Behind the scenes: Air Show Audio

By Clark Cook

for the Blue Angels narrator at the 2011 Lemoore Air Show. (Clark Cook)As the National Anthem is sung, all eyes are skyward as the jumper carries our nation’s colors towards the ground at airshow center. For the team at Air Show Audio, this is a critical moment in which they are prepared and ready to act in case of a malfunction in the sound system.

Air Show Audio’s motto is the “Can Do” Attitude and it certainly lives up to its name. Long before most of the performers and static displays arrive, the dedicated crew is already meticulously setting up and running sound checks. Air Show Audio utilizes a transport trailer which doubles as an observation platform for the announcer, air boss, FAA and any other essential personnel. The inside of the trailer also serves as an office for the soundboard operator. Besides providing high quality audio at airshows, Air Show Audio serves as a communications center.

As most eyes are pointed skywards towards the action, Air Show Audio’s crew is standing by to make sure everything is running smoothly.  “A malfunction is inevitable somewhere down the line,” says Dirk Stewart, Founder and President of Air Show Audio (ASA).  “But we are already two steps ahead of the game, which in turn will minimize any chance of interruption.” An example of a minor glitch occurred at an airshow when the sound suddenly cut out. Within a few seconds, it was found that a generator had stopped and a replacement was quickly put online.  “Thanks to the quick action of the crew, most of the spectators didn’t Dirk Stewart performs a sound and communications check. (Clark Cook)even notice that there was an interruption. We have backups of just about every component, from speaker cable to aircraft radios,” says Stewart. “And because we have modern equipment and a high quality staff, the vast majority of our shows go great without a hitch.”

Air Show Audio started out as a small company, providing a sound system for a monthly event at an aircraft museum in Southern California. The museum was very pleased with the services and offered the company a contract to provide audio support for their annual airshow in Chino, which is the largest gathering of warbirds on the west coast. Dirk Stewart still volunteers for the Planes of Fame museum, donating his own time for a good cause. Dirk is also the Vice President of the USS Johnston/USS Hoel Association. “Patriotism is a component that Dirk Stewart and airshow announcer John “Huggy” Huggins discuss the day’s game plan. (Clark Cook)motivates us to serve in this exciting industry,” says Stewart.

In a typical week, the crew can be dismantling and packing the equipment in Southern California and be on the road for an event the same week in Oregon. “I have a very dedicated crew and they share with me the same passion for aviation,” says Stewart. “If needed, I have a small plane and a private pilot’s license which makes it easier to get to and from locations.” Despite some health issues and a struggling economy, the company continued to grow in 2011, adding the Miramar Air Show and a few others to their schedule.

It’s a dream come true for Dirk Stewart and the staff at Air Show Audio, which provides audio support at nearly two dozen airshows a year. Look for them at an airshow near you.

Sound crew checks the speaker for proper volume and clarity. (Clark Cook)