The Flight Standards National Field Office, AFS-500, identified 10 simulated air combat operators using approximately 20 aircraft and employing fewer than 70 pilots. Several of the operators travel to major United States cities and are active advertisers. This may account for a perception of extensive activity. Initial concern with several high visibility accidents involving air combat operators prompted a special study. This special study did not identify widespread or significant problems with aircraft certification, airman certification, currency, etc.
Most operators have formal training programs and currency requirements for their instructors.
C. Several potential problem areas were identified. The customer may be a nonflying aviation enthusiast, a former military aircrewman, or the holder of an FAA airline transport pilot certificate. The experience of the customer may determine certain simulated air combat safety parameters, such as formation flight separation distance, and may also be an indicator of the customer's risk awareness. The FAA was asked to attend a meeting of air combat operators in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on February 4 and 5, 1995. ACSA will coordinate with the FAA to develop guidelines and operational standards including experience requirements, management positions, flight operations procedures, operational areas, and aerobatic boxes.