs and the legends that flew them on hand, it’s no wonder that last September’s show has left the 150,000 in attendance yearning for an encore.
A coffee table book, compiled by world-renowned aviation photographer Paul Bowen, is currently in the works, as well as a DVD of the event. “We’re just now delving into getting all those photos back,” said Angela West, the event’s director. “It’s a huge project.”
Under the auspices of the Gathering Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on preserving the history of WWII fighters, West and her team are also in the early stages of planning a gathering of contemporary fighters.
Still, West said that the actual Gathering of Mustangs and Legends will probably never happen again, citing the fact that the show was intended to be a one-time event. “I’m not even sure I want to call it an air show,” said West. “It was an historical event.”
Hotel Sleeping Room Block is Quickly Disappearing
2008-10-30
We want you to register for the ICAS Convention soon, but we can wait another couple of weeks. That may not be true for hotel sleeping rooms. A unique confluence of different pressure points is making it likely that hotel sleeping rooms at the Rio All-Suite Hotel during the ICAS Convention will sell out within the next couple of weeks. There may be plenty of rooms on some nights, but the hotel is nearing capacity on some of the nights.
Bottom line: if you want to stay at the host hotel during the ICAS Convention this year, you should make your reservation as soon as possible.
The Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino is offering ICAS members sleeping rooms at the discounted rate of $119 per night throughout the ICAS Convention. You may cancel your reservation with no penalty up until one week before the first night of your stay. To make your reservation, call Rio Group Reservations at 888-746-6955 and mention Code SRICAS8.
Or make your hotel reservation on-line by visiting https://www.harrahs.com/CheckGroupAvailability.do?propCode=RLV&groupCode=SRICAS8.
ICAS Announces Convention Dates Through 2020
2008-10-30
ICAS has contracted with two different Harrah’s hotel properties in Las Vegas to host the ICAS Convention through 2020.
“The convention business in Vegas is moving from a buyer’s market to a seller’s market,” said ICAS President John Cudahy. “Because our members have made it clear that they want to keep the ICAS Convention in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future, we negotiated the best terms possible and locked in for the next 12 years.”
Future dates are December 8-11, 2008 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel; December 6-9, 2009 at Paris Las Vegas; December 5-8, 2010 at Paris Las Vegas; December 4-7, 2011 at Paris Las Vegas; December 9-12, 2013 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel; December 8-11, 2014 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel; December 7-10, 2015 at Paris Las Vegas; December 5-8, 2016 at Paris Las Vegas; December 5-8, 2017 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel; December 3-6, 2018 at Paris Las Vegas; December 9-12, 2019 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel; and December 7-10, 2020 at Paris Las Vegas.
Carlton Launches Super Salto
2008-10-18
Bob Carlton IS a rocket scientist, so nobody was too surprised when he started musing about the possibility of putting a jet engine with 225 pounds of thrust onto a 620 pound, fully aerobatic Salto sailplane.
But, on August 1, his jet-powered Super Salto sailplane actually flew.
“It will be able to not only self launch, but perform vertical aerobatics immediately after takeoff,” says Carlton. “It will be the first and only sailplane capable of a ground start aerobatic routine.”
But his old company name – Silent Wings Airshows – no longer fits the speed, power and noise of the Super Salto. So, he’s changing the name of his air show organization to Vertigo Airshows.
ICAS Headquarters Address Change
2008-09-15
After ten years, ICAS has moved its headquarters office approximately 100 yards. Phone numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses will remain the same, but the new street address is:
750 Miller Drive, Suite F-3, Leesburg, Virginia 20175.
Tucker Inducted into National Aviation Hall of Fame
2008-08-22
Air show performer and ICAS member Sean Tucker was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 19, during an induction ceremony in Dayton, Ohio. Tucker was recognized for his skills as an aviator and as a passionate advocate for general aviation.
During his acceptance speech, Tucker said he was honored to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, which includes the likes of the Wright brothers, astronaut Neil Armstrong, and 193 other previous inductees. “Those are some big footsteps and some big shoes, and I’m really humbled. I’ve never done anything great like these guys,” Tucker said. “I’m a journeyman 20th century barnstormer.”
The NAHF class of 2008 also included Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, a World War II triple-ace and USAF test pilot; Herbert D. Kelleher, founder and retired chairman of Southwest Airlines; and Admiral William A. Moffett, the legendary “Father of Naval Aviation.” Tucker becomes the seventh air show legend to be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He joins Lincoln Beachey, Roscoe Turner, Betty Skelton, Bob Hoover, Paul Poberezny, and Patty Wagstaff.
