Air Show Preparations Underway Published Sept. 5, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Joshua Eikren 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Airfield Management team is making preparations as the Scott Air Force Base Air Show approaches. "We prepare for air shows up to six months in advance," said Richard Hupp, 375th Operations Support Squadron deputy airfield manager. In preparation, Airfield Management inspects airfield surface areas, airfield waivers and prior permission requests. The airfield surface areas are surveyed six months prior to the show with findings reported to the Civil Engineer Squadron to be fixed. "All concrete, asphalt and grass areas of the airfield are inspected for potential foreign object damage areas and any deteriorations that may pose a hazard to aircraft operations," said Hupp. To organize aircraft, spectators and vendors, the Airfield Management team must review waivers to ensure air show criteria is properly indentified to be safely grouped on an active airport. In addition, the team coordinates with aircraft performance POCs to issue prior permission requests (PPRs) and validate that aircraft performing at the show are authorized to come to Scott. "PPRs ensures a smooth flow of arrival and departures and also ensures aircrew members receive proper aircraft servicing," said Hupp. "Without prior permission, the arrival and departure day would be a mass gaggle of planes trying to operate at the same time." Along with Airfield Management, Airfield Operations personnel ensure all aircraft have valid flight plans on file for initial arrival and final departure. "Flight plans serve many purposes and Operation personnel's main use for them is to 'flight follow' aircraft to aid in search and rescue efforts," said Hupp. During the air show, vehicles on the airfield are limited to electric golf carts with drivers receiving a safety briefing from Airfield Management on hazard areas, foreign object damage, jet blasts and other airfield safety concerns. Lastly, Airfield Management designs the air show aircraft parking layout and work with Transient Alert, Civil Engineers and Operations personnel to determine the best locations for aircraft, vendors and air show support equipment. Hupp said, "The Airfield Management team works with everyone to create the best possible air show for both the crew and the public."