Air Show Event Coordination Takes Flight with Icom's Cellular Radios

Each year, the Moses Lake Airshow transforms Grant County International Airport into a high-energy celebration of aviation. Set in the heart of central Washington, the event draws thousands of spectators to experience breathtaking stunt performances, aircraft races, and a dazzling display of personal, commercial, and historic planes. Behind the scenes, clear communication is critical. From coordinating traffic flow to supporting EMS and event staff, organizers rely on dependable radio systems to keep the show running smoothly and safely.

The Challenge

Hosting the airshow on an active airport field came with logistical hurdles–most notably, limited access to traditional radio infrastructure. Yet organizers still had to coordinate seamlessly across multiple zones, entry gates, the flight line, EMS and security teams, air traffic control, traffic management, and general operations, all without missing a beat.

The Solution

Thanks to strong cellular coverage across the site, Icom deployed its IP501H cellular radios, powered by CONNECT. These push-to-talk devices operate without the need for additional infrastructure, delivering instant, reliable communication right out of the box.

• Team leaders coordinated logistics, responded to crew needs, and stayed connected with air traffic control and team members to keep the schedule on track.
• Traffic control communicated issued real-time parking updates, arranged vehicle escorts, and flagged crowd concerns immediately.
• EMS teams maintained direct contact with command staff for faster response and better coordination during medical calls.

What Makes the IP501H Stand Out?

Icom's IP501H radios are designed for wide-area communication with powerful features that are beneficial for fast-moving events:

The IP501H operates on Icom's CONNECT network and is compatible with the IP501M, IP730D series, and the IP500APP. Other CONNECT-powered devices are the IP-M60 and IP504H. For more information about Icom's CONNECT solutions, click here.

Conclusion

From managing traffic flow to coordinating with air traffic control, the Moses Lake Airshow proved how essential communications are for high-traffic events. Icom's IP501H delivered dependable coverage, clear audio, and flexible talkgroup management without requiring new infrastructure. For event organizers looking for a scalable, field-proven solution, CONNECT radios offer the reliability and range needed to keep teams in sync and operations running smoothly, regardless of venue.