Air Boss: bringing the air show together

  • Published
  • By Lois Walsh
  • 96th ABW Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  This is the second in a series of articles on the behind-the-scene operations in planning an air show.

All eyes will be on the sky during Eglin's Open House and Air Show April 14-15. 

A myriad of aerial demonstrations will be showcased both Saturday and Sunday in a seamless display, thanks for the Air Boss and his committee. 

This year's air boss, Lt. Col. Sean Gallagher, volunteered based on his previous experience in that position at both Mountain Home and Hickam Air Force Bases. The operations officer with the 46th Operations Support Squadron knew what he was tackling. 

"It was one of the toughest jobs I've ever had as far as testing your organizational skills, but it was probably one of the most rewarding things I've ever done, seeing the families having a good time the smiles on the kids' faces," he said. 

Colonel Gallagher's responsibilities are vast; taking on the duties for anything that flies, both in the air and on the ground. 

"I wear two hats," the colonel said, "one leading the air boss staff to make sure our performers are ready, the static aircraft are set up and the requirements are in place to ensure it all goes off as planned. The goal is to put on a successful air show by ensuring the displays are set up for the crowd to appreciate while identifying and meeting all the requirements to get the performers and aircraft to Eglin in the first place."
The second "hat" is orchestrating the days of the shows, including the practice show Friday, from the time aerial demonstrations begin to the time the shows are finished. 

Included in those responsibilities are pre-performer briefs and direct responsibility for aerial demonstration safety. That includes working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain waivers to typical altitudes, speed and angles of attack which are so critical to thrilling the audiences with airpower superiority. He has a team of about 22 people to make sure that happens. That includes a ramp boss, Senior Master Sgt. Sheldon Parrish, who knows where every static is to be placed on the flightline to the show and ensures their setup. 

"It is an overwhelming task and by no means can just a handful of people do it," the colonel said. 

Colonel Gallagher's call sign for the air show is "Maestro," quite apropos for the man in charge of planning the flying schedule, keeping the show flowing and taking care of the performers and air crews. It's a test of his organizational skills and leadership. 

"It's putting the puzzle together; there are so many pieces and we're not exactly sure where they all fit right now," Colonel Gallagher said. "We're getting our hands around the requirements; what do we need, when do we need it, how much do we need and where are we going to get it. Once we figure those aspects out, the rest of the puzzle pieces will fall into place." 

The colonel is comfortable that his team is on track to make the air show a memorable event for all in attendance. Early planning, civilians with historical knowledge, continuity books and his prior experience as air show boss boost his confidence. But, realistically, he knows that he and his team will be working up to the last week to have everything in place and ready to go when the gates open. 

"Things are pressing along on schedule, but we do need to make progress every week to stay ahead of the power curve," Colonel Gallagher concluded.