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Volunteer with the Motorpool

Want a front-row seat to one of Houston's premier aviation events — and a hands-on role in making it happen? The Wings Over Houston Motorpool keeps the entire show moving, and we'd love to have you on the team. No experience required: we'll train you, pair you with seasoned volunteers, and have you up to speed in no time.

What You'd Be Doing

Motorpool volunteers keep the show moving. Depending on where you're needed and what you enjoy, that might mean checking carts in and out and keeping the fleet organized, shuttling staff and volunteers (and the occasional pile of “stuff that needs to be somewhere else right now”) around the field, or driving a Courtesy Cart to help guests with mobility needs get to and from the gates. It's hands-on, people-facing work with a front-row seat to the airshow.

New to the Motorpool? Start Here

If this is your first year with us, we recommend signing up for Thursday or Friday if your schedule allows.

Thursday is our primary preparation day — the best chance to meet the team, learn how our operations work, get familiar with the equipment, and ask questions before the airshow begins.

Friday is the first operational day of the airshow. It's a real show day, but generally calmer than the weekend, so it's an excellent way to build confidence before our busiest days on Saturday and Sunday.

Many of our returning volunteers started exactly this way before working full airshow weekends. Whichever day you pick, you'll be paired with experienced volunteers who'll show you the ropes.

What It Takes

  • Be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license (required for most positions, since they involve driving carts).
  • Be comfortable outdoors for several hours in whatever weather show weekend brings.
  • Bring a willingness to learn and pitch in.

That's it. No special experience necessary — we'll get you up to speed on the carts, the radios, and how we run the field.

Time Commitment

The Motorpool is busiest over show weekend, Thursday through Sunday. Days start early — carts roll before the gates open, so morning shifts can begin as early as 0500 — and wrap up in the evening once every cart is back and accounted for.

You don't have to commit to the whole weekend. We schedule in shifts, so you can sign up for just the days that work for you, and we'll place you where you're needed most.

In the two weeks before the show, we hold two online pre-show briefings. Attend either one — no travel required — and you'll know exactly how things will run on show week.

Show Week Schedule

Motorpool supports Wings Over Houston throughout show week. Whether you can give a single day or the entire event, we'd love to have you. During signup, just tell us which days you're available.

Wednesday – Setup

Hours (approx.): 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Mostly a staff and experienced-volunteer workday to get Motorpool ready for show week: receiving golf cart deliveries, preparing the Motorpool station, organizing equipment and supplies, and beginning fleet prep.

Thursday – Fleet Preparation

Hours (approx.): 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Our primary preparation day and one of the best opportunities for first-time volunteers. Typical activities:

  • Preparing and organizing nearly 200 golf carts
  • Installing placards and sponsor signs
  • Learning Motorpool procedures
  • Assisting with early cart check-out and check-in
  • Meeting the team before the airshow begins

Friday – Special Show

Hours (approx.): 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

The first operational day, supporting the Wings Over Houston Special Show. Assignments may include:

  • Station Crew
  • Staff & Volunteer Shuttle Driver
  • Dispatch support
  • Cart check-out and check-in
  • General logistics support

Saturday – Public Airshow

Our busiest day, requiring the largest volunteer crew.

  • Opening Shift — meet ~4:45 AM, work 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Closing Shift — start 7:30 AM, finish ~8:00 PM

Assignments may include:

  • Station Crew
  • Staff & Volunteer Shuttle Driver
  • Courtesy Cart Driver
  • Dispatch
  • Communications

Sunday – Public Airshow & Tear Down

Operations run through the day, then transition into teardown once the flying concludes.

  • Opening Shift — meet ~4:45 AM, work 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Closing Shift — start 7:30 AM, finish ~8:00 PM

Sunday wraps up with:

  • Fleet decommissioning
  • Equipment packing
  • Preparing carts for vendor pickup
  • Closing out another successful Wings Over Houston

Perks of Volunteering

  • Official Wings Over Houston Airshow Participant baseball cap.
  • Verified volunteer hours for schools, scholarships, employer volunteer programs, and community service organizations.
  • Behind-the-scenes access to one of Houston's premier aviation events.
  • The chance to meet fellow volunteers who share your interest in aviation and community service.

Good to Know

  • Lunch is provided on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
  • You'll be outdoors much of the day, so dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes.

How to Sign Up

Ready to jump in? The Sign-Up Form is open — fill it out and we'll be in touch.

New-volunteer recruiting typically opens in July, with the latest link posted here and on our Facebook page.

On show days, you can also find us in person at the Old Fire Station at the back of the ramp, near Gate W-05.

Questions, or want to reach out before recruiting opens? Email Kevin Colby.

volunteer.txt · Last modified: by kcolby