Key Points

Air displays require permission from the CAA and must be overseen by a Flying Display Director (FDD) with a CAA Accreditation
Risk Assessments must be completed by the FDD in liaison with the Event Organiser (EO)
Aircraft may only be flown in displays by pilots holding a Display Authorisation (DA) the validity of which is checked by the FDD
SAG Liaison, or its equivalent where a SAG does not exist, is a required part of theFDD’s procedures in applying for a Flying Display
Planning early is always advisable; there are strict timeframes in advance of an event for the required permission process
Military aircraft participation (for example, the Red Arrows) must usually be applied for by the end of September in the year prior to the flying display
Directories of FDDs are available from both the CAA and British Air Display Association.
FDDs can often provide the best guidance as to the aircraft displays available and suitable for a given location
Weather can, of course, be a considerable factor and clear parameters are set by the CAA. Ultimately the FDD and DA decide what can safely be flown in the prevailing conditions
The FDD is an accredited expert and will make decisions based on safety which have to be accepted.

Air Displays