Memorial Flyover Service
A Final Salute: The Missing Man Formation
An acknowledgment of service to America
Showboss Productions(opens in new tab) has flown memorial and committal flyovers at Miramar National Cemetery since 2011, along with Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, and Riverside National Cemetery. Our pilots are active duty, retired U.S. military, and professional air show aviators flying historic trainer aircraft — the same airplanes many of the Veterans we honor once flew.
The flyover is timed to the moment. Working with staff and the funeral director, we place the formation overhead precisely as the service reaches its final honors, so the family hears the aircraft as taps ends.
What is the Missing Man Formation?
The formation passes overhead in a tight echelon. On the second pass, one aircraft pulls up and away from the formation and climbs out of sight, leaving a visible gap where the aircraft had been. It is aviation's oldest and most solemn tribute to a fallen aviator or service member.
Who is eligible for this service?
Any Veteran interred at Miramar National Cemetery, regardless of rank, branch, or era of service. Arrangements may be made by the family, a funeral home, or a Veterans service organization acting on the family's behalf.
What does the service include?
A formation of four aircraft, all FAA and airspace coordination and approvals and direct timing with your funeral director and cemetery staff.
How are arrangements and costs handled?
Every service is different, and each flight is arranged individually around the family's wishes, the date, and the airspace. Showboss Productions(opens in new tab) handles all arrangements directly and privately with the family or funeral director. Please write to memorials@showbossproductions.com and we will respond promptly with everything you need to know. We would rather a family ask than assume — no one should go without this honor for want of a question.
How much notice is needed?
As much as possible, so that airspace approvals and crews can be arranged. We understand that families are often working on short notice, and we will always tell you honestly and immediately whether we can meet the date.
What if the weather doesn't cooperate?
Flight safety is governed by the FAA and by the pilot in command. If conditions or air traffic control prevent the flight, we will say so early rather than leave a family waiting on a sky that stays empty.
Contact:
To arrange a Memorial Flyover
Showboss Productions
memorials@showbossproductions.com
(opens in new tab)https://showbossproductions.com/services/memorial-flyovers
To arrange a memorial flyover
Please contact Showboss Productions at memorials@showbossproductions.com or visit their website here(opens in new tab).
