Guy Leitch
In strong contrast to the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s obstructionism, aviation history was made when veteran South African airshow performer Milne “CC” Pocock received FAA-approval for the first-ever laser show from an aircraft.
CC Pocock was driven out of South Africa by overzealous and overreaching CAA inspectors who even called the Hawks in to shut down his bush flying school at Barberton. This school taught life saving skills to pilots – so much so that SA Flyer attended it twice, first with our C182 and then with our PA32-301T Saratoga.
Using his highly modified Cessna 170X, CC combined four aircraft-mounted lasers with synchronized wing-mounted pyrotechnics and lighting effects, creating an unprecedented aerial display at the USA Burning Man 2024 in the Nevada desert.
“This wasn’t just another light show in the desert,” explains Pocock, who brings over 25 years of aviation experience specialising in advanced flight instruction and bush pilot training through his company, Bush Air. “Meeting FAA requirements for an aerial laser performance required months of meticulous safety planning, technical documentation, and innovative solutions to demonstrate compliance with existing aviation regulations.”
With more than 8,000 flight hours and extensive experience as a professional laser and pyrotechnics technician, Pocock uniquely bridges the worlds of aviation and entertainment.
The historic performance showcased Pocock’s unique ability to transform his air show expertise into the demonstration, piloting what the team dubbed their “mutant aircraft” – complete with mounted rockets and missiles (all for show) – through the night sky while orchestrating a precisely choreographed laser light and fireworks display.
With 1,000 hours of night operations under his belt, CC demonstrated why he was the ideal pilot to pioneer this revolutionary fusion of aviation and laser artistry.
Essential to the project’s success was Christi Masi, an accomplished pilot whose decade of experience operating at Black Rock City Municipal Airport proved invaluable. Since 2013, she has flown into the challenging desert environment annually, including serving as airport manager in 2022. Her intimate knowledge of the unique conditions and regulatory requirements of Black Rock City aviation helped navigate the complex approval process.
“Successfully demonstrating how aerial laser displays can operate within existing aviation safety frameworks required unprecedented attention to detail,” Masi reflected after the event. “Working with the FAA to understand and meet all safety requirements has established a blueprint for future aerial laser performances.”
“The 2024 performance proved that safe, compliant aerial laser shows are possible within existing regulations,” notes Pocock. “With community support, we can expand this new form of aerial artistry in 2025, creating an even more spectacular display while maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety.”
Building on this historic achievement, plans are already underway for an enhanced performance at Burning Man 2025. The team aims to push the boundaries of artistic expression while maintaining their exemplary safety record and regulatory compliance. Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the next chapter of this revolutionary aerial art form can contribute to the 2025 project through Spot Fund. Contributors will receive regular updates on the project’s development and special recognition during the 2025 event. Additionally, this groundbreaking aerial laser show is available for select sporting events, air shows, and special venues throughout