By Story and photography courtesy of Christi Masi
Aviation history was written in August 2024 when veteran air show performer Milne “CC” Pocock, EAA 1144988, and the Black Rock City Air Force achieved what many thought impossible: executing the first-ever FAA-approved laser show from an aircraft over Black Rock Desert. This groundbreaking achievement combined four aircraft-mounted lasers with synchronized wing-mounted pyrotechnics and lighting effects, creating an unprecedented aerial display at Burning Man 2024.
“This wasn’t just another light show in the desert,” explained CC, who brings more than 25 years of aviation experience specializing in advanced flight instruction and bush pilot training through his company, Bush Air. With more than 8,000 flight hours and extensive experience as a professional laser and pyrotechnics technician, CC uniquely bridges the worlds of aviation and entertainment. “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.”
The historic performance showcased CC’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 (88NV) 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,” Christi 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,” noted CC. “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.
For additional information about this historic achievement, CC Pocock’s background, or to learn the full story of the Black Rock City Air Force’s mutant aircraft, visit Bush-Air.com/BRCAF.htm