2020 Airshow Season and the COVID-19 Virus

Dear ISAP members,

You have most likely begun to realize that we are deep into uncharted airspace as it pertains to where we go next in the midst of the current COVID-19 Virus pandemic. Events of all types are being canceled by the droves and many schools, even universities are announcing that classes will not resume immediately following Spring Break. Air show season is about to kick off and it seems that our events are not immune to the effects of COVID-19. Several major air shows were canceled over the past couple of days and I think that, realistically, we can expect more of that until we see a dramatic downturn in new cases of this disease.

At this moment Sun ‘n Fun and EAA AirVenture are still on, but we have seen that a lot can change in a short time. EAA has cancelled its popular Hops and Props event scheduled for March 14, and EAA’s Ford Tri-Motor tour has been suspended temporarily.

Regardless of the direction this crisis takes in the near term, it seems that some basic precautions and protocols are being recommended by the people in the know. We have gone from “don’t worry about it, it’s no worse than the common flu” to “limit contact with others, avoid large gatherings, try to maintain three to six feet of personal space, wash your hands frequently and keep antibacterial wipes by your side for decontamination between hand washes.” No one knows where the next few weeks and months will lead us, but you don’t have to be a genius to realize that this is serious stuff, especially for older people and those with compromised health.

ISAP is a family and your board cares deeply about you, your health and your ability to capture wonderful imagery for years to come. 2020 won’t be the last year for air shows, nor your last opportunity to practice your craft. Please take this threat seriously. Hopefully, it will be over—or at least under control—in the very near future, but until we begin to see that trend, be safe, take care of yourselves, limit risks and we’ll meet up again when we are on the backside of all of this. In the meantime, if there is anything we can help you with, as the leaders of your organization, do not hesitate to contact us, we’ll do all we can to help and or keep you up to date on the current trends as they apply to gatherings like trade shows, symposiums, air shows, etc.

Be well and thank you for supporting our organization.

Larry Grace
President
International Society for Aviation Photography(ISAP)