Air Boss One: Owen Ashurst

About Me

Owen Ashurst grew up just blocks from Renton Municipal Airport in Washington state — where a Schwinn bicycle, a lunchpail, and the grassy slope next to the runway became his daily classroom.

After serving in the U.S. Army in the States and overseas, Owen pursued Air Traffic Control training and was headed to the FAA Academy when the national ATC strike changed the entire trajectory of his profession. With a young family to support, he pivoted — but he never stepped away from aviation.

While serving as a Docent at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, he was introduced to the Reno Air Races and eventually Deputy Chief Pylon Judge. Soon after, Owen’s Tower-level curiosity turned into the real thing: Owen accepted an offer to become Performer Air Boss for that Event.

Twenty-plus years later, Owen has become one of the most experienced and respected Air Bosses in the United States — and internationally. He is an FAA Recognized Air Boss – Multi-Venue, authorized to lead any air show in the U.S., from small community events to the most complex, multi-team, multi-day, military and civilian demonstrations.

He has work with all US, Canadian, and Japanese military jet teams, ACC, civilian jet teams from the US and Europe, and the Who’s Who of world-class civilian performers. To that point, the FAA’s regard for his knowledges, skills and abilities is further illustrated by their invitation to have Owen instruct FAA Inspectors in Charge at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, OK. Owen is also the industry’s leading specialist in Air Race Control Operations for single, and multi-class air racing around the US and in the coming year, internationally as well. Air Racing presents an exceptionally challenging environment that requires a level of professionalism and expertise that Owen is uniquely qualified and trusted to provide.

Board and Staff Positions:

Director of Flight Operations – National Championship Air Races (Roswell, NM)

Race Director – Sport Air Racing Council

Former member – ICAS Safety & Operations Committee

Board of Directors – Southwest Council of Air Shows

His reputation is simple and widely acknowledged as professional, steady, respected, and trusted throughout the air show industry. When timing matters, when safety is non-negotiable, and when a show must run with precision, Owen Ashurst is the one you want conducting your aviation event.