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Springdale airport staff seek commission support to pursue nighttime air show during Halloween weekend
Summary
Airport staff described plans to replicate last year's popular Halloween event and are exploring a nighttime aerobatic air show that would require FAA authorization, insurance and fundraising; commissioners expressed preliminary support and asked staff to pursue feasibility with local FAA officials.
Daniel Hughes, airport staff, told the Springdale Airport Commission on April 17 that staff are preparing for a larger Halloween event and want the commission’s support to pursue a nighttime air show if federal regulators allow it.
Hughes said last year’s Halloween event exceeded expectations: “We were planning on 500, and we estimate over 2,000,” and that this year staff are planning facilities and contingency plans to accommodate as many as 4,000 people. He said the airport is coordinating with local partners, including the Elizabeth Richardson Center, which will provide volunteers to help with decorations and event logistics.
The proposal includes two possible airshow formats: a non‑aerobatic nighttime display that could operate as a coordinated night operation with the tower, and a full aerobatic nighttime show that would require an FAA aerobatic waiver. Hughes described the aerobatic option as “about a 10‑minute display” and said the performer he has contacted does routine aerobatic maneuvers, including inverted flight and rolls. Hughes said staff are exploring insurance and other requirements and that an outside organization with experience putting on air shows can help secure insurance and meet safety requirements.
Hughes said fundraising will determine whether the air show is free or ticketed. He described the Halloween event as continuing last year’s model — free entry in exchange for a shelf‑stable food donation — but said the air show could require a modest admission fee if fundraising does not cover costs: “We would probably need to do an entry fee…something affordable, $5 or $10.” He also suggested offering a discount to Halloween attendees who bring their ticket to the air show.
Commissioners asked about liability and regulatory approval. Hughes said staff plan to contact the local FAA Flight Standards District Office and other FAA contacts in Little Rock to determine feasibility and the steps needed to obtain any required aerobatic waiver. He said staff will return next month with more information and, if appropriate, request a formal motion of local support that would help when applying to the FAA.
Commission members expressed preliminary support. One commissioner said, “I think you have our support at this point,” while asking staff to keep the commission updated if the FAA denies the waiver request. Hughes said he will pursue feasibility checks with FAA officials and report back at the commission’s May meeting.
The discussion followed a broader operations update in which Hughes described rising activity at the airport, renewed interest from flight schools and recent visits by larger jets. He also reported ongoing school tour programs that drew classes of up to 90 students.
The commission did not take formal action on the air show proposal on April 17. Staff were directed to pursue regulatory feasibility, insurance options and fundraising plans and to return with a request for formal support if the proposal advances.
