I've wondered for a while but I'm getting more curious for a specific reason. Anybody know how the money works at an air show? In other words, when you see the local P-51 or B-25 who pays them and out of what proceeds? Every airshow I've been to is free and I'm not sure how concessions could possibly pay to relocate all those planes much less the costs for the show itself. I get when Dominos or whoever sponsors a Pitts or a Cap, but how about all the planes with no sponsor? I figured someone in this crowd must know.
Rattle Sparkys cage. He has been running a P51 at Reno for years as well as a few other venues. I am sure he can fill you in.
Interesting question. I've been to both free airshows, and equally as large and well organized ones, where admission is $10-15 a head. Both had concessions and paid parking available.
I did air shows for 5 years and started with my partner as freebies. Then we were able to get gas money, then lodging and gas, then gas lodging and food. The last few years we actually got a real fee of a few hundred dollars but we had proved our worth by the requests of the attending public. People said that we could have negotiated for a helluva lot more but we were low budget and besides, we had a lot of fun doing it. The things that we saw, the things we did, and the people that we met were worth every penny. The big money acts and personages state what they must be paid and they get it from the air show committee who gets it from the sponsoring entity who gets it from the community or a big list of supporting sponsors. We were cheap, we didn't even get visiting girls. Sparky is sponsored by a generous company but he and his crew work their butts off to get it.
ah... event sponsors. That makes more sense. I was wondering mostly about the static displays. (Thinking of the B-25 whose wing I sat under at the last show I attended.) I was wondering if those guys were self funded or they make a few bucks... and it sounds like it is a little of both. thanks
I think they are sometimes given appearence money because it is expensive to just show up in those things and they are the draw. I pm'd Sparky, lets see if he shows up.
I don't think that happens as often with the Warbirds as it once did. It is expensive getting them there, unless it is a home field. They are very aware some promoter is using their planes to attract people. Maybe for the ability to rent rides in some cases though. Steve was telling me one time how much to ferry Sparky to a nearby field for a show. I was shocked. In his case he has a sponsor paying for some of that but then Sparky is a bit of a flying billboard. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Air show promoters often arrange for a local business to sponsor a particular aircraft for expenses. Perhaps fuel,lodging and meals are covered. Others charge admission and pay for our expenses in that manner. Vendors are charged to appear and this helps defray costs. We often go to local events gratis. Something to do and always good to see our flying friends.
Thanks Sparky and thanks Brian for PM'ing him. I always wondered cuz we all know it ain't cheap to show up for a show. thanks
