AIRSHOW HALL OF FAME

After 30 years in the air show industry, I would like to recommend Rob Reider for the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Foundation Hall of Fame. He’s a warm and good-hearted man with integrity. Rob has a long history of connecting with audiences, while providing insight and support to professionals in the air show industry. 

In 1994, Rob reached out and asked if I would be willing to help Bill Bordeleau run sound for Continental Air Show Productions. Bill was both a mentor and friend to Rob. Upon returning from his first ICAS convention in 1995, Rob questioned whether he could make it as a narrator because he was only able to book three or four shows. With the encouragement of Rob’s late wife Gaile and myself, Rob pressed on. Rob’s persona and abilities quickly became apparent. Air show directors across the county soon lined up at his ICAS booth to book who was quickly on track to be the best Narrator in the business. At the height of Rob’s career, between April and November, he booked approximately thirty-two shows.

Rob’s contributions to industry are immeasurable. Since the late 1990s, Rob has assisted with the video and audio production for the banquet and many of the breakout sessions. He also hosted several ICAS banquets over the years, where he entertained the attendees with his guitar and singing. In 2007, Rob was the recipient of the ICAS Sword of Excellence.

Rob not only engages, entertains, educates and inspires air show audiences from all over the world, Rob is also known as the voice of the aviation instructional videos from Sporty’s Pilot Shop, where he influences new pilots in general aviation. It isn’t uncommon for people to ask, “Aren’t you the Sporty’s Pilot guy?”

Examples of Rob’s kindness can be seen across the country. At an Applebee’s in Syracuse, New York hangs a large picture of Rob kneeling by disabled children at the local air show. Rob has always gone above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome at air shows. Rob’s kindness and compassion are not just part of a show; it is everyday life.

In addition to being a staple on the air show circuit, Rob has also assisted the military side of the air show family. He has been a voice coach for the team narrators with the U.S. Army Golden Knights, USN Blue Angels, and USAF Thunderbirds. In 2015, Rob traveled around the globe to narrate an air show in Japan. In 2020, Rob had the privilege of narrating the Fourth of July Salute to the Armed Forces Celebration at the White House with the President and First Lady.

Rob Reider is more than a narrator—he is a mentor, ambassador, and leader within the air show industry. His dedication, professionalism, and humanity have elevated the air show experience for countless individuals.