CASA and sector participants joined a sector safety risk profile (SSRP) workshop in August 2025. Together, we identified the following issues that are inherent risks within the sector. Aircraft Operators and Aerodromes should be aware of these risks. If they are relevant to your operation, you should have appropriate mitigation strategies in place in line with your existing risk management practices. Of note, the significant issues facing the sector included:
Key points of discussion
- RPAS risk – Participants highlighted the issue of spectator RPA interference, not involved in air display program.
- Training standards and requirements:
- Pilot display flying competency and recency remain a concern.
- Event organisers: There are currently no minimum training standards or requirements. (Side note: an organiser may also be a pilot).
- Event co-ordinators (Air Boss, Ring Master, Flight Display Director, etc): Similarly, there are no minimum training standards or formal requirements.
- Communication risks – A key issue raised was risking misunderstanding and confusion when the air display takes place at an aerodrome with an active tower.
- Sterile cockpit procedures extending to pre-flight – Pilots expressed concerns about pre-flight distractions. The view was that nobody should disturb pilots after they complete pre-flight. It is not in the operation’s best interest to have any external interference until after aviation activities have ceased.
- Secondary spectators – Participants also identified this as a safety consideration.