ICAS Guidelines for Hosting Jet 
Vehicle Demonstrations at Air Shows

In the spring of 1998, at the request of several ICAS members, the ICAS Safety Committee reviewed and subsequently decided to revise the "Guidelines for Hosting Jet Vehicle Demonstrations at Air Shows" that it originally published in 1993.

The principal changes were:

• The addition of language that prohibits the carrying of passengers during the hours of the air show waiver.
    
• Elimination of references to all but the International Hot Rod Association and the National Hot Rod Association as sanctioning bodies whose rules should be met by the performing jet vehicle driver before the vehicle is allowed to perform at an air show.
    
• The suggestion that all high-speed operation of jet vehicles be suspended during high winds, during rain or when the runway surface is too wet to allow safe operation of the vehicle.
    
• Increased emphasis on the minimum separation distances between performing vehicles and the crowd line: not less than 500 feet for experienced performers and not less than 750 feet for inexperienced performers.

ICAS Guidelines for Hosting Jet Vehicle Demonstrations at Air Shows
Revised: May, 1998; Approved by ICAS Board of Directors: September, 1998

1. Determine the type of vehicle the act proposes to use. ICAS recommends air shows use "Exhibition Jet" category vehicles or "Exhibition Wheelstanders." The majority of vehicles and drivers meet the standards of and are licensed by the National Hot Rod Association (phone 818-914-4761) or the International Hot Rod Association (phone 423-764-1164).
     
2. Some sanctioning bodies license the driver for a particular vehicle or vehicles. Insure that the vehicle being used is the one for which the driver is licensed. Be sure that both the vehicle and the driver are properly licensed.
    
3. In the event that a vehicle or driver is not licensed by one of the recognized sanctioning bodies, it is recommended that a reason be obtained for the lack of a license and written assurances be provided that the vehicle and driver standards of the recognized sanctioning bodies have been met or exceeded.
    
4. Request a copy of the driver's insurance policy and certificate of insurance. Verify that the amount and type of coverage provided is acceptable for your needs.
    
5. ICAS recommends that air shows use only "Exhibition Jet" category vehicles because they are powered by thrust on the center line of the vehicle; or "Exhibition Wheelstanders" because of their lower speeds and "show versus power" philosophy. ICAS does not recommend other geared, wheel-driven vehicles or those of extremely high power like "Funny Cars" or vehicles fueled by alcohol or nitro-methane. Remember that drag-racing vehicles are designed to operate on highly-groomed surfaces in an arena where barriers have been specifically designed to protect spectators from mishaps, out-of-control vehicles and exploding engines, transmissions and clutches.
    
6. Under no circumstances should passengers be permitted in the vehicle for high-speed demonstrations during the period in which the air show waiver is in effect.
    
7. ICAS recommends that all high-speed operation of jet vehicles be suspended during high winds, during rain or when the runway surface is too wet to allow safe operation of the vehicle.
    
8. Determine the driver's experience level, both at air shows and in competition. If the driver has at least two years' experience in either air shows or competition, consider the following guidelines:
     
   1. Pick a demonstration location, at least 500 feet from and visible to your spectators, that has at least 3,000 feet of paved, clean, level surface with approximately another 1,000 feet of runway threshold or level ground, free of obstacles, to allow the vehicle to come to a safe stop in the event of a chute or breaking failure. The run-off area must be free of spectators or buildings. Discuss the actual distance needed with the individual drivers as it pertains to their particular vehicle. The minimum 500 foot separation distance from the crowd line is a critical element of these guidelines and should be treated as an absolute minimum.
       
   2. Exhibitions or "races" with aircraft are for entertainment purposes only. Under no circumstance does ICAS recommend that an actual drag race take place.
       
   3. Determine with the driver which routes are to be used to and from the exhibition area, and whether the vehicle will be under its own power or towed to the location.
       
   4. If a vehicle is to operate in the vicinity of spectators or aircraft, including the aircraft of show performers, scatter shields or other turbine containment devices should be required. Lighting of afterburners should be prohibited and the vehicle should be operated at speeds comparable to aircraft taxi speeds.
       
   5. If a jet-powered vehicle is going to light a "fireball" (ignition of accumulated unburned fuel), know where and when the fireball will occur. The performance of a fireball should take place a safe distance from spectators and all aircraft. Because an ignited fireball could also ignite aircraft fuel vapors, fireballs in close proximity to aircraft must be prohibited.
       
   6. Discuss with the driver the operation of a jet-powered vehicle in close proximity to the crowd to ensure the jet blast is considered and idle throttle settings are used during turns or in areas where debris or blast could affect persons, aircraft, temporary air show structures or permanent airport structures.
       
   7. Drag Racing vehicles are designed to be operated at or near full power for one- quarter mile – approximately 1,300 feet. ICAS does not recommend that a driver be allowed to apply near full power or continue maximum acceleration for more than 1,300 feet as it places both the driver and the vehicle outside the normal parameters of operation.
       
   8. Determine with the driver fueling areas, starting locations, routes to be driven under power, potential "Fireball" areas, the starting location, point at which power will be cut or reduced to idle and the point where the vehicle is expected to come to a complete stop. Use a facility map to note these locations so that no misunderstanding exists.
       
   9. Using indicators approved or provided by the driver (such as orange traffic cones), mark the shutdown location, and insist that it be observed. A driver may shut down a vehicle prior to that point for operational or safety reasons.
       
   10. At the location where the vehicle is expected to come to a complete stop, an airport fire/rescue vehicle should be located in the event of an emergency. The driver will brief the emergency crew as to emergency shut down/off and extrication procedures.
        
   11. Insure that both you and the driver fully understand the goals of the performance. A good attitude toward entertainment and safety will likely provide for a successful performance.

    

9. If the driver has less than two years' experience in competition or doing air shows, follow the recommendations found in items A thru J above, but add the following limitations:
     
   1. Move the exhibition area to a runway or taxiway at least 750 feet from a spectator area. This 750 foot separation distance from the crowd line is an important part of these guidelines and should be treated as an absolute minimum for jet vehicle drivers with less than two years of documented experience with jet vehicles.
       
   2. Do not permit movement of the vehicle under its own power within 200 feet of the spectator area or parked aircraft. This will allow the driver to gain experience in operating in the air show environment, especially operations unique to an airport facility and the operation of a variety of aircraft.
       
10. If you are unfamiliar with the operation of jet-powered vehicles or other similar ground acts in the air show environment or if the proposed driver and vehicle are not known to you, do not hesitate to request references in addition to checking with one of the appropriate, recognized sanctioning bodies for these types of vehicles.
      
11. Like any other act performing in front of air show spectators, briefing is required prior to participation in the air show. Same rules apply: no brief, no fly.

For More Information

For more information on the Jet Vehicle Guidelines, contact ICAS headquarters, 751 Miller Drive, SE, Suite F-4, Leesburg, Virginia 20175, phone 703-779-8510, fax 703-779-8511.