This handbook contains the standards and procedures used by ICAS and Aerobatic Competency Evaluators (ACEs) in their administration of aerobatic competency program, including: flight standards, ground standards, conducting evaluations, the issuance of aerobatic cards, guidelines for handling incidents and exemptions, the ACE Committee structure, and the necessary background and experience for a pilot to be considered as an Aerobatic Competency Evaluator.

A form for requesting exemptions to the rules contained within the ACE Manual

The Dangers Of Your Hometown Show Operations Bulletin Volume 4 Number 12 September 23, 2011

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition Operations Bulletin Volume 4 Number 12 September 23, 2011

(Power point presentation from the break-out education session conducted at the 2008 ICAS Convention.) Physical and mental fitness directly impact our ability to consistently and safely fly an air show maneuver sequence. On any given day, illness, fatigue or stress (from home, work or the air show environment) can detract from our fitness to fly. Identifying, acknowledging and mitigating these distractions allows us to know how to adjust for the days when we're not 100 percent, when we shouldn't fly at all and the difference between the two.

(The power point presentation from the break-out educational session presented by Allen Silver at the 2008 ICAS Convention.) If you’re an aerobatic pilot, you won’t want to miss this perennially popular presentation with one of the world’s foremost authorities in this area. You’ll learn more about how to use the parachute that you wear each time you fly. You’ll get a refresher course on what to do – and what not to do! – when it comes time to get out of the airplane. And, even if you never have the need to use the information, you’ll leave with a quiet sense of confidence that you have reviewed the information and mentally rehearsed your quick exit if and when it becomes necessary.

When ICAS, the FAA and Transport Canada changed the policy that dictates when an individual's Statement of Aerobatic Competency card expires, the TCA issued a statement explaining the change to its inspectors.

This handbook contains the standards and procedures used by ICAS and Aerobatic Competency Evaluators (ACEs) in their administration of aerobatic competency program, including: flight standards, ground standards, conducting evaluations, the issuance of aerobatic cards, guidelines for handling incidents and exemptions, the ACE Committee structure, and the necessary background and experience for a pilot to be considered as an Aerobatic Competency Evaluator.

This is the application that prospective Aerobatic Competency Evaluators must complete to be considered as an ACE. Additional requirements and expectations can be found in the ICAS ACE Manual.

This Air Shows Magazine article from the first quarter of 2003 asks, "Is the ICAS-administered Aerobatic Competency Evaluation Program a lightning rod for criticism, successful peer-review tool, or both?" Article includes opinions and perspectives from several members, as well as an in-depth look at the history, evolution and success of the ACE Program.

ICAS has been administering the Aerobatic Competency Evaluation program for nearly 17 years. During that time, the program has evolved and changed. It has also had a profound impact on air show safety. This article looks at the history of the program and how it has evolved into what it has become today.

Airmanship and Piloting Tips and Advice from Air Show Pilots for Air Show Pilots (2001, 2Q)

This FAA Advisory Circular provides pilots with information that can help them improve their aerobatic piloting skills. It also discusses the Federal Aviation Regulations that pertain to aerobatics, including airworthiness considerations, aerobatic instruction, operations and aerobatic flight safety. (See FAA website for updates)

FAA description of the Issuance, Renewal or Rescinding of Statements of Aerobatic Competency/Aerobatic Competency Cards.

When ICAS, the FAA and Transport Canada changed the policy that dictates when an individual's Statement of Aerobatic Competency card expires, the FAA issued a statement explaining the change to its inspectors.

This FAA Advisory Circular explains stall and spin awareness training and informs pilots of the airworthiness standards for the type certification of normal, utility, and acrobatic category airplanes. Spins, stalls, recovery, stall speed, weight and balance. (See FAA website for updates)

This document provides introductory-level guidance and insight on stalls and spins.