PROGRAMME FOR THE EAC CONVENTION 21-23 FEBRUARY 2008

 

Too many accidents in 2007 – how do we improve the safety of the Display Pilot?

 

Main Convention 2008

 

Friday 22 February

 

0900    Briefing on Convention Arrangements and Introduction of Delegates, EAC Board Member and Executive, Bob Dixon (UK)

           

Welcome and Introduction of Theme from EAC Chairman, Gilbert Buekenberghs,           (Belgium) the founder of the EAC and host for the Airshow Dinner will formally open the            Convention.

 

0930    Keynote Address – ‘Where to Now?’  - Major General Des Barker (South Africa) who is a test pilot and senior officer in the South African Air Force.  He has also written the book “Zero Error Margin” which examines Airshow accidents in detail.  A copy of the book is being made available on CD with his kind permission.  He was the main speaker on Display Pilot safety at the Pre-Convention special seminar and he will continue the theme of pilot safety in his  presentation.

           

1030    Coffee 

 

1115    ‘The USA Record of safety in 2007 - Safety Briefings’ – Gale Rawitzer (USA), a very    experienced Airshow ‘Air Boss’ and well known speaker on safety matters, will assess the         North American 2007 display season and throw light on the accidents that marred a very busy    and successful programme of events in the USA

 

1145    ‘Fatigue and Stress at an Airshow’  - Dr Stevenson(UK) - formerly with the United States Air Force and now the Centre for Aviation Medicine, is hugely experienced in Aviation Medicine; he will discuss the effects of fatigue and stress upon the safety of the pilot

 

1245    Lunch   

 

1415    ‘The Investigation of Airshow Accidents’ - Julian Firth(UK) – display pilot of the DC-6 and member of the UK AAIB will give a picture of the workings of the Aircraft Accident       Investigation Branch (AAIB)-  with real event examples and an assessment  of whether      regulations are adequate or need change

 

1445    ‘The challenge of introducing a new aerobatic aeroplane’  Colonel Mohammed Al Momani  (Jordan) is the Director of the Royal Jordanian Falcons display team.  He will speak about the  challenges of new technology and adjustment to new capabilities and limitations as the RJF  took delivery of new aircraft before the start of the 2007 season.

 

1515    Coffee

 

1600    ‘A day in the life of a Display Inspector’ – Dave Evans (UK) – is in the General Aviation  department of the UK Civil Aviation Authority with responsibility for Airshow guidance and  Display Authorisations; a pilot himself he speaks about his role in  watching the displays to  maximise safety of both spectators and pilot

 

1630    ‘Lessons Learnt in the 2007 Display Season’ – Sqn Ldr Jim Walls (UK) - RAF Typhoon display pilot will give a frank assessment of the highs and lows of the display season in the   RAF’s newest front line fighter.

 

1650    ‘Vulcan airborne’ - Dr Robert Pleming(UK) will give an update, as the Project Director, following a successful first flight late in 2007, outlining the big challenges that lie ahead.

 

1700   Open Forum: How can we all help to protect the lives of the display pilot? The EAC         Chairman and his Board will lead discussions and draw upon the expertise amongst delegates

 

1900    Transport to Aviation Dinner at Sanicole Aero Club  (2000- 2300) 

 

            Dress is “Airshow Dress” – that is whatever you would wear to an Airshow - from flying suit to logo T-shirt!  Comfortable and informal is the key to enjoying the evening.  On return from the Aeroclub, by special arrangement the bar of the Holiday Inn will be open until 0200 hours.

 

Saturday 23 February

 

0900    ‘Military and Civil Partnerships – A recipe for Airshow Success?’ – Colin Hitchins (UK), Andy Pawsey (UK) and Charlie Adcock, Pyrotechnic specialist (UK) - using the first public display of the RAF’s Role Demonstration at Biggin Hill in 2007 as an example, the speakers will illustrate the process and pitfalls of establishing and maintaining a good  military/ Civil relationship.

 

0930    ‘Small Airfield – Big Show’ – Tom Sutterlin (Switzerland) who is Director of the Dittingen  Airshow will emphasise the measures taken to ensure safety of performers and spectators alike.

 

0945    ‘New Ideas for an Established Airshow’ -  Geoffrey Buekenberghs (Belgium) who has taken over from his father, the EAC Chairman, as Director of the Sanicole International Airshow will outline his ideas for changes in the years to come

 

1000    ‘New format of Airshows in Italy’ – Alberto Moretti (Italy, President of the Italian          Airshow Organisation, introduces a short film of new developments in Italian Airshows which     combine air and ground action to great effect.

 

1015    ‘Modern fast jet displays’ – Larry Schleser (USA) – Air Combat Command will introduce a new film about the F-22 Raptor air displays.

 

1045    Coffee

 

1130    ‘The Red Bull Air Races approach to safety’ – Heinz Möller (Germany) of Red Bull Air Race GmbH, himself a former fast jet pilot will discuss how Red Bull protects its pilots safety and how they persuade local authorities to accept and have confidence in their safety procedures.

 

1215    Chairman’s forum –  Gilbert Buekenberghs will lead the final open forum including a       discussion of the risks of having differing regulations for Red Bull Air Race GmbH, FAI and    conventional displays and mixing of them at events.

 

1245    Close - EAC Chairman.