In a groundbreaking feat of aviation and artistry, veteran air show performer Milne CC Pocock and the Black Rock City Air Force made history at Burning Man 2024 by executing the first-ever FAA-approved laser show from an aircraft over Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
The innovative performance combined four aircraft-mounted lasers with synchronized wing-mounted pyrotechnics and lighting effects, captivating festival attendees.
This wasn’t just another light show in the desert, said Pocock, who has more than 25 years of aviation experience, including advanced flight instruction and bush pilot training through his company, Bush Air. With over 8,000 flight hours and professional expertise in laser and pyrotechnic technology, Pocock spearheaded the months-long planning process to meet stringent FAA safety requirements for the aerial display.
Flying a “mutant aircraft” enhanced with mounted rockets and theatrical missiles, Pocock led a choreographed spectacle that demonstrated how aerial artistry could harmonize with aviation regulations.
Central to the project’s success was pilot Christi Masi, whose decade of experience navigating the unique conditions of Black Rock City Municipal Airport 88NV proved invaluable.
Having managed the airport in 2022 and flown annually into its challenging desert environment since 2013, Masi’s expertise helped navigate the complex FAA approval process.
“Successfully demonstrating how aerial laser displays can operate within existing aviation safety frameworks required unprecedented attention to detail,” Masi shared. Her contributions helped establish a safety blueprint for future aerial laser performances.
Pocock reflected on the achievement, emphasizing the collaborative efforts and technical ingenuity behind the performance.
The 2024 show proved that safe, compliant aerial laser displays are possible within existing regulations. With continued community support, we aim to expand this form of aerial artistry in 2025, pushing creative boundaries while maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety.
This historic event not only redefined possibilities for aviation entertainment but also set a precedent for merging advanced technology with artistic expression, inspiring future innovations in aerial performances.