Cleared for Chaos - Episode 53
Air Boss Kellie Hudson tells us how she balances spectacle and safety while controlling intense air show skies.
In this episode, Kellie discusses her path from air traffic controller to air boss, managing the airspace over AirVenture Oshkosh, and ramp bossing the Super Bowl. From coordinating warbirds and jet teams to managing emergencies on the flight line, she shares what it takes to keep the skies and ground running smoothly. This one is going to be cool!
Resources:
Chapters:
- (00:00) - Intro
- (01:03) - What is an Air Boss?
- (02:14) - Balancing Safety and Spectacle
- (02:35) - Aviation Beginnings
- (03:51) - Controlling From the Tower
- (05:18) - ATC Misconceptions
- (05:56) - Military vs. Civilian ATC
- (07:00) - Controlling the Nellis Air Force Base Tower
- (08:46) - Red Flag Exercises
- (10:12) - Air Boss Origins
- (11:49) - Managing the Airspace
- (12:42) - Working at Air Shows
- (15:22) - Air Show Risks
- (17:08) - Air Bossing Oshkosh
- (19:58) - Ramp Bossing the Super Bowl
- (21:58) - Air Force One
- (22:18) - Ramp vs. Air Boss Roles
- (22:56) - Air Show Emergencies
- (25:16) - Training
- (26:26) - The Future of ATC and Air Boss Roles
- (27:06) - Staffing Shortages and Aviation Incidents
- (30:18) - Kellie's Advice
- (31:43) - Outro
